Muay Thai for All Ages: Akhbari Bin Mohd’s Story of Strength and Determination

By Admin

Imagine being 51 and still kicking harder than people half your age—literally. That’s Akhbari Bin Mohd for you, a man from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, who’s proving that age is just a number when it comes to Muay Thai. Known for his relentless spirit and dedication to health, he continues to inspire those around him with his passion for fitness and self-discipline.

Akhbari runs his own wiring business by day, managing a team that repairs washing machines and electrical appliances. But by night—or rather, in any spare moment—he’s in the gym, pouring his energy into Muay Thai. For him, the sport isn’t just a workout; it’s a way to leave behind the anger and resentment he carried as a child.

Growing up wasn’t easy for Akhbari. He faced bullying in school and narrowly escaped being attacked by a man with a machete. Those experiences left him grappling with feelings of revenge for years. But one day, he decided to let go. "Why let hatred destroy me when I can turn it into something useful?" he reflects. Muay Thai became his outlet—a way to heal, find clarity, and build strength.

Friendly, bald, and always ready with a joke, Akhbari is a familiar figure in Kota Kinabalu. Whether he’s chatting with friends or making new ones, his easygoing nature makes him impossible to forget. But don’t let his smile fool you—he’s as disciplined as they come. "Without discipline, talent means nothing," he often says.

At an age when most people slow down, Akhbari is doing the opposite. He plans to compete in more tournaments, not for the glory of winning but for the thrill of participating. "Losing fires my spirit," he says. "It pushes me to work harder and come back stronger." Even after contracting Covid-19 during the pandemic, Akhbari bounced back, proving his resilience once again.

Balancing his business and his passion hasn’t always been easy. "There were times I thought about giving up Muay Thai," he admits. "But then I’d think about why I started, and I knew I couldn’t quit." His workers often joke that their boss might fix a circuit board in the morning and then throw a knockout punch in the evening. For Akhbari, every challenge is just another step toward improvement.

These days, you might spot him running 10 kilometers at sunrise or tackling a hill in Kota Kinabalu’s recreational areas. "The early bird gets the worm," he laughs, "but I’m not chasing worms—I’m chasing fitness!"

In the local combat sports community, Akhbari is nothing short of a legend—the oldest Muay Thai competitor in Malaysia. But his story isn’t just about personal triumph. He actively encourages others to take up Muay Thai, whether for self-defense, fitness, or mental health. His workers, inspired by his journey, are even training alongside him now. "If I can do it at 51, why can’t you?" he often says with his trademark grin.

Among his achievements is his first fight, which he lost by knockout. Instead of being disheartened, Akhbari used it as motivation. "That loss taught me more than any victory could," he says. "It showed me where I needed to grow." Since then, he has competed in multiple tournaments and continues to refine his skills.

Akhbari’s story is more than just a testament to perseverance. It’s a reminder that life’s challenges, no matter how heavy, can be overcome. "Some people collect stamps, some collect cars," he jokes. "Me? I collect bruises and life lessons." And with that humor and heart, he continues to rewrite what it means to be an athlete—proving that the fight isn’t about beating others but conquering yourself.

As 2025 approaches, Akhbari knows it will mark the end of his competitive journey. "I’ll hang up my gloves," he says, "but I’ll never stop being part of this sport." His dream is to coach the next generation, passing on everything he’s learned. "The journey doesn’t end—it just changes direction."

For anyone thinking about trying something new, Akhbari has one message: "Start now. Don’t wait for the perfect time, because it doesn’t exist. Just take that first step." And if he can inspire even one person to chase their passion, he’ll consider that his greatest victory.

A photo taken for remembrance after training with the younger trainee.