Ahmad Alatmah, an aspiring kickboxer who grew up in poverty in Jordan, selling vegetables to make ends meet, has overcome significant challenges on his journey to success. At the age of 10, Ahmad moved to the United States, where he discovered martial arts and found a path that would shape his future. Now, he is striving to be accepted to the largest fighting organization in the world, the ONE Championship.
Rami Elites, a martial arts gym on Rising Sun Avenue in Northeast Philly, is where Ahmad Alatmah, 23, trains to become a better fighter.Ahmad Alatmah runs on Cottman Avenue on Thursday Feb. 6. He wants to improve his cardio and stamina for future fights.Ahmad Alatmah prepares for a training session at Rami Elites martial arts studio on Feb.6, in Northeast Philly. Wrapping one’s hands is one of the most important parts of training to prevent injuries to the wrists.Ahmad Alatmah along with other members of the martial arts gym warm up by doing knee ups on Feb. 6. Training without warming up can be dangerous to fighters as it can cause cramps and muscle soreness.Ahmad Alatmah hits pads at Rami Elites on Feb. 6, to help strengthen his kicks.Ahmad Alatmah puts on gloves to prepare for sparring rounds on Feb. 6.Ahmad Alatmah listens to his coach Rami Ibrahim speak with the team after class on Feb. 6. Coach Rami lectures about the need for commitment and discipline in class to perfect the craft.
