Professional Fighter to Certified Coach - How Education Transformed This Egyptian Kickboxer's Career

When Khaled Saleh stepped into the ring for his first professional kickboxing match at age 14, he couldn't have known that his fighting career would eventually lead him to transform lives across Egypt. Now, at 36, Saleh has successfully merged his extensive fighting experience with science-based knowledge through ISSA certifications, enabling him to impact hundreds of clients at his thriving Kick ‘N Jab Academy in Cairo.

"I started kickboxing professionally when I was 14, competing in championships throughout Egypt," Saleh recalls. "For ten years, I dedicated myself to professional fighting while staying involved in other sports like mixed martial arts, football, and tennis. Being an athlete has always been who I am."

After a successful fighting career, Saleh ventured into the corporate world, eventually launching his own marketing agency. But something was missing. He found himself asking, "What else can I do beyond just running a business for profit? What could truly make a difference in people's lives?"

The answer lay in returning to his roots – but this time, as a coach.

"I realized that the best thing a person can do in life is help others reach their goals," Saleh explains. "I wanted to be the reason someone transforms from being inactive to achieving their fitness goals. That's when I knew coaching was my future."

Bridging the Gap Between Experience and Education

While Saleh had years of fighting experience, he recognized that this experience alone wasn't enough to become the best possible coach. "My kickboxing knowledge was based purely on my experience – what I'd learned over 22 years in the sport. But to deliver this knowledge to others, I needed more than just my own experiences. I needed scientific backing and academic understanding."

This realization led him to ISSA, where he earned his Kickboxing Instructor certification. The education transformed his approach to coaching.

"The certification didn't just validate what I already knew – it helped me organize my knowledge," Saleh shares. "Now I understand not just what to teach, but when and how to deliver it. It's not about simply going with the flow; it's about having an organized, scientific approach to training."

Building a Culture of Education

Saleh's commitment to education extends beyond his own development. At his Kick ‘N Jab Academy, he requires all coaches to obtain ISSA certification. "It's not just about having a certificate to show clients," he emphasizes. "What you get out of the certification is what's really important. I tell my coaches to get certified not only to present themselves better to clients but to learn how to organize their knowledge and deliver it effectively."

This approach has helped the academy attract a diverse clientele. "About 70% of our clients are people who want to get fit but don't enjoy traditional gym workouts," Saleh explains. "They come to us because kickboxing offers them a way to achieve their fitness goals while learning a new skill. The remaining 30% are focused on competitive fighting."

Continuing Education for Comprehensive Client Care

Saleh expanded his expertise by earning ISSA's Corrective Exercise certification, recognizing the importance of recovery in combat sports. "In kickboxing, athletes are vulnerable to injuries during training. Having the knowledge of what to do and how to help has been extremely valuable," he says.

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This certification has equipped him with the scientific understanding of recovery techniques, from proper stretching to ice bath protocols, and how different recovery methods impact various muscle groups. Building on this knowledge, Saleh plans to pursue additional ISSA certifications so he can continue to help his clients.

"Many people want to train but are limited by injuries," he notes. "I want to expand my expertise so I can help more people achieve their goals safely and effectively."

Looking ahead, Saleh continues to expand his academy's reach, recently opening a new branch. His mission extends far beyond business success: "It's not about the money. What matters is what you do in your life and what you do for others. Through coaching, I've helped people overcome a lack of confidence and achieve their fitness goals. When you change someone's life like that, they remember it forever. That's the impact I want to keep having."

For those considering a career in fitness, Saleh's journey demonstrates that while experience is valuable, combining it with proper education and certification creates the strongest foundation for success – both for the trainer and their clients.