By Anna Real
Circulation Editor
Power, precision and discipline.
That’s what sophomore Jean Paul LeBosnoyani has been mastering since he was five years old while practicing Jiu Jitsu. According to LeBosnoyani, because he started competing from such an early age, he has had success in the world of mixed martial arts.
“I was born into the sport because my dad owns a mixed martial arts studio,” Jean Paul LeBosnoyani said. “As a baby I went to classes in my dad’s baby carrier.”
Nono’s Hapkido Karate School, owned by LeBosnoyani’s father, Nono LeBosnoyani, opened in 1987. Nono LeBosnoyani uses a method of repetition to teach his students about self-discipline, self-confidence and focus. In addition to running his own studio, Nono LeBosnoyani works as his son’s coach.
“Jean Paul is the most persistent and determined person, period,” Nono LeBosnoyani said.
Jean Paul LeBosnoyani has also been teaching Jiu Jitsu and mixed martial arts classes at his father’s studio since he was 10 years old. He teaches private lessons for children during the week and an advanced children’s class on Fridays.
“Jiu Jitsu is my happy place,” Jean Paul LeBosnoyani said. “When I’m on the mat, everything becomes silent, and I don’t worry about anything else outside the studio.”
Jean Paul LeBosnoyani has placed first in the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation’s Tournament six years in a row. This year, he won the world title at the Battle of the Ages Tournament where only eight 15-year-old contenders are picked from around the world.
“Jean Paul is extremely talented, and he has worked so hard to get to where he is at,” friend and sophomore Danielle Gonzalez said.
Jean Paul LeBosnoyani has been a part of the Mira Costa varsity wrestling team since his freshman year.
“Wrestling has influenced my martial arts because it helps me see a different point of view,” Jean Paul LeBosnoyani said. “It lets me [take note of] different ways to take people down and have better strategies.”
In the future, Jean Paul hopes to get a wrestling scholarship to the University of Southern California and become an Ultimate Fighting Championship winner, while also pursuing his dream of becoming a lifeguard.
“The more time I put in on the mat or in the pool, the better I will perform,” Jean Paul LeBosnoyani said. “But what is most important of all of my training is my mindset to do the best I can do.”
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