Bonds between brothers have always been something interesting to the observing eye. Unlike the typically emotionally expressive and communicative nature of sisterly connections, brotherly bonds often thrive on unspoken understanding and camaraderie, making them a special and intriguing aspect of familial relationships.
Take, for example, the Shamhary brothers – 26-year-old Nazif, 21-year-old Faris and 19-year-old Roshan.
At Khalifa MMA gym, these brothers have found a second home under the guidance of its head coach Eazy Anuar, where their dedication to Brazilian jiujitsu (BJJ) has become a central focus alongside their personal and professional lives.
The Bulletin connected with the brothers via social media to delve into their journey and experiences in the sport following Nazif’s most recent participation at the ADCC Malaysia Open 2024.
THE BEGINNING
In 2020, after finishing his business degree in Malaysia during COVID restrictions, Nazif returned to Brunei in search of a new challenge.
Inspired by movies like Rocky and Warrior, he sought something more engaging than his usual routine.
After some thought, Nazif persuaded his brother Faris to join him in kickboxing classes, drawn by their current gym’s reputation.
“We were hooked after the first session and signed up for a month,” Nazif reflected.
However, they soon realised that kickboxing alone wouldn’t suffice for self-defence against larger opponents. Transitioning to BJJ proved transformative, as Nazif found the techniques and leverage eye-opening.
Within six months, they competed in Brunei’s inaugural jiujitsu tournament, Roll Up 2021, where Faris claimed silver and Nazif secured gold.
Witnessing their success, youngest brother Roshan was inspired to join them, solidifying their bond both on and off the mat as they continued to train and compete together.
EMBRACING DISCIPLINE
Now blue belts, the Shamhary brothers have dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to refining their skills in the sport, preparing to face formidable opponents in higher belt divisions.
“We have to give 101 per cent to compete against these skilled fighters,” Nazif said.
Beyond their regular training and the occasional visits to The Refinery in Kuala Belait during public holidays, the brothers make it a point to visit different gyms while travelling, like their recent sessions at Hikari MMA in Kuala Lumpur, where they aim to broaden their jiujitsu knowledge and build connections within the community.
Although their years practicing Brazilian jiujitsu haven’t been many, Nazif shared how it has taught him perseverance.
“Starting out, I struggled, but sticking with it has helped me grow tremendously,” he said, further stressing on the importance of learning from setbacks and embracing failures as opportunities for personal development.
Middle-brother Faris also noted the same for himself, adding that, “In training, you often face defeats before achieving success. This mindset has taught me not to be disheartened by life’s challenges”.
Meanwhile, Roshan emphasised patience and gratitude, noting that each small achievement during training contributes to their ongoing progress.
When asked about their training discipline, Nazif explained that it comes naturally in Brazilian jiujitsu, finding it enjoyable and unpredictable, which makes maintaining discipline effortless.
“Each session brings new challenges, victories, and losses, keeping us constantly engaged,” adding that he finds deep satisfaction in mastering techniques through dedicated practice. Discipline, he explained, is crucial for honing fundamental skills and overcoming training plateaus.
“There was a time when jiujitsu felt mundane, and I felt stuck on a plateau,” Nazif admitted. “But I realised training isn’t just about winning; it’s about embracing the learning process and tackling challenges head-on.”
He likened their journey to solving an elaborate puzzle, where exploring new techniques adds excitement and depth to their practice, fostering continuous growth and improvement.
A BALANCING ACT?
As jiujitsu has seamlessly integrated into the life of these brothers, Nazif, who works as a sales executive by day, shared his belief that it’s not just a sport, but also a personal journey.
“Training in the evenings after work has become routine, and through it, I’ve formed deep friendships. When we’re not gearing up for competitions, we make sure to balance training with personal time – meeting friends, spending time with family – it’s about finding that equilibrium.”
Faris, in his final year at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science, acknowledged the sacrifices involved, noting, “Studies always take priority for me, but there are clear sacrifices in my social life, particularly during intense competition training periods.
“Turning down outings with friends isn’t easy, but the rewards of winning medals and tracking our progress make it worthwhile.”
Reflecting on their mental preparation, Faris mentioned that they often pour whatever anxieties and doubts they have into training, pushing themselves harder and boosting their confidence.
“On competition day, it’s about trusting our preparation and having faith. Whether we win or lose, it’s a continuous journey of striving to be our best,” added the 21-year-old.
Roshan, balancing training with his studies at Laksamana College Brunei, where he pursues a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Accounting, explained that his mornings are dedicated to schoolwork.
This schedule frees up his evenings for jiujitsu training and physical conditioning, crucial for improving his grappling skills.
“Sometimes, school deadlines take precedence, impacting my training schedule,” explained Roshan, “but winning medals and standing on the podium is a great honour, showcasing the pride of competitors who dedicate themselves to rigorous training”.
Roshan personally prepares for competitions by maintaining a balanced mix of calmness and nervousness. He finds that a slight nervous edge motivates him to perform at his peak, while consciously cultivating a calm mindset helps him think clearly.
He reminds himself that the outcome of the competition isn’t as crucial as demonstrating his best abilities in the sport.
GLOBAL ROLLS
In aspects of the sport’s community, Faris stressed how teammates are vital not only for practice but also for personal growth within the sport.
“Even though BJJ is an individual sport in competitions, community is everything. Without our teammates, we wouldn’t be able to train, let alone improve,” he reflected. He also highlighted the role of supportive teammates in honing skills and fostering mutual progress.
Regarding social dynamics, the 21-year-old shared the belief that BJJ, like many sports, is a unifying force that brings together people with shared passions.
“BJJ provides a common ground to meet new people who share our dedication,” he said.
During his studies in Kuala Lumpur, he integrated into the local BJJ community at Marcos Escobar BJJ, forming lasting friendships.
“Even during an internship in Japan, where I didn’t speak fluent Japanese, BJJ acted as a universal language that helped me connect with locals,” he added.
Moreover, Faris values the challenges and growth opportunities from training in different gyms, noting how sparring with unfamiliar opponents tests skills and understanding of diverse BJJ styles.
He encourages newcomers to embrace discomfort, citing his own journey of briefly stepping away from BJJ before rediscovering his passion through persistence and personal growth.
“The small victories become incredibly rewarding,” he concluded, reflecting on his love for Jiujitsu. – Izah Azahari
