--- title: "MMA Training in Mumbai: Pad Work & Sparring Drills with Shafiq Shaikh" description: "Master MMA, kickboxing, and self-defense with Shafiq Shaikh in Mumbai. Real pad work, technical sparring, and functional conditioning at XFF." canonical: https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/combat-sports-mma-training/training-in-action-pad-work-sparring-drills last_updated: 2025-09-30 --- # Training in Action: Pad Work, Sparring & Drills Tribe Verified · Training fighters in Mumbai since 2001 By [Shafiq Shaikh](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial) · At 4 studios across Mumbai & Navi Mumbai; Travels to client's location · ₹20K per quarter (estimate) Part of [Combat Sports & MMA Training](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/combat-sports-mma-training). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/combat-sports-mma-training/gallery) This is where the real work happens. See how we build speed, timing, and power through controlled pad work and technical sparring sessions at my XFF dojos across Mumbai. ## Photos and videos - [Video: Watch a fast-paced Muay Thai pad work session with one of my students. We drill combinations of punches, kicks, elbows, and knees to build speed, power, and cardio.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/41e37f83-6926-4a22-adcd-052bbc748b0c) - [Video: This is a technical sparring session focusing on timing and focus. It's not about power, but about touching, feeling the distance, and finding openings.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/835fa336-9df4-41f8-9e5c-daed8c8e9548) - [Video: A clear, powerful demonstration of a high kick during a training session. This is what we work towards: technique, flexibility, and control.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2a1a728d-e362-4173-b886-b9267887f177) - [Video: A light-hearted but technical moment during a personal training session. We work hard, but it's also important to enjoy the process of learning.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/497be68c-7bc7-4581-b016-8f994ac4dfd8) - [Video: A student practices a high kick on the pads. This drill is essential for developing the power and accuracy needed for effective kicks in MMA and kickboxing.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f739c245-67bc-41e3-be38-49faff2690c6) - [Video: Another clip of a student practicing kicks on the pads. Repetition builds muscle memory, making the technique smooth and powerful.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/044f3b0d-6f51-4c62-92d3-a9fd69eeabc1) - [Video: This student is practicing an acrobatic kick, showing the level of athleticism and skill you can develop with consistent training.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/02ae7bfa-3547-4f38-befb-9de9b8cdaa62) - [Video: A student practices his striking, showing good form and movement. Every session is about improving your technique, one punch and kick at a time.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/689bbb40-69d6-45b6-b54f-fc673df76383) - [Video: A female student working on her boxing combinations during a personal training session. My training is for everyone, regardless of gender or experience level.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1e33e8e2-aa02-4a91-b7c0-85de4d9a02fa) - [Video: An old video from my Bandra class, focusing on speed and technique in kicking drills. The fundamentals never change.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9e4292df-841d-4b20-8c8c-a4ee26f3c04b) - [Video: A view from outside the cage of a sparring session. This is where students apply the techniques they've learned in a controlled, live environment.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/450c31c9-9016-4169-a77f-eac0f8f31bed) - [Video: Designing and practicing a fight scene. This shows the application of MMA techniques in a choreographed sequence, blending martial arts with performance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/152a7a9a-4934-46d3-a0f0-5d9d2b4ed7cf) - [Video: A student practices a high kick during class. We focus on building the flexibility and strength needed to execute advanced techniques like this.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/81a2631e-5265-4d73-850b-4636ab416133) - [Video: A short clip of me demonstrating some boxing footwork and head movement. Staying light on your feet is key to both defense and attack.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/478bba40-d76e-4825-bdf6-84e438195654) - [Video: A quick demonstration of a striking combination on a student. This is how I teach, with hands-on correction and guidance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/33a6e5b9-6cb4-4624-8809-26c09bf7c277) ## About Training in Action: Pad Work, Sparring & Drills People think martial arts is just hitting pads hard, but the real magic is in the control. During these sessions, you aren't just throwing punches; you're learning how to read your opponent’s distance and movement. If you're coming to my dojo, be ready to sweat—there are no ACs or fancy amenities here, just real training with heavy bags, thai pads, and sweat. ### Building the Fighter's Mindset Real MMA isn't just about aggression. It is about technique. When you see us doing pad work in these clips, notice that we are not just swinging wildly. We are focused on: * **Distance Management:** Learning where to stand so you hit them, but they cannot hit you. * **Timing:** Understanding the precise moment to fire a jab or a low kick. * **Conditioning:** Building the stamina to keep your hands up when you are tired. ### Sparring: The Reality Test Sparring at XFF is not a fight. It is a conversation. We do technical sparring to safely test what you have learned in drills. We focus on touching, feeling the opening, and reacting. Whether you are at our Khar West, Andheri, or Malabar Hill location, the process is the same: discipline first, power second. ### What You Need to Bring This is a traditional dojo. You don't need fancy gear, but you do need to be prepared. * **Bring your own gear:** Every student must have their own hand wraps and gloves. It is about hygiene and taking responsibility for your equipment. * **Focus on Fundamentals:** We work on basics like boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai because those basics save lives. If you want a gym with AC and mirrors, this is not the place. If you want to build *dum* (guts) and learn real combat skills, come train with us. ## About Shafiq Shaikh I am Shafiq Shaikh, and I have been running dojos in Mumbai since 2001. My training is about building real strength and discipline—whether you are a beginner or a fighter, the fundamentals stay the same. Come train at my dojo and see the difference for yourself. [See all of Shafiq Shaikh's services](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial) ## More from Combat Sports & MMA Training by Shafiq Shaikh - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/combat-sports-mma-training/featured) - [Street Fight Self-Defense (Gali ki Ladai)](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/combat-sports-mma-training/street-fight-self-defense-gali-ki-ladai) - [Kickboxing & MMA Fundamentals](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/combat-sports-mma-training/kickboxing-mma-fundamentals) - [Real Results: Client Transformations & Testimonials](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/combat-sports-mma-training/real-results-client-transformations-testimonials) - [MMA for Kids: Discipline & Confidence](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/combat-sports-mma-training/mma-for-kids-discipline-confidence) - [Competition & Fight Nights](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/combat-sports-mma-training/competition-fight-nights) - [My Journey: Awards & Achievements](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/combat-sports-mma-training/my-journey-awards-achievements) - [Advanced MMA & Grappling Techniques](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/combat-sports-mma-training/advanced-mma-grappling-techniques) - [Dojo Life & Training Demos](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/combat-sports-mma-training/dojo-life-training-demos) ## More services by Shafiq Shaikh - [Self-Defense Training](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/self-defense-training) - [Kids' Martial Arts](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/kids-martial-arts) - [Fitness & Nutrition Coaching](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/fitness-nutrition-coaching) - [Corporate Wellness & Training](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/corporate-wellness-training) ## Similar work from other experts - [Master Combat Drills and Sparring Techniques](https://mytribe.in/x9combat/strength-conditioning/the-fighter-s-toolkit-combat-drills) by Xtrem9 · Strength & Conditioning · 3 training centers across Mira Road East and Ghatkopar West - [Real-Deal Kickboxing & MMA Training in Mumbai](https://mytribe.in/ravimmacoach/fitness-personal-training/kickboxing-mma-training) by Ravi · Fitness & Personal Training · Trains at Vile Parle West center or travels across Mumbai - [Kickboxing & Striking Drills](https://mytribe.in/predominatemmafitness/martial-arts-combat-sports/kickboxing-striking-drills) by Predominate MMA Fitness · Martial Arts & Combat Sports · At studio in Vile Parle East, Mumbai - [Unarmed Combat and Functional Fitness Training in Mumbai](https://mytribe.in/fightingfitindia/practical-self-defense-training/unarmed-combat-power-fitness) by Hemaal Shah · Practical Self-Defense Training · Available across Mumbai; Classes at Bandra West and Powai - [Boxing and Combat Drills in Navi Mumbai](https://mytribe.in/fitandfightclub/strength-conditioning/the-art-of-8-limbs-boxing-combat-drills) by Fit and Fight Club · Strength & Conditioning · Train at clubs in Nerul East and Vashi, Navi Mumbai - [Boxing Technique & Drill Training in Mumbai](https://mytribe.in/veersavarkarboxing/boxing-classes-for-all-ages-levels/in-the-ring-technique-drills) by Veer Savarkar Boxing Club · Boxing Classes for All Ages & Levels · Classes at Veer Savarkar Boxing Club, Shivaji Park, Mumbai ## Book To book Shafiq Shaikh, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hey%20Shafiq%20sir%2C%20I%20saw%20the%20training%20clips%20and%20want%20to%20join%20a%20batch%20at%20XFF.%20Which%20location%20is%20best%20for%20me%3F)