The Journal

Notes on movement.

Training, wellness, martial arts and lifestyle — written from the gym floor and the dojo.

Martial Arts · Arash

From the dojo to the stage

Sixteen years of Kyokushin and more than a decade under the bar — Arash's path in two disciplines.

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Arash's training began in martial arts. He earned his black belt in Kyokushin Karate, placed 3rd at the Japan Karate Championships in 2007 and 2nd at the National Karate Championships in 2009, and today holds the rank of 4th Dan instructor.

Alongside the dojo came the weight room. In 2015 he took 1st place in Bodybuilding and 2nd in Classic Bodybuilding at the IFBB Tehran Championships, and continued competing in Classic Bodybuilding through 2022.

A Master's degree in Sport Physiology from the University of Tehran gave the science behind the work. As a coach he has guided two national champions and led teams for competitions in the UAE and Spain — before managing multi-site fitness operations at UFC Gym in Dubai.

Training · Sadaf

Coaching women with confidence

From the Iran Kickboxing National Team to Head Coach of a ladies-only floor in Dubai.

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Sadaf was a member of the Iran Kickboxing National Team from 2013 to 2016, after years in speed roller skating and basketball. She holds black belts in both Kickboxing and Karate.

In Dubai she became Head Coach (Ladies Only) at UFC Gym Mirdif, creating a space where women could train martial arts and strength with focus and comfort. She later led fitness teams as Cluster Fitness Manager and Studio Manager.

Her studies — a Master's in Motor Development and an ongoing Ph.D. in Rehabilitation — shape how she coaches: movement quality, posture and mobility first, then strength.

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