A BAHRAINI athlete is set to take part in the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam – London which is part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour taking place tomorrow and Sunday.
The competition is part of five grand slams from the AJP Tour which will conclude with the World Professional Championship to be held in Abu Dhabi in April.
Ali Monfaradi, 26, is the only Bahraini to qualify and compete in the adult black belt category and is optimistic as he has been training continuously in preparation for this event.
“I’m in a good place- I’ve been training and preparing very well,” he told the GDN.
“I have a good track record in this competition because when I was a brown belt three years ago I have won this event but black belt is on a completely different level.
“Hopefully I’d be able to repeat this result.”
He stated that he considers competing and representing Bahrain ‘a huge responsibility’ and feels the drive to be the best.
He also highlighted the need to prove to fellow Bahrainis in the sport that they are able to compete at the highest international levels and achieve their dreams.
“There is a stigma where we glorify our international counterparts and I want to dispel that one achievement at a time,” added the 26-year-old who founded the Elements Jiu Jitsu Academy.
Monfaradi ... set for a new challenge
Prime
“As a 26-year-old and still in my prime I have a responsibility to continue to represent my country and motivate others.”
Monfaradi has been training for over 14 years since he was a 12-year-old as he started in 2006 when jiu jitsu children’s classes began in Bahrain.
He also has 160 various medals to his name from several local, regional and international competitions and hopes to continue representing the Kingdom of Bahrain and urged passionate youth to follow their passion and strive towards achieving their dreams.
“You can never guarantee whether or not you win a particular gold medal but the continuous drive to push forward and overcome obstacles is what really matters,” he added.
“Putting too much pressure on one single accomplishment can lead you to not preforming to the best of your ability.
“The medal is only a reflection of your hard work and when you realise that you can fight with a much more comfortable mind-set.
“This allows me personally to let loose, enjoy what I’m doing and fight as hard as I possibly can.”
For more information follow @elementsjj or @ali-monfaradi on Instagram.
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