14 December 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com Walking into Elements Jiu Jitsu on a weekday afternoon, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of community – happy children train under the watchful guidance of trainers while proud parents looked on. Given his calm, down-to-earth demeanour, most people might not realise that the owner and Founder of Elements Jiu Jitsu Academy and Jiu Jitsu coach, Ali Monfaradi, is in fact a world champion. The seasoned athlete has competed all over the world and recently won the gold medal in the 77 kg Division at the 2021 Jiu Jitsu World Championship, organised by the Jiu Jitsu International Federation (JJJF) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. A LOOK BACK “One would argue that Jiu Jitsu was in my DNA since the early days. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to train martial arts,” reminisces Ali Monfaradi. Like every other boy from his generation, he grew up watching martial arts movies and wished to train. “It just so happened that my entire family trains or trained but there weren’t any kids classes at the time,” he says, adding that when he first started Professional Jiu Jitsu Athlete, Ali Monfaradi, has made the Kingdom of Bahrain proud with his historic win. Following years of unwavering determination, the 28-year-old athlete’s efforts came to fruition when he won the gold medal at the 2021 Jiu Jitsu World Championship. He tells Farah Baig about his achievement, his journey as an athlete and the significant role of family. Becoming a World Champion interview
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