A Zen Warrior Story…
Operating with calm clarity under pressure and decisive strength
A Zen Warrior is one who prepares relentlessly, acts deliberately, and remains emotionally steady in chaos. Discipline is their weapon. Awareness is their advantage. A Zen Warrior balances inner stillness with outer action—focused, resilient, and grounded while pursuing mastery in both life and work.
My journey
to become a Zen Warrior
My martial path began at 16 with Karate—a choice of discipline over sport. For three formative years in Belgaum, it shaped my foundation: posture, respect, control, and mental toughness. I continued refining this technique and internal discipline for two more years in Bangalore.
Seeking fluidity and adaptability, I transitioned into Kung Fu. Then, in 2011, I committed fully at UCCA, pivoting from traditional forms to practical combat systems. This marked the true beginning.
Under my Teacher, The Polymath Hon. Major Dr. Deepak Rao (One of Asia’s highest ranked Instructors in Bruce Lee’s JKD, Pioneer in CQB & a President Awardee) my journey expanded into the raw effectiveness of Jeet Kune Do.
In addition I studied Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Krav Maga, and Sambo—each layering on realism, resilience, and adaptability.
Parallel to this, Dr. Deepak Rao, (Also a well known Zen Scholar) trained me in Zen meditation, trained my mind in stillness, awareness, and emotional control.
Since then, I have earned a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Unarmed Combat and qualified as an Associate Instructor in Jeet Kune Do, embracing Bruce Lee’s philosophy of truth in combat.
This fusion of the martial and the mindful forged the Zen Warrior in me: calm in mind, precise in action, relentless in preparation.
Martial Arts & Zen Achievements
3rd Degree Black Belt in Unarmed Combat (UCCA)
3rd Generation Associate Instructor in Jeet Kune Do, Art & Philosophy of Bruce Lee.
Represented India at World Championship of Full Contact Fighting, Russia
Earned 2 Medals of Honour by UCCA Mumbai
Trained extensively in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
Advanced training in Muay Thai (striking & clinch)
Advanced training in Krav Maga (real-world self-defense)
Trained in Sambo (combat grappling & takedowns)
Foundation in Karate (5+ years across Belgaum & Bangalore)
Training in Kung Fu (forms, movement, adaptability)
Practitioner of Zen Meditation and mindfulness disciplines
Integrated traditional martial arts with modern combat systems
Living the Zen Warrior Principles
I apply Zen Warrior principles by bringing calm structure into everything I do. Each day begins with clarity—prioritizing what truly matters and eliminating noise.
I train my body for resilience and my mind for steadiness under pressure. In business, I choose deliberate decisions over reactive ones, focusing on fundamentals rather than distractions.
Discomfort is embraced as growth.
Setbacks are treated as feedback, not failure.
Zen practice helps me detach from ego and emotion.
Warrior discipline ensures consistent action.
This balance allows sustained performance—leading with composure, executing with precision, and avoiding burnout.
Impact on My Personal and Professional Life
Martial arts shaped my character before they shaped my skill.
Training taught discipline, patience, and emotional control—qualities that translated directly into entrepreneurship and leadership. Combat trained me to stay calm under pressure, read situations clearly, adapt quickly, and act decisively.
Zen practice added inner balance and clarity, helping me detach from noise and focus on what truly matters. Together, these disciplines built resilience, consistency, and mental toughness.
They enable me to lead teams, navigate uncertainty, and build businesses with confidence, clarity, and composure.
The Zen Warrior is not about fighting others. It is about mastering yourself—so you can act decisively when it matters most.
