Jed Foo’s inspiring path to success in martial arts despite his challenges.
Jed Foo was born with aniridia, a condition that leaves him without irises and with underdeveloped retinas, impacting his ability to see distant objects and increasing his sensitivity to light. With his easy-going demeanor and witty humor, it’s easy to overlook the numerous challenges Jed faces daily and the constant adaptations he makes to navigate life. He emphasizes that adaptability is a learned skill.
“I first heard a quote during my training for school programs: ‘If you are in a room with four walls and a door, if you keep hitting the wall and walking in the same direction, you are not going to get out of the room,’” Jed explains.
“It’s a simple analogy, but it made me realize that sometimes I can be stubborn in my methods, repeating the same actions without changing my approach. For me, this resonated deeply, especially as I navigate life with a visual impairment.”
Jed describes how he adapts to his surroundings. “For instance, when taking a bus, if I can’t see the number, I can either ask someone for help or use my phone camera to identify it. It’s all about finding solutions to fit my circumstances.”
Fight Science
A curiosity for martial arts, a desire to stay fit, and a secret love for WWE led Jed to join SIM Muay Thai in 2016. He chuckles, recalling, “I was a huge fan of WWE but wasn’t allowed to watch it openly. I would sneak in some viewing when my parents weren’t around, turning off all the lights as if no one could see me.”
What began as a way to keep fit blossomed into a deep appreciation for martial arts, eventually leading Jed to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).
“I enjoyed it as a discipline, not just as a fitness routine. I started watching mixed martial arts (MMA) fights, and while I considered competing in MMA, I realized that to be an MMA fighter, you need a solid foundation in various martial arts, so I opted to focus on BJJ.”
Pushing Past the Fear
When asked if he would consider competing in MMA, Jed replied, “I thought about it, especially with the Lion City Championships. It’s scary, but I like it.”
Jed embraces his fears, adapting to challenges as a pioneer forging his own path. Initially, he felt apprehensive about his visual impairment impacting his training. “I was afraid at first—what if I can’t see the techniques? But eventually, I adapted.”
Jed explains that sometimes he struggles to see certain grips or positions. “I might ask questions like, ‘What did he do? Is it behind or underneath?’ I receive immense support from my training partners, and I’m grateful for that.”
It was the encouragement of friends that motivated Jed to pursue BJJ competitively. “I thought, why not give it a shot? Since everyone else is doing it, I decided to join in. If I win, great; if not, that’s okay too.”
For Jed, competitions represent a chance to conquer his fears. “I’m not a fan of change and prefer my comfort zone. But competitions push me to step out of it. Every time I step onto the mats, my heart races.”
Some of Jed’s proudest achievements—winning his first gold medal in a heavier weight division at the Singapore Jiu-Jitsu Open in 2018 and receiving his blue belt in BJJ in 2019—have all involved overcoming personal fears.
“I’ve always struggled with low self-esteem and sought approval from others. When I achieve something, I feel proud because it shows that I’m worth something.”
