FACES OF JAI: Delpreet Singh

A former competitive bodybuilder, you'd think Delpreet would find keeping in shape a breeze. But when COVID hit, he found himself turning into a "a big fat bloke!". Here he tells us how Muay Thai helped him get healthy, cope with a family loss and be the best father he can.

Hi Delpreet, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am a father of two beautiful daughters, one is Daya who’s five and she trains here. And little Preetarn who wants to train here!

You’re a former competitive bodybuilder who recently took up Muay Thai, have you seen any changes in your physique?

So my fitness goal is to have the best body for my age that I can have as an individual!

So you wouldn’t believe it - I’ve never been 12% body fat and currently, I'm running 12% body fat in off-season. So that goes to show the total holistic approach that is going on internally.

Delpreet (centre) during his bodybuilding days

So before what percentage body fat were you?

I was running about 25%- 30% body fat, I was a big fat bloke. If I show you my picture you will freak out! Because COVID happened, and all my training went away.

How has Muay Thai helped you mentally and holistically?

So I recently lost my Mum about three months ago, and training has helped me to adapt.

I think I only took one-two weeks off. I remember you mentioned: “Oh where have you been?”. Buut after that I have been here! Coming here and getting Daya here… because I started Daya here when Mum passed away, has helped us to become stronger. Training harder has helped me to become a better person at home, which has helped my wife, and my dad adapt to what has happened in life.

Can you tell us your sleeve of warrior tattoos?

I am a Sikh, by religion. I am a second-generation Fijian, so before that our ancestors were from Punjab… we come from a line of warriors but I never got close to any sort of training (until now). I always wanted to do it, and the rest is history. Soyou see I've got a whole tattoo sleeve and it's full of warriors!

Mata Sahib Kaur, (one of the tattoos) - she was a woman warrior. This lady represents a time when most males backed away, she was the first warrior lady to go to war! She led a lot of men behind her!

At 42 years old, do you prefer to train with people your age?

Age is just a number - it’s more the drive. I know the drive I have and if I see another person with the same drive, that's the person I connect with. If I see someone going hard I’m like: “Let’s go! We can do this!”.

Delpreet often trains with members half his age

But the same vibe has to be there, the same frequency, the same desire to go hard you know.

You started training at the age of 41. What do you have to say to anyone who thinks they are too old to start?

You are only as old as you think! To be honest I have never felt better in my life! I feel better than I did at 25, and that is true!

Delpreet and family