JitsCast #24 features the one of the best grapplers in the UK, Faris Ben-Lamkadem. Not only has Ben-Lamkadem been a top prospect in the country during his rise through the colored belt ranks, but he’s reached a whole new level since being promoted to black belt by the legendary Roger Gracie. He has consistently performed well in both gi and no gi events over the last few years, but he managed to have the best year of his career so far last year. He focused more on no gi competition at that point and enjoyed a great run at ADCC Trials that saw him finish fourth in a very tough division.
Ben-Lamkadem then made history by becoming the first male British grappler to ever reach the final of the IBJJF No Gi World Championship in 2024, but he actually ended up advancing even further in the end. When the results of the testing from that event came in, the champion Felipe Costa tested positive and was stripped of his title. This meant that Ben-Lamkadem was then awarded the gold medal himself instead, and he became the first British man to win a no gi world title as well. We wanted to speak to him about this unique experience in particular, to get his perspective on making history this way.
We also spoke to Ben-Lamkadem about the earliest days of his Jiu-Jitsu career, as he actually started the sport much later than most. He talked about his time training at the Roger Gracie Academy and his recent decision to move to Los Banditos, along with his decision to focus on no gi competition. He opened up about his recent appearance on Polaris and also looked ahead to his upcoming superfight too. Ben-Lamkadem is actually going to feature in the co-main event of a pretty stacked card at ADXC 9, where he will face Davi Vetoraci in a brief return to gi competition.
JitsCast #24 with Faris Ben-Lamkadem is now available to watch on the official JitsMagazine YouTube channel, click here to subscribe for more or check out the interview below:
