At 17, Hamad Al Shehhi tipped the scales at 120 kilograms and found basic exercises challenging. Resolved to shed the excess weight, he enrolled at Base, Ras al Khaimah's inaugural martial arts academy. There, he discovered the motivation and backing essential for his journey, shedding 20kg in six months. By training three times a week, he nearly halved his weight, achieving a healthy 68 kilograms over 2.5 years.
Reflecting on his metamorphosis, Al Shehhi detailed how his lifestyle underwent a radical shift. "Before my transformation, my evenings were spent gaming, staying up late, and indulging in food, while my days were for sleeping. However, joining the gym and taking up martial arts instilled discipline. Now, I'm in bed by midnight and rise at 7am to train," he recounted. Initially, Al Shehhi trained once daily, five days a week, and moderated his diet. Over time, he advanced to at least three daily training sessions, emphasizing wholesome, home-cooked meals. "Even while traveling or on vacation, I ensure to include outdoor training or find ways to stay active, and I focus on protein-rich, nutrient-dense meals," he emphasized.
Al Shehhi also underscored how the discipline he embraced for fitness permeated all facets of his life, including his spiritual practices and daily regimen. "Before martial arts, I didn't grasp the significance of commitment. Now, I embody it in maintaining my fitness and in all aspects, from my prayers to my daily routines. It has bestowed me with a sense of purpose and structure that has revolutionized my life." Today, at 21, Al Shehhi is a martial arts champion and assists in coaching fellow students at the academy. "I discovered a life-altering sense of belonging at Base," Al Shehhi stated. He lauded the founders of Base, Stoyan Krstov and Tiyana Zec, for their support, noting that the camaraderie among teammates made the rigorous training enjoyable.
In 2020, amidst the Covid pandemic, Tiyana and her husband Stoyan established Base. Both national martial arts champions, they aimed to create a facility grounded in discipline, strength, and safety. Drawing inspiration from Stoyan's military special forces background, the academy was crafted to offer children a secure and high-quality training environment. Despite its launch during uncertain times, Base swiftly became a sanctuary for martial arts aficionados, emphasizing the cultivation of competitive prowess and enduring skills.
Al Shehhi has been competing since 2022, earning an award for his 3rd place finish in the UAE MuayThai Championship last year. This year, he clinched two 3rd place awards in the national kickboxing and Muay Thai championships. He also assumed the role of an assistant coach at Base. He motivates younger children and serves as a role model for his transformation journey. "When kids tell me they want to be strong like me, it might seem like a minor remark, but it holds immense significance to me and brightens my day," he noted.
Backed by Stoyan and Tiyana, Al Shehhi is currently pursuing university studies in Serbia. He is enrolled in a tourism and hospitality hybrid program while managing his role at Base. He allocates specific hours for studying, balancing it with his training and coaching commitments. "Now, I have a purpose not only to become a world champion but also to impart my knowledge and experiences to others," Al Shehhi reflected on his journey spanning over three and a half years. "I aspire to inspire and educate people with everything I've gleaned along the way."
The academy cultivates discipline, focus, and self-assurance by amalgamating traditional martial arts values with contemporary fitness methods. Programs such as karate, kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai incorporate milestones like belt examinations to inspire students. Beyond physical fitness, Base equips its members with life skills that enrich their academic and social lives, fostering a lasting impact.
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