By Ayeesha Muzammil
I believe in the power of movement to transform lives. As the CEO of Fitness Studio Co. and Pakistan’s first certified Para-Taekwondo instructor with a Kukkiwon black belt, I have dedicated my career to empowering individuals through fitness. My passion for inclusive sports led me to become a certified yoga trainer from the University of California and the first female ambassador from the Muslim world for Taekwondo for special needs children, earning certifications from Canada. I also serve as the Vice President of Integral Martial Arts, continuing my mission to make sports accessible to all.
A Journey of Strength and Purpose
My journey began with a lesson from my father—he believed his children should be self-reliant for their safety. This became the foundation of my mission. The tragic Army Public School incident was a turning point, inspiring me to use my skills to create a safer society.
Recognizing the urgent need for self-defense training, I founded Fitness Studio—a space dedicated to empowering women through martial arts. Remarkably, I took this step 14 years after my marriage, proving that it is never too late to pursue one’s passion and make an impact. Since then, I have conducted countless workshops and training sessions on self-defense and harassment prevention for girls and working women, enabling them to stand strong in the face of adversity.
Adapting to changing times, I defied skeptics by transitioning to online classes, despite doubts about the effectiveness of teaching martial arts virtually. However, the response was overwhelming, especially during the pandemic, when women from all walks of life sought empowerment from the safety of their homes.
Recognized for Breaking Barriers
My efforts have been widely acknowledged across national and international media platforms, including television appearances on Jago Lahore, Voice of America, DW Discover Pakistan, Royal News, TV Today, Channel 5, 7 News, 92 News, Alif TV, Digital TV, GNN News, Public News, and 89 News. I have also been featured on YouTube and web series such as Sohni Dharti, Dastak TV, National News, Social Click, Hum Aur Ap, 101 CEO Incredible Women Series, The Other Side Pakistan, and Umeed e Shear on Fempreneur.com. My story has been covered in newspapers, including Parliament Diaries, Naway e Pakistan (Canada), Shadab, Urdu Global News, and Humari News. Additionally, I have been recognized by Connected Women Pakistan and the Qasim Ali Shah Foundation for my contributions.
Mission to Empower
My ultimate mission is to empower women with self-defense skills, confidence, and resilience, ensuring they feel safe and capable in every aspect of life. I have trained employees at corporate and government institutions like the National Bank of Pakistan, Metro Cash & Carry, Datics AI, Siemens, PNY, Roshan Packages, Ostrich, and Stewart. My training also extends to top educational institutes, including LGS, NGS, Lacas, Beaconhouse, Scill, Spirit, Alifya Early Years, DPS, Kinnaird College, and Minhaj University, as well as platforms like the Qasim Ali Shah Foundation and PNY.
My Achievements
I have received national and international awards, including the National Summit Award, Heritage Global Mentorship Award (Africa), Youth Parliament Award, Womenza Award, and She Inspires Award (Bolton, UK). I was also honored with the PNY & Dynamic Awards from the Government of Pakistan and was featured as an inspiring woman by the University of Conquest, USA. Recognized by WOP as a Leading Story of Inspiring Women, I am also Pakistan’s first female author of a self-defense book.
A Vision for a Safer, Stronger Pakistan
My ultimate goal is to change the global perception of Pakistan—to showcase it as a country where women are strong, empowered, and fearless. Every woman deserves to feel safe, and through my work, I am committed to making self-defense more than a skill but a mindset.
To every woman reading this: You are stronger than you think. Stand tall, fight back, and never stop believing in your power.
1 Comment
A Real Inspiration!