For the first five years of his training, he studied under his first coach and eventually went to the coach of the Ukrainian Freestyle Wrestling National Team before moving on to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). became.
When war broke out two years ago and her city came under occupation, her training was interrupted and she was evacuated like millions of others.
“First I moved to Poland for a month, then I lived in the Czech Republic for 10 months, working and living there, without any training,” she said.
Upon arriving in Canada, Kulkhanova lived in Regina for a while, but eventually headed to the Battlefords and arrived at the Green Dojo entrance after discovering its existence on Google Maps.
“She brings great energy to the team and a work ethic that is contagious and makes everyone in the room better,” said Matt Fedler, one of her trainers.
The athlete returned to his home country before the war and discovered MMA, but it was during his training at the dojo that he began training seriously, adding Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai.
“Jiu-jitsu is very close to wrestling, not the same but close, so I [was] It's like, 'Okay, I think this will work, so let's try this,'” she said.
Eight months later, she remains undefeated, winning two gold medals at her first Sask BJJ (Saskatchewan Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) Provincial Championships and two gold medals at the SACA Kickboxing Tournament. The latter was held exactly two years ago since the start of the tournament. Ukraine war.
Fedler said the team couldn't be happier with her success.
“Just knowing the situation Alona was in and how she handled it with nothing but class is an inspiration to everyone in the gym,” he said.
There are always events to compete in, but Kulkhanova is currently resting after a busy few months, but continues to train.
“She'll train with guys twice her size, but they'll still be the best. Yeah, so she'll be competing against guys her own size. I'd bet on Arona every time. '' Fedler said.
Her true passion is still wrestling.
“It’s like my nature,” she said.
Kulkhanova plans to stay in her community and continue training and is looking forward to “more wins.”
Fedler said Kulkhanova will do well regardless of what her future holds.
“Along with a great work ethic and attitude, she's also a great athlete. I really think the sky is the limit for her.”
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julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com
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