Sand, Spirit, and Success: Reflecting on Kombat Hall 2025 Journey 🥋
- Shikher
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
As we welcome 2026, I’ve been reflecting on the path we’ve walked together. Martial arts is often seen as an individual pursuit, but the energy within Kombat Hall tells a different story.
While we train our bodies to be strong, we are actually building something much deeper: character and community.Here are the milestones that defined our year at Kombat Hall:Â
The Jaisalmer Dream: Extreme Camp
Our camp in Jaisalmer felt like a dream. Running on the vast, shifting sand dunes with nothing but the "emptiness" of the desert in every direction was a humbling experience. I still carry the energy of the group that trained through the heat and the sand. It was the perfect camp—tough training, stargazing in the silence of the desert, and a perfect schedule with a great gang.
Play the below video to revisit
National Excellence: Solid Foundations at Kombat Hall
At Kombat Hall, we don't focus primarily on competitions, yet excellence is a natural byproduct of discipline. Having four National Champions—Lavanya, Varuni, Kanish, and Manu—from a single dojo is rare. This is a testimony that solid foundations can withstand any load. Cheers to them for their grit.
Did you read their story? Read Now
Evolution of our Training & New Batches
Muay Thai with Kru Yuri: We are truly blessed that Kru Yuri teaches here. I don't know a more experienced Muay Thai coach across our country. If you haven’t attended his sessions yet, please do—it is a rare opportunity.
BJJ with Sensei Aman: Our dedicated BJJ batch is live. I’m hoping to see more women take this up, as it offers an immense advantage in handling a larger opponent in a self-defence scenario.
Kids Fitness with Ankit Sir:Â We are seeing the results of the batch with Ankit Sir. Those who are consistent are showing fewer injuries and an increased level of power in their strikes that was missing earlier.
Connecting to the Roots: Soke Tamas' Workshop
One of the year's highlights was our workshop with Soke Tamas, the founder of Sanshinkan. Kombat Hall is a branch of that great tree, and it was a proud moment to see our students connect directly to the roots on which we stand.
A New Foundation: Tatami Mats
Thanks to all the students who helped set up our new floor. We started with MMA/Judo mats, but as they went uneven over time, we switched to high-quality Tatami tile mats. They are sturdier for striking and support our BJJ throws equally well.
Training with Intelligence
We are fortunate to have two doctors among us who share valuable insights on longevity in the sport. If you haven't read these yet, please do:
Gauri shared on How to Hydrate and Heal Faster
Vivek shared on Managing Martial Arts Specific Injuries
Transitions
A dojo is a living entity, and it changes as people relocate or start new chapters. I miss those who have been with us for long and had to stop training this year: Poonam, Rakesh, Radha, Sudeshna, Priya, Ravi, Siddharth, Ali, Roshan, Mohan, Roopika, Abhiraj, Aditya, Shrey, Kashvi, Aditi, Manasvi, and Saanvi. You are essential in the Kombat Hall story and the dojo is yours, always.
Personal Reflection
On a personal note, I have focused this year on staying Sthirpragya—and stayed consistent in my practices, training, and responsibilities. I was grateful to earn my BJJ Blue Belt and my 4th Dan in Karate, a student’s life alongside all of you.
Next Stop: April 2026
For our next camp for the first week of April. I am thinking of Prayagraj—training on the large river banks at the Sangam. What do you think? I am open to your suggestions for our next adventure.
Before I end,
I want to ask you something:
What is your wish for Kombat Hall in 2026?
Because this place is built by every student who shows up, sweats, learns, fails, improves, and returns.Â
Thank you for the sweat, the respect, and the spirit you bring to the mats every day.Â
Train hard,
Love,
Shikher