As the conflict in Ukraine escalated, MMA coach Yaroslav Pereloma discovered innovative ways to not only survive but also flourish and provide a sanctuary for his pupils. The 35-year-old Ukrainian, turning hardship into a chance, converted a bunker into a training facility where he offers free coaching to numerous aspiring talents. "The situation in our country is catastrophic. Missiles and drones dominate our skies, and people, including athletes, are losing their lives. I repurposed a bunker into a gym to both train my students and ensure their safety in these trying times. It has become a beacon of hope for a brighter future," Pereloma shared with Khaleej Times during the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Sports City.
Pereloma’s passion for combat sports is deeply rooted; his father was a multiple freestyle wrestling champion and victor in international competitions. Continuing the family tradition, Pereloma, a former athlete himself, initially set up a gym in his home to train athletes in the Kyiv region. "Our circumstances are tough. Continuing training in this environment is a challenge. I started coaching at my home, but it wasn’t sustainable. During attacks, the building trembles, which is frightening for the children. That’s why I opted for bunkers. It took two months to transform it into a gym, and we’ve been training there for a year now."
Working in the IT sector, Pereloma trains over 45 children and is in Abu Dhabi with two of his 13-year-old students—last year’s silver medallist Danilo Havryshchuk (34kg) and Iryna Martseniuk (48kg). "These are the two athletes I could bring here. We have more hopeful athletes," he said, sporting a team jersey emblazoned with ‘Unbreakable’.
Ukraine is participating in the largest IMMAF event ever, with the highest number of participants, including 83 athletes and 37 coaches. Iryna and Danilo, accompanied by his sister, expressed their determination to perform and showcase their skills on the global stage. "It’s a struggle, but we have a supportive coach who trains us. Yet, we can’t find peace of mind with the ongoing war," the teenagers noted.
Danilo’s sister mentioned that their dreams are shattered due to the conflict, and sports offer a ray of hope for many children. "We are studying, but when rocket attacks begin, we rush to the basement and continue our studies from there. Life is hard, but we must persist," she explained.
Pereloma highlighted that families are enduring severe hardships. "They lack funds. I provide training six days a week at no cost for those who attend regularly. I charge those who miss sessions," he chuckled. When asked about his ultimate dream while coaching athletes amidst the turmoil, Pereloma replied, "I dream of my students reaching the UFC. That would be fantastic."
The championship is being held at the Mubadala Arena, the venue for the IMMAF competition, until Saturday.
