Together, Parsa (left) and Rohan have won 13 gold medals in Brazilian jiu-jitsu in national and international competitions.
Parsa and Rohan Parhizkar, two young brothers who will turn 12 and 10 this year, are proving to be exceptional talents in two diverse fields: technology and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ).
Despite their age, they have already achieved remarkable milestones that showcase their passion and determination.
While Parsa leans towards technology, excelling in coding and Minecraft, Rohan thrives in sports, particularly BJJ.
Their shared journey in technology began with the Minecraft Education Challenge 2023, where both triumphed despite numerous challenges.
Balancing studies, training and competitions is no easy feat, but the brothers have mastered the art of time management.
Parsa won third place in the Primary School Category Level 2, and Rohan secured first place in the Primary School Category Level 1 with their “Sustainable Mall Design”.
The national competition, supported by Microsoft Malaysia, Sunway Malls and the Education Ministry, inspired students to imagine the “Sustainable Shopping Mall of the Future”.
Their innovative project featured solar panels, water dispensers and efficient layouts inspired by real-world malls.
Parsa overcame significant hurdles, including a broken thumb and having to wear a cast, and reliance on a 12-year-old laptop that frequently lagged.
“It was tough, but I didn’t give up. My mum got me a tutor, and I learned to code,” he shares.
Rohan, meanwhile, shone at the National Robotics Competition 2024, building a functional robot with his team.
“Teamwork was key. Each of us had specific tasks, and we had to ensure quality control,” he says, emphasising the importance of perseverance and precision.
Medal moments
'Our advantage is we have each other. We’re well matched in strength, height, and weight, which makes us perfect sparring partners,' say Parsa (left) and Rohan.Beyond technology, the brothers have also achieved tremendous success in BJJ. Together, they’ve won 13 gold medals in national and international competitions.
Rohan recalls a memorable victory at the AJP Tour (Abu Dhabi Jiu Jitsu Pro Tour) in Malaysia, where he defeated a tough opponent after months of intense training. “It’s a moment I’ll never forget.”
Parsa’s standout moment was at Copa Penang 2024, where he triumphed over a competitor who had previously beaten him. “I trained day and night, determined to win.”
Balancing studies, training and competitions is no easy feat, but the brothers have mastered the art of time management. Their daily routine includes waking up at 4.30am for training, school and additional conditioning or group classes in the evening.
Despite their packed schedules, they reserve weekends for family time and maintain one hour of entertainment daily.
The boys credit wrestling for enhancing their BJJ skills, improving focus, reactions and technique.
“Wrestling trains us to stay sharp and make quick decisions in stressful situations,” Parsa explains.
Looking ahead, both brothers have ambitious goals. Parsa aspires to be a cybersecurity expert, protecting small businesses from hackers.
“The future is digital, and I want to help people stay safe,” he says, already enrolled in an online cybersecurity course.
He also dreams of setting a world record for technology awards and becoming a tech icon. Inspired by gamers like Brandon, aka “The Frustrated Gamer” from the United States, he is eager to explore drone programming next.
Rohan aims to be Malaysia’s youngest black belt in BJJ and should BJJ get into the Olympics, to win gold.
“BJJ teaches self-defence and emotional regulation. I want to inspire others to take up the sport,” he says.
The brothers emphasise the advantage of having each other as training partners and collaborators.
“Our advantage is we have each other.”
“We’re well matched in strength, height and weight, which makes us perfect sparring partners,” says Rohan. Parsa adds,
“Being the older one, I can share my experiences with Rohan, whether in coding (computer programming) or BJJ.”
With their shared and individual interests, the Parhizkar brothers have a common drive to excel and inspire others. Having a balance of discipline, support and determination, they’re well on their way to becoming icons in their respective fields.
Excelling together
Together, Parsa (left) and Rohan have won 13 gold medals in Brazilian jiu-jitsu in national and international competitions.
Balancing studies, training and competitions is no easy feat, but the brothers have mastered the art of time management.
'Our advantage is we have each other. We’re well matched in strength, height, and weight, which makes us perfect sparring partners,' say Parsa (left) and Rohan.
The boys credit wrestling for enhancing their BJJ skills, improving focus, reactions, and technique.
Rohan (centre) leads his team to first place in the National Robotics Competition (NRC) 2024 in the RoboMission Junior category. Photo: Dr Behrang Parhizkar
Rohan won first place in the Minecraft National-Level Competition in 2023. Photo: Dr Behrang Parhizkar
Parsa at the Minecraft National-Level Competition in 2023. Photo: Dr Behrang Parhizkar
Parsa (centre) at the Borneo International Robotics Tournament 2024. Photo: Dr Behrang Parhizkar
The boys with their parents, Dr Behrang and Zahra Parhizkar, at Copa Da Malásia XX Grand Finale. Photo: Dr Behrang Parhizkar
The boys at the AJP Tour Malaysia National Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2024. Photo: Dr Behrang Parhizkar
Parsa conducted a workshop for schoolchildren and their parents at the Minecraft Digital Carnival. Photo: Dr Behrang Parhizkar
