--- title: "Awards and Recognition for MMA and Self Defense Coaching in Mumbai" description: "Recognized as Best MMA Coach by Times of India. Shafiq Shaikh brings years of MMA and self-defense expertise to his Mumbai training sessions. Join XFF today." canonical: https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/fitness-nutrition-coaching/awards-recognition last_updated: 2025-09-30 --- # Awards and Recognition for MMA and Fitness Coaching Tribe Verified · Awarded Best MMA Coach, Times of India 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 [Fitness & Nutrition Coaching](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/fitness-nutrition-coaching). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/fitness-nutrition-coaching/gallery) I don't chase trophies, I chase results. It feels good when my work in MMA and self-defense gets acknowledged, but my real reward is seeing a student grow. ## Photos and videos - [Video: A proud moment receiving the Best MMA Coach award from the Times of India. I believe that peace brings success, and my goal is to help others find both through fitness.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/48535231-f254-44ae-8218-2db5936b508c) - [Video: A compilation of moments from an awards ceremony where I was recognized for my coaching. It is always an honor to be acknowledged by the industry.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/face35b2-6f56-42c0-b972-e997a97b65f9) - [Video: I was invited as the chief guest for a competition at a beautiful gym in Kalamboli. It's always great to connect with the wider fitness community in Mumbai.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5973a3a4-3081-46d7-bb6f-ae256c8234c9) ## About Awards & Recognition People ask if awards change how I teach. Truth is, they do not. The real award is seeing a student go from shy to confident. Whether it is in my Khar West dojo or a private session, my focus remains the same—your form, your fitness, and that deep inner peace. When we train, we leave the ego outside the mat. Getting recognition like the 'Best MMA Coach' from the Times of India or being invited as a guest at gyms in Kalamboli means my approach to real health is reaching people. It confirms that the slow and steady way works. I have been running XFF dojos in Mumbai since 2001, from Malabar Hill to Andheri. I teach combat sports not just for sport, but for life. You will see me in these photos holding awards, but if you visit my dojo, you will see me with students. My classes cover everything from Cardio Kickboxing and functional circuits to ground-and-pound drills. I do not care if you are an actor prepping for a role or a busy professional who just wants to stay injury-free. My goal is simple: practical techniques, zero crash diets, and training that lasts. That is the philosophy behind XFF. ## About Shafiq Shaikh I am Shafiq Shaikh, CEO of XFF. I have been teaching MMA and self-defense in Mumbai since 2001, focusing on discipline and real fitness. I do not just train bodies, I prepare you for life's fights. [See all of Shafiq Shaikh's services](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial) ## More from Fitness & Nutrition Coaching by Shafiq Shaikh - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/fitness-nutrition-coaching/featured) - [Client Transformations & Testimonials](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/fitness-nutrition-coaching/client-transformations-testimonials) - [My Training Philosophy: Health is Real Wealth](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/fitness-nutrition-coaching/my-training-philosophy-health-is-real-wealth) - [Kickboxing & MMA Technique Tutorials](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/fitness-nutrition-coaching/kickboxing-mma-technique-tutorials) - [Women's Fitness & Self-Defense](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/fitness-nutrition-coaching/women-s-fitness-self-defense) - [Training in Action: Personal & Group Sessions](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/fitness-nutrition-coaching/training-in-action-personal-group-sessions) - [Gymnastics & Flexibility Training](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/fitness-nutrition-coaching/gymnastics-flexibility-training) ## 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) - [Combat Sports & MMA Training](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/combat-sports-mma-training) - [Corporate Wellness & Training](https://mytribe.in/xffofficial/corporate-wellness-training) ## Similar work from other experts - [Martial Arts Awards and Recognition](https://mytribe.in/kings_sports_academy/karate-self-defense/awards-personal-recognition) by Kings Sports Academy · Karate & Self-Defense · 4 training centers across Ghatkopar, Vidyavihar, and Seawoods - [Train MMA With Pro Fighters and Medalists](https://mytribe.in/fitandfightclub/mixed-martial-arts-mma-combat-sports/led-by-warriors-our-coaches) by Fit and Fight Club · Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) & Combat Sports · Train at clubs in Nerul East and Vashi, Navi Mumbai - [Meet Your Head MMA Coach](https://mytribe.in/fightercombatclub/combat-conditioning-crossfit/meet-the-coach) by Fighter Combat Club · Combat Conditioning & CrossFit · At Fighter Combat Club, Kandivali West - [From Grit to Glory: Our Academy Champions](https://mytribe.in/mumbaiboxing/mma-training/from-grit-to-glory-our-champions) by Mumbai Boxing Academy · MMA Training · In-person at Mumbai Boxing Academy, Charkop Gaon, Mumbai - [Practical MMA and Combat Sports Coaching in Mumbai](https://mytribe.in/projectbattlefit/strength-nutrition-coaching/combat-sports-mma-coaching) by Pushkaraj Shirke · Strength & Nutrition Coaching · Online coaching and in-person sessions at select gyms across Mumbai - [Competition & Championship Fighters](https://mytribe.in/predominatemmafitness/martial-arts-combat-sports/competition-champions) by Predominate MMA Fitness · Martial Arts & Combat Sports · At studio in Vile Parle East, Mumbai ## Book To book Shafiq Shaikh, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Shafiq%20sir%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20awards%20and%20profile.%20I%20am%20interested%20in%20joining%20your%20classes.%20What%20is%20your%20current%20schedule%3F)