Monsour embarked on a profound and transformative journey of self-discovery at the tender age of nine, as his early years were marked by the unfortunate experience of being bullied in school. This challenging period served as a catalyst for his introduction to the world of Martial Arts, which would ultimately become a defining aspect of his life. Coincidentally, he was also captivated by the mesmerizing and awe-inspiring Chinese Kung Fu movies that flooded the screens, with the legendary Bruce Lee being a particular source of inspiration.
As he began his Martial Arts training, Monsour was fortunate to have a skilled and experienced instructor in Joe Lopez-Vito, a practitioner of Tang Soo Doo/Moo Duk Kwan. Under Lopez-Vito's guidance, Monsour's foundation in Martial Arts was laid, and he continued to hone his skills over the years.
As he entered his teenage years, Monsour made the bold decision to relocate to Manila for High School in 1977. It was during this period that he shifted his focus to Tae Kwon Do, a decision that would ultimately prove to be a pivotal moment in his Martial Arts journey. Under the expert tutelage of Sung Chon Hong, Monsour's skills in Tae Kwon Do continued to evolve, and he eventually joined the prestigious Philippine National Team in 1982.