My Competitive Journey in MMA and Kickboxing
I don't just teach, I compete. My journey in the ring—from training for state championships to judging for WAKO—shapes how I coach every session. You're learning from someone who is still in the game, still learning, and still hungry.
A throwback to my MMA fighting days. That feeling of having your hand raised in the ring is what all the hard work is for.
Wearing some of the medals I've earned over the years in kickboxing and BJJ competitions. Each one tells a story of hard work and dedication.
It was an honor to be invited as a referee and judge for the WAKO Karnataka Open Kickboxing Championship. It's important to give back to the sport.
Receiving a token of appreciation for judging at the Bangalore District Kickboxing Championship. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience with the next generation.
A recap of my achievements in 2023: 5 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze medal across BJJ and kickboxing. I'm always learning and looking forward to more.
Winning two gold medals at the 3rd State Level Kickboxing Championship. A big thanks to the WAKO Karnataka team for organizing a great event.
A throwback to a 2018 kickboxing training camp. Learning from experienced fighters like Srikant Sekhar has been a huge part of my growth.
A throwback to 2021, deep in MMA training. The discipline and conditioning required for MMA is something I carry into all my classes.
About In The Ring: My Competitive Journey
People often ask if competitive training is different from general fitness training. The answer is yes. When you train with me, you are not just doing drills; you are learning the exact micro-adjustments I use in tournaments. Whether we are correcting your jab-cross mechanics or working on counter-strikes, I focus on the technical details that win fights, not just the ones that make you sweat.
My path has been a mix of engineering by day and fighting by night. I never wanted to be a coach who just shouts instructions from the sidelines. I believe to teach effectively, you have to stay in the fire. Whether I am competing in a BJJ tournament or judging for the WAKO Karnataka Open Kickboxing Championship, I am constantly updating my own understanding of the sport.
The Grind Behind the Medals
In 2023 alone, I brought home 5 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze medal across kickboxing and BJJ. But those medals are just evidence of the work, not the goal. The real reward is in the process—the early morning runs, the technical sparring sessions, and the constant video analysis of my own matches. When I analyze a student's stance at my Basapura or HSR Layout locations, I am looking for the same gaps and habits I fix in myself before a tournament.
Why I Judge
Stepping into the role of a referee and judge has changed my perspective. Seeing fights from that angle, you learn exactly what officials look for—and what they penalize. I bring this technical awareness into our group classes. If you are training to compete, we work on the specific scoring criteria and rulesets. If you are training for fitness, we use the same drills to build better coordination and defense. It is all about doing things the right way, from the first jab to the final round.
There are no shortcuts here. You show up, you listen, you drill, and you improve. Avvalothan.
Jagapathi Babu
I am Babu, and I live for the mats. My days are split between training, fighting, and pushing my students to find their own limits. I don’t believe in hacks—just hard work, discipline, and constant refinement.
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