Beyond the Mats: An Interview with Shayaan Khan
Monday 17 July 2023
Meiji Martial Arts caught up with Shayaan Khan, one of our Jiu Jitsu students.
Meiji: Your nickname is Flash. How did that come about?
SK: It originated when I first began my Jiu Jitsu journey with Abel Martinez at a previous dojo in Swiss Cottage. It likely came about because I displayed explosiveness during my first ever sparring session and possessed remarkable speed. Since then, my Jiu Jitsu nickname has been Flash.
Flash also has a connection to the character from movies. He is a well-known superhero in the DC Comics universe, known for his incredible speed and agility. The association with this iconic character adds significance to the nickname, emphasising my impressive speed and agility on the mats.
Meiji: How long have you been training with Coach Abel?
SK: I have had the privilege of knowing Abel Martinez for approximately 3.5 years now, and I can confidently say that training with him has been an unparalleled experience. Abel is not only a top coach in the field but also an all-round nice guy. His expertise, dedication and passion for Jiu Jitsu are evident in every training session. Under his guidance, I have witnessed tremendous growth and improvement in my skills on the mats.
Meiji: Let’s talk about ‘beyond the mats’. How would you assess the longer-term, life-enhancing effects of Jiu Jitsu?
SK: For me, Jiu Jitsu extends far beyond just physical exercise. It has become a way of life that encompasses numerous benefits. Physically, Jiu jitsu has transformed my body, enhancing my strength, flexibility, and overall fitness. The demanding nature of the sport pushes me to my limits and constantly challenges me to improve.
Equally important, Jiu Jitsu has had a profound impact on my mental strength. The discipline and focus required during training have translated into other areas of my life, fostering resilience and determination. It has taught me to embrace discomfort, to persevere through difficult situations, and to remain calm under pressure. The mental fortitude I have gained through Jiu Jitsu has proven invaluable in various aspects of my life.
Furthermore, Jiu Jitsu has a competitive aspect that adds an exciting dimension to my training. Participating in tournaments and testing my skills against other practitioners fuels my drive to continuously improve. The spirit of friendly competition within the Jiu Jitsu community is incredibly motivating and fosters a sense of camaraderie among fellow practitioners.
In summary, my Jiu Jitsu journey, guided by the exceptional coaching of Abel Martinez, has provided me with physicality, mental strength, and a competitive outlet. It is an ongoing pursuit of self-improvement and personal growth that has positively impacted my life in numerous ways.
Meiji: You have a reputation for being a bit if a whiz on social media. How has that come about?
SK: My social media presence encompasses various aspects of my lifestyle, religion, fitness, travel, and a commitment to providing educational and entertaining content. With a significant following of 90k on TikTok and nearly 30k on Instagram, my platforms serve as a medium to share my experiences, values, and interests with a wide audience. Through engaging posts and videos, I aim to inspire and educate others while providing entertainment and valuable insights. From documenting my travel adventures to sharing fitness routines, and discussing topics related to my religion, my social media reflects the diverse facets of my life. With a growing and engaged following, I strive to create meaningful connections and positively impact the lives of those who interact with my content.
Meiji: We understand there’s also a charitable side to your life. What are you involved with, and how important is it to you?
SK: In April, as part of Forster Charity, the organisation founded by my sister, we embarked on a transformative journey to Sierra Leone. Our purpose was to witness firsthand the pressing healthcare challenges faced by mothers in local hospitals and the surrounding communities. During our visit, we had the opportunity to interact with local nurses, doctors and community leaders, who shared their experiences and insights. It was a profound experience visiting the local hospitals, where we observed the dire state of healthcare infrastructure and the lack of essential supplies for mothers in need. These encounters reinforced our determination to make a difference through Forster Charity.
Through conversations with community leaders, we gained a deeper understanding of the specific needs and challenges in the region. The visit to Sierra Leone served as a catalyst for our ongoing mission to provide critical healthcare resources, support dedicated healthcare professionals on the ground, and work towards building a sustainable healthcare system which prioritises the wellbeing of mothers and their children. The firsthand experiences and insights gained during our journey underscored the urgent need to address the inadequate access to quality healthcare, limited availability of skilled healthcare professionals, lack of proper infrastructure and resources, and socio-cultural norms that impede timely and appropriate care during pregnancy and childbirth in sub-Saharan Africa and Pakistan. Through Forster Charity, we remain committed to making a lasting impact and improving the lives of mothers and their children in these under-served regions.