Dr. Nur Gülümser İlker, an assistant professor in the Department of Spanish Language and Literature at the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Ankara University of Social Sciences, achieved a significant success at the AJP Tour Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament held in Istanbul on June 20–21, 2026. Competing in the “Master 1 - Gi - Women - Under 55 kg” category, İlker finished the tournament with a silver medal.

The AJP Tour, which attracts athletes from various countries around the world, ranks among the most prestigious international Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments. This achievement, earned in competitions that demand technical proficiency, physical endurance, and strategic thinking all at once, is the result of a disciplined and long-term preparation process. Ilker, who undergoes intensive training under the guidance of Cengiz Han İlkyaz—founder and coach of the Hammer Jiu-Jitsu team, a former national wrestler, and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt—expresses that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not merely a combat sport but also offers a powerful philosophy of life with these words: “For me, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not just a sport; it is a life discipline that teaches me to remain calm under pressure and when I’m out of breath, and to find a way to fight back from even the smallest opening in seemingly hopeless situations.”

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a discipline that combines technical knowledge, strategic thinking, physical strength, flexibility, and mental resilience. Athletes learn to remain calm even under the most intense pressure and to keep fighting by seizing even the smallest opportunity in moments that seem hopeless. The ability to find solutions even in situations where breathing becomes difficult under an opponent’s pressure and where freedom of movement is severely restricted forms the fundamental character of this sport. In this regard, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not merely a discipline that develops physical performance; it is a holistic philosophy of life that teaches patience, self-discipline, analytical thinking, the ability to make the right decisions in moments of crisis, and the determination to keep fighting without giving up. 

İlker’s success is also particularly significant in terms of strengthening the presence and visibility of female athletes in combat sports. We congratulate Assistant Professor Nur Gülümser İlker and wish her continued success.