Bravo Juggling presents: Stick Heroes / 2011. 01.

Ali Akbar Rahati Nover, also known as 3FlowerGhost on YouTube, impressed the juggling community by spinning three sticks simultaneously: two in his hands and one balanced between his legs. This is just one example of his innovative and creative tricks.

Age:

22 years old (as of March)

Nationality:

Half Iranian, half Italian

Residence::

Pescara, Italy, until the end of my studies

Job/School:

University student of Psychology

How many years have you been juggling with sticks?

Over 6 years, starting in August 2004

Number of juggling sticks:

17 sticks (excluding broken or lost ones), including 5 devilsticks, 2 fire flowers, and 2 20cm flowers. Each has a name.

Juggling achievements:

• 2nd place at the 1st Street Artists Contest of Omegnac
• Performances at galas (2008, 2010 in Ascoli; 2011 in Empoli)
• Stage of technique and theory of contemporary flowersticks in Empoli, 2011
• Collaboration in a documentary on buskers in Rome
• Exhibition in a cabaret contest shown on local TV
• Created tricks for Juggling magazine articles
• Personal records: double heli and shower tricks; endurance record for double propeller at EJC Karlsruhe 2008 (1 hour 4 minutes)
• Created a siteswap specifically for devilsticks

Other juggling equipment:

Stick, poi, 5 balls, clubs, contact juggling, and a little penspinning. I take inspiration from clubs for my tricks.

Are you a member of any team/group/club/association?

Currently I perform solo, but I hope to join a contemporary circus company in the future.

About yourself:

The flowerstick was my first love. I study it deeply—from mathematics to physics and mechanics—and consider myself a 'flowerstick nerd'.

Why did you choose this juggling tool and where did you first encounter it?

I first saw it at a national Boy Scout camp. Jugglers helped me build my first devilstick, and I haven't stopped since.

Where did you learn to play with sticks?

There were no local jugglers, so I learned online and then began inventing my own tricks.

Most difficult trick you learned:

The fish. Initially, I had poor technique, but now I can teach it efficiently.

Current practice focus:

Studying flowers and devilsticks from all angles: theory, permutations, siteswap adaptations, staff antispin, differential steering, and bi-trick techniques.

Tricks you created:

About 90% of my tricks are original, most suitable for intermediate to advanced jugglers.

Favorite tricks:

Two-hand propeller, double flower, and helicopter. I enjoy scenic, technical tricks that are visually appealing.

Most difficult tricks you can do:

One-hand propeller combined with complex flower movements, including the reverse treble, which I’ve rarely seen elsewhere.

Most difficult trick you wish to learn:

Three-flower tricks; currently on hold but I plan to resume.

Style:

Methodical and visually striking. I focus on slow, smooth movements and challenging tricks using only the flowerstick.

Do you play with fire sticks?

Occasionally, but I feel more freedom with normal sticks.

Typical day and practice hours:

Before studies: practiced daily. Now practice is limited, but I never stop juggling completely.

Practice environment:

Indoors, in limited space. Flowersticks don’t require much room.

Performances:

I enjoy performing and showing audiences the beauty of flowersticks.

Do you teach juggling?

I have taught beginners and held a three-day seminar on flower/devilstick performances for all levels.

Why do you like juggling sticks?

Creativity, movement, and the joy of juggling. Playing with flowers is about becoming one with the tool.

Strong and weak points:

Strengths: methodical, imaginative, careful study of tricks. Weaknesses: limited height control, cautious with the flower.

Preferred sticks:

I build my own sticks to meet my exact needs, as commercial sticks often don’t match size or style requirements.

Juggling life in Italy:

Flowersticks have become more popular, gradually closing the gap with devilsticks in public recognition.

Goals and challenges:

To develop flowerstick tricks further, demonstrate their full potential, and establish them as equally legitimate juggling tools.

Future juggling:

I hope to pass on my passion to successors and continue performing as much as possible.

Can you imagine not juggling sticks anymore?

Only if both arms were incapacitated—but even then, I’d find a way.

Advice to beginner/advanced players:

Watch others, learn, but then find your unique path. Play from the heart and combine knowledge with creativity.