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Find out more about Anirban

• Tell us more about your subject. How did you develop an interest in this field?

  ​"My professional field is Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), which is the ultimate subject of self-mastery. It's a combination of disciplines—striking, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu—that demands peak physical conditioning, mental fortitude, and technical strategy. My interest started not as a sport, but as a pursuit of discipline and confidence. I was drawn to the constant challenge of improving every facet of my physical and mental game, and the pure meritocracy of the cage—the better fighter always wins. It quickly transitioned from a hobby to a consuming passion, and finally, a profession."

• What or who is the motivation behind you choosing to teach & why?

  ​"The motivation is the transfer of resilience and discipline. While I compete, I teach because I want to give others the mental toughness that martial arts instilled in me. My motivation is seeing a student go from shy or unsure to confident and powerful, not just in their technique, but in their everyday life. I choose to teach because I believe the skills learned on the mat—discipline, respect, and the ability to handle pressure—are far more valuable than the physical techniques themselves."

• How does your work help society?

  ​"My work helps society in two key ways: empowerment and positive role modeling. Firstly, I empower individuals, especially women and children, with self-defense skills and the confidence to walk through the world feeling safe. This is a direct, practical contribution. Secondly, as a professional athlete and coach, I model the values of hard work, healthy living, and goal-setting. I demonstrate that success comes from consistent, disciplined effort, providing a positive, drug-free path for younger generations."

• If you had to think of a role model for your work, who do you think of & why?

  ​"My role model is a blend of the dedicated, old-school martial arts masters—individuals who prioritised integrity, respect, and mastery over fame. I'm inspired by coaches who have been able to produce world-class athletes while simultaneously building a strong, supportive community. These individuals show that you can achieve competitive greatness without compromising on character. They are my role models because they proved that the how you win is just as important as if you win."

• Tell us about your hobbies outside teaching.

  ​"Outside of the gym, my hobbies are focused on active recovery and mental decompression. I enjoy long-distance running, which offers a great counter-balance to the high-intensity, explosive nature of MMA training; it's a moving meditation. I also have a passion for cooking, which allows me to be creative in a completely different, low-pressure environment and ensures I am fueling my body correctly. It's my way of turning off the competitive switch and recharging."

• Do you have an anecdote to tell us about your student or professional life?

  ​"I have a memorable anecdote about a student who came to my class specifically to gain confidence. She was preparing for a major job interview and felt intimidated. We didn't focus on high kicks; we focused on her stance, her breathing, and her ability to push past fatigue. The training was mental conditioning. A week after her class, she emailed me to say she landed the job. She wrote that when she felt nervous in the interview, she imagined she was in the centre of the ring, stood up straight, and answered with the same controlled focus she had learned to use when sparring. That moment proved to me that the real fight is always inside the mind, and the skills we teach apply everywhere."