NEURIED. Where an era ends, there are also opportunities to begin something new. This is currently the case for Michael Haselein. After more than 31 years, the highly decorated martial artist, trainer, instructor, referee and official, who brought Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) to Germany in the mid-1990s, has left the JJJC Neuried. A new task is already waiting for him.
Martial arts has been one of the central pillars of the 56-year-old’s life for more than four decades. BJJ, Canadian Jiu-Jitsu, karate or judo – that was and is his world. Until 1994 the whole thing took place in Lahr with the focus on Canadian Jiu-Jitsu. “We trained with the Canadian Armed Forces. They were tough conditions, but it was also a lot of fun and helped us progress,” remembers Haselein in an interview with our editorial team. Canadian Jiu-Jitsu is characterized by 50 percent ground and holding techniques and the other half by standing techniques such as karate or aikido elements.
After the Canadians left, the group looked for a new home, which they found in Ichenheim. “We were treated very openly and warmly there. I am particularly grateful for the long years of working with Michael and Jutta Strack, characterized by a family atmosphere,” emphasizes Haselein.
Nine times European champion
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) emerged in the mid-1990s. “I was particularly fascinated by the Brazilian Royce Gracie with his style. I traveled to Brazil in 1996 to get to know BJJ,” says Haselein. When he lost significantly there against a 16-year-old who weighed just under 70 kilograms, it was eye-opening. “I thought back then that I could already do a lot thanks to my powerful style. This experience taught me that I wasn’t able to do that much yet. At some point, strength reaches its limits, so I adapted my style more towards technique,” says Haselein.
He brought BJJ to Germany and achieved numerous successes in the following years. He was European champion nine times, was World Masters champion and Pan American champion. Haselein is also a 5th Dan (master level) holder in BJJ, Canadian Jiu-Jitsu and 3rd Dan in Karate.
Organizational work was only possible as a collective
The martial artist, originally from Mahlberg, continued to educate himself. He traveled to Canada, Okinawa and Brazil to optimize techniques through further learning. In 2000, Michael Strack and he founded the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Germany (BJJBD), of which Haselein was president until 2024. This is also how the sport was able to develop nationwide. For many years the International German Championship (IDM) took place in Neuried (first Ichenheim, then Altenheim). “Those were very intensive years. A lot of organizational work was required, for example for the championships. As team officials, coaches and members, we all did it together,” Haselein proudly underlines the success that can only be achieved collectively. He ended his highly decorated active career in 2016, but is still in huge demand as a successful trainer and instructor. “Nationally and internationally well-known names from the scene were always happy to come to Ichenheim to take part. That helped both sides enormously,” he says.
Today, Haselein can also feel the decades in martial arts physically. “But I still do everything in training. This is also a form of respect and appreciation for my students. At the same time, I know about my work zones and therefore focus on the mat in such a way that I keep an eye on them,” he explains. Now, however, it was time for something new. In 2024 he stopped working for the association as an official and is still active as a referee and at club level he wanted to start something completely new after more than 31 years. After discussions with Sabine Strumbel, sports manager at the Budo Club Offenburg, it quickly became clear that his new focus would be there from February 1, 2026.
“I have a lot to thank the JJJC Neuried for. I wish the club nothing but the best. At the same time, I’m looking forward to another exciting phase,” says the 56-year-old. “I can’t say how many students he has trained over the years. But there were a lot.” One can be sure: more will be added in Offenburg too, because the name Haselein still has enormous traction in the scene.
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