In Beirut, refugee girls and women learn more than self-defense in martial arts class
In Beirut's Burj al-Barajneh refugee camp, a martial arts class is empowering refugee girls and women through Brazilian jiu jitsu. The training not only teaches self-defense but also encourages participants to change their mindset about public behavior and self-expression. Coach Mirella Atallah emphasizes the importance of women's empowerment in public spaces, helping students build confidence and resilience.
- ▪The martial arts class is held in a makeshift gym in a Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut.
- ▪Participants are learning to be more aware of their surroundings and to use their voices.
- ▪Coach Mirella Atallah focuses on women's empowerment rather than just self-defense.
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In Beirut, refugee girls and women learn more than self-defense in martial arts class May 25, 20266:00 AM ET By Jane Arraf Palestinian girls train in jiu jitsu in the refugee camp of Bourj el Barajneh in South Beirut. Aline Deschamps for NPR hide caption toggle caption Aline Deschamps for NPR BEIRUT — In a makeshift gym in the Burj al-Barajneh refugee camp, the participants in this martial arts class are unlearning much of what they have been taught about how girls and women should behave. It's the end of a two-month course in Brazilian jiu jitsu - a form of the Japanese martial art - and the small space rings out with yells and the sound of shuffling as coach Mirella Atallah drills her students on how to get leverage against a much stronger opponent.
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