New-age Bollywood stars aren’t just satisfied with hitting the gym as far as their fitness regimens are concerned. So, while some are opting for different types of workouts like Pilates and kickboxing, others have been indulging in parkour and mixed martial arts (MMA). Now, Athiya Shetty, too, has joined this club. The young actor is the latest to take up MMA training.

Apparently, Athiya is training under the guidance of grand master Shifuji Shaurya Bhardwaj, who has trained special armed force commando units of various security forces, including the elite special forces, in the past. Shifuji had also trained Tiger Shroff and Shraddha Kapoor for their recently released film, Baaghi.

Confirming the news, Athiya says, “Besides making me feel strong and powerful, this training has become a way of releasing my negativity and stress. It is the highlight of my day, whether it is waking up at 6am for it, or ending my day with it.” Athiya feels MMA is a great form of exercise, and also teaches you discipline, and helps you focus on your mind and body.

“It might sound crazy, but if you have faith and if you believe, you can achieve so much. It’s all about training your mind,” she says.