Moroccan Jiu-Jitsu Champion, 22, Also Spends Nights Caring for Children in France
At 22, Nacim Adelin divides his time between jiu-jitsu, his studies and a home for children in difficulty in France. The Moroccan athlete, who is currently competing in an international championship in Abu Dhabi, spends his evenings and sometimes nights supporting young people separated from their families.
Nacim Adelin leads a particularly demanding double life. During the day, the Moroccan, who lives in France, pursues his studies and trains in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. In the evening, he goes to a residential facility for children who can no longer live with their families or are facing difficult social circumstances. He regularly spends the night there before returning to the mats early the next morning.
His work with these young people goes beyond simply supervising them. He helps them with their homework, organizes activities, takes part in their daily lives and makes sure they are ready for school. In an interview with the Emirati news agency WAM, published on November 10, he says he wants to offer the children a reassuring environment where they can find a sense of stability despite their family difficulties.
The young Moroccan discovered jiu-jitsu at a sports school in France after witnessing a scene that made a strong impression on him. During a judo class, he saw a blue-belt jiu-jitsu student submit his instructor twice. Intrigued, he later accepted a friend’s invitation to try the discipline at a club. There, he found a sport that combines technique, self-control and respect for one’s opponent.
His commitment is paying off. According to the official rankings of the French Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Confederation, Nacim Adelin ranks first nationally among adult men competing in the blue-belt gi division for the 2025-2026 season. The MK Team representative has 326.50 points.
Jiu-jitsu helps children manage their anger
The discipline also has a place in his work supporting the children. Some of them struggle to manage frustration or anger. Nacim Adelin encourages them to take part in physical activity to express their emotions and avoid confrontations.
He has set up a small mat at the home, where he teaches them basic jiu-jitsu moves. The aim is to pass on the principles he follows himself: controlling one’s strength, respecting others and building confidence in one’s abilities.
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“I want them to feel that they are at home and that I am there for them,” the athlete told WAM. He takes particular care to ensure the young people do not feel different from other children because of their family circumstances.
Alongside this commitment, this year he is competing in his first professional world jiu-jitsu championship in Abu Dhabi, in the men’s amateur blue-belt division up to 85 kg.
