Rajiv Khati
I started practising MMA post 32. I have been a fitness nut all my life. Raised in a boarding school, I was very lucky to have dabbled in a lot of sports. In college and later in life, I became a gym rat, who occasionally ran marathons or indulged in any kind of physical activity, as and when time permitted.
So, when I Googled for MMA clubs around me, I was trying to find something new to do. Little did I know, it was going to change my life forever.
The year was 2013.
When I started MMA, I lugged a lot of baggage. The heaviest ones being my ego and my insecurity. I thought
I was fit, strong, agile, fast, and I could fight. I was delusional. It took me exactly five minutes to realize how unfit and vulnerable I was when a ‘small guy’ manhandled me during a BJJ roll. That was my Eureka Moment! That was when I discovered the truth, along with my lies.
That day changed the course of my life. Forever.
It has been over nine years since. At 40, I am faster, stronger, healthier, and I have never looked better. And while getting there, I have also managed to bag a few
National and South-Asian championships. An on July, 2018, I also became the first Indian ever to bag a medal at the ACBJJ BJJ World Championships in Moscow, Russia.
Not bad for an ‘old man’.
Honestly, though I have earned more than just my ripped physique or the accolades. Mixed martial arts has made me calmer, and according to some really observant ones, I have transformed into a better human being. This is what I want to pass on and help others experience. This is why Rebel Jiu Jitsu & MMA was conceived.
Rebel Jiu Jitsu & MMA is not a business venture, it is a medium to change the world. It is a culmination of over
18 years of experience gathered as a journalist, a marketer and an entrepreneur, all boiling down to me finding the question that I was an answer to. I finally realised I was supposed to help people through martial arts by making them reach their full potential, both physically and mentally.
For me, there is nothing more functional than the art of fighting and self-defence. Given the times we live in today, we could get into one in the next second, minute, hour, day, month or year. Also, fighting doesn’t necessarily mean throwing fists, kicking, taking someone down or choking someone out. It means wading through the ups and downs of life, with our heads and spirits held high.
Rebel had to set a benchmark on different levels. So, we left no stone unturned with our first one. It is a state-of-the-art academy, designed to make you feel comfortable, protected and safe. We have ensured you and your loved ones breathe the cleanest air, drink the purest water, be around the safest people, so you only focus on getting better. Every day.
At Rebel, we don’t have certified trainers. Not at all. We have bonafide champions. All our trainers are battle-tested warriors, who’ve earned their mettle through sweat, perseverance, dedication and tonnes of hard work over many years.
Our programmes are unique. Because when you step on to the mats, you will rediscover yourself by completely melting away everything that is/was holding you back. The weapons of choice - boxing, muay thai, judo, wrestling and jiu jitsu. No, this is not my attempt at philosophy. I speak through experience. I speak the truth.
Lastly, I sincerely hope that martial arts changes your lives as it has changed mine. I am sure Rebel will play a crucial role in shaping your future, where you are not just surviving, but thriving. Here’s to us changing the world for everyone. Here’s to us having a blast!
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