Discover the inspiring journey of Abhra Goswami, a Bengali who grew up in Japan and established an MMA gym in Kolkata. Follow his story as he works to build a culture of martial arts in the city.
Abhra Goswami, a Bengali who grew up in Japan, has embarked on a remarkable journey that has taken him from the United States to Kolkata, where he has established his own MMA gym. Goswami’s story is nothing short of extraordinary, as he has worked tirelessly to build a culture of martial arts in the city he now calls home.
Goswami’s father, originally from Nabadwip, moved to Kolkata to work in customs. During his time in the city, he learned Japanese and eventually found an opportunity in a mineral inspection company in Japan. It was in Tokyo that Abhra Goswami was born and raised, experiencing a unique blend of Bengali and Japanese cultures.
As a child, Goswami found solace in Japanese music and sports, particularly boxing and pro wrestling. He was captivated by the world of pro wrestling, even believing that the televised version was real. His passion for martial arts grew when he witnessed his first MMA fight in 1997. The display of skill and dominance by the fighters left a lasting impression on him, and he became obsessed with the sport.
At the age of 18, Goswami moved to the United States to pursue his studies in history. It was during his time at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, that he took his first boxing class and discovered his talent for rap music. However, it was his encounter with Brazilian jiu-jitsu that truly changed his life. He was amazed by the effectiveness of the fighting style and knew that he had found his calling.
After leaving college and returning to Japan, Goswami delved deeper into his passion for rap music, releasing two solo Japanese rap albums. However, the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011 prompted his family to leave Japan and return to their property in Salt Lake, Kolkata. Goswami saw this as an opportunity to make a fresh start and pursue his dream of establishing an MMA gym in the city.
In November 2019, Goswami opened Gorin Dojo, a specialized MMA facility located in his own home. Despite facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he remained determined and reopened the gym in October 2021. Goswami’s vision for Gorin Dojo is to groom new fighters and create a space where world-class fighters can be trained.
Goswami’s dedication to his craft is evident in his daily routine. He spends four hours at the gym every day, honing his skills and analyzing fights. He has carefully selected a variety of fighting styles, including kickboxing, boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, and wrestling, to provide the most effective combination for his students.
For Goswami, Gorin Dojo is more than just a gym—it’s a lifestyle. He envisions a future where his gym produces championship-winning fighters and becomes a hub for martial arts in Kolkata. Despite being 46 years old, Goswami shows no signs of slowing down. His passion for MMA and his desire to build a thriving martial arts community in Kolkata continue to drive him forward.
Summary
| Key Points || — || Abhra Goswami, a Bengali brought up in Japan, has established an MMA gym in Kolkata. || Goswami’s journey has taken him from the United States to Kolkata, where he is building a culture of martial arts. || He was inspired by his first encounter with MMA and has dedicated his life to the sport. || Goswami opened Gorin Dojo in November 2019 and has faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. || His vision is to groom new fighters and create a gym that produces world-class champions. |
