AJAY | BlackBelt.Fitness

Ajay began martial arts at the age of 12.

Starting with Judo, with Sensei Rajiv Vats, he then learnt karate under Sensei Faustin Nigli and Taekwondo from Sensei Deepak Uppal - who later became a partner in Blackbelt Fitness.

Having been involved in street fights in his later teens, Ajay brings a different perspective to self protection in Blackbelt Fitness. His interest in self-improvement and controlling impulses and channelising emotions and energy helped him later in motivational and self enhancement training, as well as with women’s self defence.

A deep interest in martial arts of all forms, and the confluence of martial arts principles with yoga and ayurveda led Ajay to learn the principles of Ayurveda from Swami Aparokshananda Saraswati.

Besides blackbelts in three disciplines, Ajay also holds international certifcations in Personal Training, Sports Nutrition and CPR.

Meet the masters

While life teaches you a lot – if you're willing to learn – I've also had the good fortune to learn from people who were wonderful: both, at what they taught, and as people.

Sensei Rajiv Vats

My introduction to martial arts started with him: very focussed, very on the ball about judo. I was a tiny kid: he was 2nd Dan, on the Indian judo team if I recall right. I've lost touch and am unable to either find him, or any references to him besides the cover of one of his books.

But he and those classes remain unforgettable.

Sensei Faustin Nigli

1977 1st Open Korean Martial Arts Champion (National) • First Master to introduce Kick Boxing in South India • Instructor to Railway Protection Force (Southern India) • 2nd, 3rd, 4th Degree Blackbelt Malaysia/ Japan • 5TH, 6th Degree Blackbelt USA

There are people who earn your respect: Sensei Faustin Nigli was one of them. In real life, the only person I've seen move with breathtaking fluidity and controlled power. He trained hard (after each class your legs were rubber; he's still remembered for his 1000 push up classes) and he encouraged his students to train harder.

A wonderful person; an even greater martial artist.

Sensei Deepak Uppal

The first time I met Deepak was when he came to teach Taekwondo to me and the people in my design company.. almost thirty years ago. Since then he's become a friend, a brother, and partner in Blackbelt Fitness.

Deepak is my polar twin: patient, soft and great with kids. His teaching style is gentle, friendly and kind - much like the person he is.

Deepak is an amazing martial artist. There's much to learn from him.