42 June 2014 www.womanthismonth.com Picking a fight is what he does for a living. (When you’re that good, who wouldn’t?) We speak to Ali Monfaradi, who prides himself on his skills as a professional jiu-jitsu fighter. A Fight to the Finish MEN | interview by ELMA BARTHOLOMEW While his surname gives away how he got into the world of martial arts, Ali Monfaradi has made a name for himself as a professional jiu-jitsu fighter on a global scale. Fighting for Alliance BJJ, Monfaradi has many titles to his name. He’s the 2012 World Jiu Jitsu champion (lightweight) and runner-up (absolute division), the 2012 Pan American champion (lightweight) and second runner-up (absolute division), Brazilian Nationals champion, two-time São Paulo Open champion (2012-13) and multiple-time São Paulo state champion. Did we mention this was all before he turned 20? Woman This Month (WTM): Tell us about your jiu-jitsu career. Ali Monfaradi (AM): I started training at the age of 12 under my uncle, Reza Monfaradi, at Alliance Bahrain, Reza’s Martial Art Centre. Immediately after finishing my high school exams, I had to leave to Long Beach, California to fight in the World Championship (where I got thrid place), and then move to São Paulo, Brazil, where the best academy in the world — Alliance SP — is located. With a six-month deadline, I had to learn Portuguese as universities don’t teach in English, and then get into a university. This should not mislead you in any way. Education is crucial. But I am in Brazil for one reason, and one reason only; that is to make my wildest Brazilian jiu-jitsu dreams come true. I train as much as is physically possible, eat as clean as I can, and compete every time the opportunity presents itself. I like to think of my self as very passionate about jiu-jitsu. I love to train; right now I train for five to six hours a day! I love to fight, and I especially, love to compete. Nothing tests your jiu-jitsu like complete strangers, who are looking to defeat you just as much as you looking to defeat them.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==