By Elena Coe-McNamara and Jojo Hoffman
Staff Writers
Costa junior Jean Paul Le-Bosnoyani and freshman Bianca Le-Bosnoyani earned international spotlight in Paris, while competing in the women’s and men’s North American Grappling Association European nationals for jiu jitsu.
Jean Paul and Bianca Le-Bosnoyani competed on Nov. 14 and 15 during the weekend of terrorist attacks against Paris, which took place at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis and Bataclan Theatre. The siblings received first place and second place, respectively.
“Having the attacks happen the night prior to my competition definitely affected me mentally because the horrific things that occurred went on so close to where we were staying in Paris,” Jean Paul Le-Bosnoyani said. “But when it comes to the competition, I knew that it was important to block everything out and focus on what I came there to do: win.”
Jean Paul Le-Bosnoyani competed in the teen division in the 170 pounds weight category, as well as the adult division in the 205 pounds weight category. He won first place in both the gi, wearing a kimono, and nogi, not wearing a kimono, competitions. He also competed in the adult black belt division, where he received fourth place.
“The entire trip was being documented by French national TV, so on top of pressure of having to win my title, I also had to look good and represent the United States in a positive way,” Jean Paul Le-Bosnoyani said.
Jean Paul Le-Bosnoyani said that receiving first-place medals took a great weight off his shoulders because all of his hard work in training had paid off.
“Having the title of world champion and being on top, to me, is a big responsibility because I know that I have to train harder than everyone else that is trying to beat me,” Jean Paul Le-Bosnoyani said.
Bianca Le-Bosnoyani competed in the blue belt women’s division because there were no other competitors in her age and weight class. She won second place in both gi and nogi.
“Being a female and at such a young age for the field of jiu jitsu makes it difficult to find a close competitor to fight,” Bianca Le-Bosnoyani said. “Rarely do I ever find someone my age and skill level. Competing against older women can be very difficult at times because they have more years of experience.”
The Le-Bosnoyanis have been practicing jiu jitsu since they were young. Jean Paul Le-Bosnoyani first showed interest in the sport at nine months, when he would watch his father, Nono Le-Bosnoyani, train jiu jitsu athletes. Bianca Le-Bosnoyani began practicing at the age of six. They both trained at their father’s studio, Nono’s Hapkido Karate School, which is located in Hermosa Beach.
“My kids learned how to walk on the mat; they started crawling on the mat. I did not put them in jiu jitsu; they were born in jiu jitsu,” Nono Le-Bosnoyan said.
Jiu jitsu has been a large part of the Le-Bosnoyani family for many years. Nono Le-Bosnoyani began practicing kung fu at the age of 12. Later on in his life, he trained professional martial artist Royce Gracie. Gracie is known as the kickstarter of all mixed martial arts sports, including jiu jitsu. Bianca Le-Bosnoyani and Jean Paul Le-Bosnoyani say their family is the reason they started jiu jitsu, as well as one of the many reasons they continue.
“Whenever I feel completely overworked and drained from working hard, I always turn to my family for support,” Bianca Le-Bosnoyani said. “They help me stay positive and give me the motivation to continue practicing jiu jitsu.”
Jean Paul and Bianca Le-Bosnoyani said that outside of school, a large portion of their time is spent training for the sport and preparing for future competitions. The siblings train before and after school at their father’s studio and with Kron Gracie, a former world champion and nephew of Royce Gracie.
“I am always training as if I have a competition the next day,” Jean Paul Le-Bosnoyani said. “I will never miss a day of practice because that is a day that someone else is training more than I am.”
During the weekend, the Le-Bosnoyani family was in Paris, parts of the city were attacked by terrorists. The attacks included three suicide bombers at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, as well as suicide bombings and mass shootings at multiple restaurants and cafes and at the Bataclan Theatre.
“Walking outside the next day, the town was completely empty,” Bianca Le-Bosnoyani said. “Paris did not resemble the beautiful place that we had known it to be just the day before.”
The Le-Bosnoyanis siblings were asleep during the attacks and were informed mostly by friends and family about what had happened. Jean Paul Le-Bosnoyani said that the scariest part of the attacks was waking up to a large number of texts and calls from friends and family in the States, asking if he and his family were safe. The house that they stayed was located about three minutes from the Stade de France and 10 minutes from the Bataclan Theatre.
Nono Le-Bosnoyani said that it was not a problem that the family did not have additional security during the attacks because they would have known exactly what to do if something were to happen to them. The Le-Bosnoyani siblings say that being in Paris during these attacks was like experiencing their own version of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. However, despite the unfortunate events surrounding their visit, the siblings were glad that they had the chance to compete in such a large competition. “In the end, we are happy for our safety,” Jean Paul Le-Bosnoyani said.
“It was a scary experience, but we made it out okay, and that is what truly matters in the end.”
Leave a Reply