What Really Happens at the Extreme 2025 Martial Arts Camp? A Solo Attendee Tells All.

As an introvert, stepping out of my comfort zone, I decided to join the Extreme 2025 camp organized by Kombat Hall in Jaisalmer, despite being relatively new to the world of MMA, kickboxing, and karate, with just a few months of training. The idea of traveling alone to a place where I knew no one was a bit daunting, but little did I know, this experience would transform me. From intense training sessions to bonding with kids, parents, and fellow camp members, every moment was both challenging and motivating.

The Journey Begins: From Gurgaon to Jaisalmer

I travelled from Gurgaon to Jaisalmer by train with a group of people, all of whom were strangers to me. As someone who prefers to keep to herself, the thought of spending hours with a group of unfamiliar faces made me a little nervous. However, from the very beginning, everyone was kind and welcoming. The children and their parents all made an effort to make me feel comfortable. We all started chatting, sharing stories, and slowly, the awkwardness of being the "new person" faded away. By the time we arrived in Jaisalmer around 3 PM, I felt like part of the group.

The Arrival at the Resort: A Desert Oasis

We checked into the Royal Jaisalmer Resort, a beautiful place that became our home for the next few days. After freshening up and taking a two-hour rest, we set out to explore the desert. That evening, we went on a Jeep Safari, where we experienced the beauty of the desert. We had the chance to ride camels, enjoy an ATV ride, and witness a breathtaking sunset that seemed to paint the sky in shades of orange and pink—the perfect start to our desert adventure!

When we returned to the resort, Sensei Shikher gave us a briefing about the schedule for the next three days. We were all excited and slightly apprehensive about what was to come.

Day 1: Pushing My Limits in the Desert

The first day of training began bright and early. I woke up at 4:30 AM to prepare for the day’s activities, feeling both excited and a little nervous. By 5:30 AM, I was at the training grounds, joined by the rest of the group, and we set off for the sand dunes. The morning air was crisp, and the sight of the vast desert stretching out before us was awe-inspiring. We had to run all the way to the dunes, which, in itself, was a strenuous task. Once we arrived, it was time to kick things off with the "Pushing Up the Heart Rate" session. The challenge was to run 10 rounds up the sand mountains. Each step in the soft sand was tough, and the heat was beginning to rise, but there was something exhilarating about the whole experience. It felt like an accomplishment just to be there, pushing myself in such a unique and beautiful environment.

After the intense session on the dunes, we moved into MMA drills with Sensei Seth Rosario. The training was intense, but I could feel myself getting better with each drill. It was a challenge, but every step brought me closer to my goal. Once we finished training, we headed back to the camp for breakfast and a two-hour break. The morning had already been a whirlwind, and this was the perfect opportunity to recharge and get ready for the next session.

By 11:30 AM, we were back at it. This time, it was time for Muay Thai training with Kru Yuri and Extracting Self-Defense from Katas—Bunkai with Sensei Yashpal and Sensei Anamika. I was excited to learn some new techniques, and they didn’t disappoint. I picked up so many valuable lessons, which not only helped refine my fighting skills but also boosted my confidence in my ability to learn and grow.

In the evening, we continued with more training—Sparring Counters with Sensei Yashpal and Padwork with Kru Yuri. These sessions were exhausting but incredibly rewarding. I was learning new techniques, improving my fighting strategies, and engaging with people from different dojos. It was fascinating to see how different individuals approached the same techniques and how we could all learn from each other.

After training, we had some snacks and took a few short walks around the camp, enjoying the desert landscape and bonding with fellow participants. The evenings were filled with cultural programs, team-building exercises, and more opportunities to engage with everyone. The warmth and kindness of the people around me made the experience even more enjoyable. It felt like a family—one that shared the same passion for martial arts and adventure.

Day 2: Early Mornings, Tough Training, and Adventure

Day 2 kicked off early, as usual, with the group heading out to the training grounds from the camp. We began the day with a challenging circuit training session that got our hearts pumping and muscles working. From there, we dove straight into Muay Thai training under the expert guidance of Kru Yuri. The intensity of the session was real—every punch, kick, and strike pushed me further than I thought I could go. One of the most fun and interesting drills of the day was a twist on the childhood game "rock, paper, scissors." In this version, the winner of each round could kick their partner twice—either to the upper body or to the lower body. What seemed like a light-hearted game at first turned out to be both a physical and mental challenge, making me realize how much fun training can be, even while pushing your limits.

Despite the exhaustion, I felt stronger with every movement, learning valuable new techniques and building my stamina. The experience was both challenging and rewarding.

After such a physically demanding morning, it was time to take a break and switch gears. We went on a city tour, which was a welcome change of pace and a chance to explore the rich culture and history of Jaisalmer. Our first stop was the Tanot Mata Temple, a sacred site with both spiritual and historical significance. We then made our way to the Indo-Pak Border, where I was struck by the deep historical context and solemnity of the place. The trip gave me a new understanding of the region’s unique history and its importance. We also visited some famous landmarks in the area, soaking in the beauty and heritage of the city. It was a nice balance of physical and cultural exploration that helped me connect with the region on a deeper level.

After returning to the resort, we jumped back into training. We had a session on Kobudo with Sensei Anamika. Following that, we moved into an intense sparring session. We went through almost 30 rounds of sparring, which was both exhausting and exhilarating. The rounds pushed me to apply everything I had learned and helped me further hone my skills. It was also an excellent opportunity to engage with the other participants, and I learned a lot from their styles and experiences.

The day didn’t end there. We wrapped up with a cultural program that gave us a chance to bond even further as a group. We shared stories, laughs, and experiences, which brought us all closer. The highlight of the evening was an incredible Rajasthani dinner, full of flavors and warmth—much like the people I had met along the way.

Day 3: Reflection and Growth

On the final day, we started with Kundalini Yoga with Manleen ma’am to help stretch out our sore muscles and calm our minds. Afterward, there was a feedback session, where we reflected on everything we had learned and how we had grown over the past few days.

Looking back, I realized how much I had achieved, not just in terms of physical training, but also in terms of personal development. The connections I made with the kids, their parents, and my teammates were invaluable. I came into the camp as a solo traveller and left with a sense of belonging, a renewed confidence, and a much stronger sense of self.

A Life-Changing Experience

The Extreme 2025 Jaisalmer camp was not just about physical training; it was about pushing my limits and stepping outside of my comfort zone. I came into the camp unsure of what to expect, but I left with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a stronger, more confident version of myself.

For anyone considering joining a camp like this in the future, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s challenging, rewarding, and most of all, it’s an experience that will stay with you long after the dust of the desert has settled.

Things I Learned:

• Push your limits: Whether it’s training or life, you’re capable of more than you think.

• Teamwork makes a difference: Even as an introvert, building relationships with people made my experience richer.

• Adventure is out there: Sometimes, stepping outside your comfort zone opens up new opportunities and unforgettable experiences.

I’m grateful to Kombat Hall and Sanshinkan for organising this amazing camp and to all the coaches and participants who made it such a life-changing experience.

Priya Choudhary

Priya is a determined and passionate individual who embraces challenges with open arms. As an eldest daughter, she carries the responsibility of caring for her family while balancing her career. Priya’s love for learning and self-improvement led her to the Extreme 2025 Jaisalmer camp, where she pushed her limits, both physically and mentally, in the world of MMA and martial arts, all while forming meaningful connections and gaining invaluable life experiences