Hamad Al Shehhi’s Inspiring Weight Loss Journey: From 120kg to Martial Arts Champion
Hamad Al Shehhi’s Transformation Journey
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At 17, Hamad Al Shehhi weighed 120 kilograms. He found it challenging to perform basic exercises. Seeking change, he joined Base, a martial arts academy in Ras al Khaimah. With support from the academy, he lost 20kg in six months. Over 2.5 years, he reduced his weight further to reach 68 kilograms.
Al Shehhi reflected on his lifestyle changes. He said, “Before the change, I spent my nights playing video games and eating, while my days were for sleeping.” After joining the gym and practicing martial arts, he developed discipline. He now sleeps by midnight and wakes at 7 am to train.
Initially, Al Shehhi trained once a day, five days a week, and cut back on unhealthy foods. With time, he upped his training to three sessions daily and focused on healthy meals. He explained, “Even when traveling, I find ways to stay active and prioritize nutritious meals.”
Al Shehhi noted that the discipline he gained for fitness improved other areas of his life, including his spiritual practices. “I now understand the value of commitment in fitness, prayers, and daily habits,” he said. This transformation gave him purpose and structure.
At age 21, Al Shehhi has become a martial arts champion and a coach at Base. He appreciates the sense of belonging and credits the academy’s founders, Stoyan Krstov and Tiyana Zec, for their support. He enjoys the camaraderie and finds training engaging and fun.
Base Academy: A Safe Haven for Martial Arts
Stoyan and Tiyana founded Base in 2020 during the Covid pandemic. As national martial arts champions, they aimed to create a disciplined and safe training environment. Inspired by Stoyan’s military background, Base focuses on teaching children martial arts in a high-caliber setting. The academy quickly gained popularity among martial arts enthusiasts.
Achievements in Competitions
Al Shehhi began competing in 2022. He won awards for third place in the UAE Muay Thai Championship and two third-place awards in national kickboxing and Muay Thai championships this year. Al Shehhi serves as an assistant coach and inspires younger students. He said, “When kids tell me they want to be strong like me, it makes my day.”
Balancing Life and Studies
With the support of Stoyan and Tiyana, Al Shehhi is studying tourism and hospitality in Serbia while managing his responsibilities at Base. He balances his academic schedule with training and coaching commitments.
Reflecting on his journey, Al Shehhi stated, “I want to inspire and teach others everything I’ve learned.” He believes in sharing his knowledge to motivate others.
Conclusion
Base Academy instills discipline and self-confidence in its students. By integrating traditional martial arts values with modern fitness techniques, programs like karate and kickboxing motivate students through milestones such as belt examinations. Beyond fitness, the academy equips members with life skills, leaving a lasting impact on their academic and social lives.