Behind Emirati jiu-jitsu athlete Zamzam Al Hammadi's sporting achievements is a family that has played an important role in shaping her journey. Growing up in Abu Dhabi, Zamzam was introduced to martial arts through her mother, Nada Al Nuaymi, who practised judo and jiu-jitsu. Watching her mother train encouraged Zamzam and her siblings, Ghala and Zayed, to develop an interest in sports from an early age. Zamzam started practising jiu-jitsu when she was just three and a half years old. Over time, the family's shared passion for martial arts became an important part of their everyday life.
Mother's Guidance Builds a Strong Sporting Foundation
Nada played a significant role in encouraging her children's interest in sports. Instead of putting pressure on them to achieve immediate results, she allowed them to explore different activities and discover their natural interests. Training sessions were designed to include enjoyment, conversations and family time rather than focusing entirely on instructions. This approach helped the children develop discipline while building a positive relationship with sports. Her guidance also helped them understand the importance of patience, commitment and consistent effort.
Family Encouragement Helps Build Confidence
According to Nada, her children were initially shy and sometimes found it difficult to interact with others. She supported them by listening to their concerns and gradually encouraging them to connect with children who shared similar interests. Rather than rushing their development, she gave them time to become comfortable and confident. Reading, storytelling and family traditions also played an important role in their upbringing. These everyday experiences helped create a supportive environment where the children could develop their interests and abilities.
A Family Approach to Raising Future Champions
Nada believes that children need encouragement, guidance and freedom to discover their abilities. She allows her children to make choices while helping them understand mistakes through patience and positive conversations. Her message to other parents is to spend time with their children, recognise their interests and support their passions without turning every activity into a competition. Zamzam's journey demonstrates how family involvement can contribute to confidence, discipline and sporting development. Her story also highlights the important role parents can play in encouraging young talent in the UAE.
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