The Lohoni Sisters

Friday, 20 May 2011 00:00

2 rising stars in the Ontario Jiu Jitsu scene are sisters, Roya and Jhalan Lohoni. Both compete in the local BJJ tournaments, train almost everyday and both have ambitions to become future BJJ and MMA champions. I train with both of them at Toronto BJJ and recently asked them a few questions about what motivates them to hit the mats everyday...

How long have you been training Jiu Jitsu and why did you start?
Jhalan: I've been training Jiu Jitsu for 1.5 years. I started training Jiu Jitsu to improve my MMA.
Roya: About 1 and a half years. I started to improve my MMA.

What do you enjoy most about Jiu Jitsu?
Jhalan: Being able to submit someone bigger and stronger.
Roya: The technical aspect. Little guy vs Big guy

When did you have your first competition?
Jhalan: My first real competition was Grapplers Quest London.
Roya: My first actual "big" competition was Grapplers quest in London

What is it like representing the Womens Team?
Jhalan: It's cool. I'm only a blue belt so there's no pressure.
Roya: Its great and all but a little bit of pressure

How often do you compete?
Jhalan: I compete anytime my instructor wants me to compete.
Roya: I try to compete as much as I can. I love any form of competition.

What are your ultimate goals through training?
Jhalan: I want to fight in the Strikeforce promotion and be an MMA world champion. That's my main focus. I want to be a great fighter and competitor.
Roya: Transition into MMA when I'm 18 and carry on with an MMA career.

Who do you admire most in MMA and BJJ?
Jhalan: I don't have to compete or fight to survive. I know mma and fighting is the only way out for many people in the world. People live on paychecks they get from fights and have to provide for their families with it. Many of us don't know what it means to really struggle. I admire their toughness.
Roya: Any women that steps in the cage and trains hard with guys everyday. Its not easy...especially when your a girl.

Where do you see yourself in 2 years from now?
Jhalan: I see myself making my MMA debut.
Roya: Hopefully have a title or two under my belt in jits and a couple amateur Muay Thai fights. I have time...no rush.

If you could train with anyone - who would that be?
Jhalan: I would like to train under Germain De Randamie for Muay Thai and Cris Cyborg for MMA
Roya: Germaine De Randamie - amazing Muay Thai fighter.

Would you like to give any shout outs?
Jhalan: Shout out to my lil sis. J & R foreva.
Roya: My mother and my sister. Family first always.