At just 10 years old, Ali Barnawi stepped into a karate dojo for the first time. He didn’t join that day, but something changed in him forever. Watching students in their white, yellow, and black belts sparked a fire. He couldn’t shake the thought of becoming one of them. That visit planted the seed of a lifelong passion—a passion that has grown into a national legacy.
Now known as @Itsalibarnawi on Instagram, Ali is more than a Saudi karate champion. He’s a fighter, a dreamer, and a believer in the beauty of martial arts. He’s battled injuries, doubt, and pressure, but his vision remains the same—to bring pride to Saudi Arabia and joy to those who watch the sport.
A Fighter at Heart
Ali’s early attraction to martial arts wasn’t random. He was fascinated by how fighters moved in movies and real competitions. Influenced by legends like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, he saw martial arts not just as sport, but as storytelling through movement.
“I didn’t really choose martial arts because it was the right fit,” Ali says. “It was the only choice available. I just needed to learn and apply.”
Surrounded by friends who practiced karate, he decided to give it a try. Everything was pointing towards signing into the sport. There were no second thoughts. No looking back. He was in.
The Road to the Top
Getting into karate is one thing . Staying in the sport and excelling in it was a whole different thing. Ali had to reshape his body, sharpen his techniques, and face highly skilled opponents.
“Perfecting my form and facing experts pushed me beyond my limits,” he recalls. “But every challenge means more experience and more entertainment.”
His dedication paid off. In 2023, he became the champion of the Saudi Olympic Games in the -75kg men’s category. But what most people don’t know is what happened behind the scenes.
Just eight months before the championship, Ali tore his ACL—a painful and serious knee injury that can end athletic careers. Most would have taken a break. Not Ali. He underwent surgery, followed a tough rehab program, and trained alone.
“Every missed target during training made me question if I could compete again,” he admits. “But I didn’t stop.”
He didn’t just return—he conquered.
A Painful Setback, Again
Ali’s journey hasn’t been without heartbreak. After his 2023 triumph, he suffered a second ACL tear. The news was devastating. Yet even through this second injury, Ali’s spirit remains unbroken.
“I see or feel nothing but coming back and fighting again,” he says confidently. “I still want to enjoy being a martial artist a little longer.”
To him, martial arts is not just a sport. It’s a part of who he is. It’s the reason he wakes up, trains hard, and continues to dream—despite setbacks that would stop others.
A Legacy Worth Fighting For
Ali Barnawi’s goals go far beyond medals. He wants to do something no one as a saudi karate player has ever done before—win a gold medal at the Karate World Championships. As of now, Saudi Arabia’s national men’s team hasn’t reached that milestone. Ali is determined to change that.
“I want to leave an impact,” he says. “Not just by winning, but by making people believe they can achieve their dreams no matter who you are.”
In his eyes, success is about connection. It’s about creating moments that move people, that inspire future champions, and that tell a powerful story.
Learning to Win, Even When You Lose
One of Ali’s most important lessons came from losing. He learned that failure is not the opposite of success—it’s a key part of it.
“Winners celebrate their win,” he explains. “But losers rewind every second from practice, observing opponents and coach instructions to their habits to see what went wrong and what can be improved.”
This mindset has helped him appreciate every experience—good or bad. It’s what keeps him grounded and motivated. It’s what helps him grow.
Words to Live By
Ali often shares advice that young athletes can use, especially those just starting their journey in martial arts.
“Work on your physique, your nutrition, and your recovery,” he says. “All three are important if you want to keep going, especially through injuries.”
He also encourages others to be patient, to stay consistent, and most importantly, to never stop enjoying the process.
For Ali, it’s not just about the fight—it’s about the love for movement, the art of performance, and the personal transformation that comes with it.
The Next Chapter
Born on September 18, 1996, Ali is still writing his story. He’s faced major injuries, won national titles, and inspired countless fans along the way. But he’s not done yet.
His dream of standing on the world championship podium with a Saudi flag over his shoulders is still alive. It drives every rehab session, every punch, every step back to the mat.
Through his Instagram and his daily discipline, Ali is showing that true champions are not defined by medals alone—but by the heart they show when no one’s watching.
Final Thoughts
Ali Barnawi is more than a name in the karate community. He is a symbol of resilience, passion, and purpose. From a boy dreaming in a dojo to a man chasing global glory, his journey is a reminder that setbacks are just setups for greater comebacks.
And if you ask him what he wants to be remembered for, the answer is simple:
“I want to be remembered as a passionate person, someone who made people believe in themselves, someone who made people enjoy watching martial arts the way I do and as a name who helped write history for Saudi karate.”
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