The Journey of Murli Pavthawala (Founder): From Overweight Kid to Fitness Entrepreneur

 

The Beginning: From Anime Fan to Martial Arts Enthusiast

Growing up, I was captivated by anime like Dragon Ball and Naruto, as well as Marvel and DC superheroes. Their strength, agility, and discipline fascinated me, sparking my curiosity about fitness. However, my real motivation came from a personal struggle—I was overweight and often teased by my friends.

Instead of letting their words define me, I made a decision—to take control of my own destiny. My father gifted me a punching bag, which became my introduction to martial arts. Even before that, I had attended yoga and gymnastics classes at Hindu Milan Mandir, but it wasn’t until 8th standard that I fully committed to home workouts in a bid to transform myself.

The Transformation: Discovering Gymnastics & B-Boying

By the time I reached 11th standard, my fitness journey took a new turn. My brother showed me a viral video of B-Boying (We Will Rock You), which ignited my passion for learning advanced body movements. With no internet access at home, I would visit my relatives just to watch online tutorials on B-Boying and gymnastics flips.

Through sheer dedication, I unlocked power moves like flares and windmills, and I also mastered the handstand. I realized that the human body is capable of incredible things if trained with discipline and perseverance. Every fall, every failure, was just a stepping stone toward success. This fueled my love for bodyweight training and movement.

Stepping into the Fitness Industry

After completing school, I pursued commerce while simultaneously chasing my fitness dreams. To support my studies, I took up a data entry job, but it was short-lived. Soon after, I found work in the food industry, waking up at 4:00 AM daily to prepare breakfast items at a local store. It was physically draining, but I knew I had a bigger goal.

Then came a turning point—my brother helped me secure a job as a gym receptionist. I worked there for a year, gaining firsthand experience in the fitness industry. My dedication paid off, and I was promoted to general fitness trainer. This wasn’t just a job; it was my gateway to something bigger. Working at the gym fueled my passion and strengthened my determination to not just work in fitness but to inspire and lead others toward transformation.

Becoming a Champion & Certified Coach

Even while studying for my Cost and Management Accountancy (CMA) qualification from the Indian Institute of Cost Accountants of India—a gold-standard professional credential that opens doors to top-tier positions in taxation, auditing, strategic planning, and finance across major corporate giants—I never lost sight of my true calling. It surprises many that someone who earned such a prestigious commerce qualification would still be chasing reps, sweat, and transformation. But that’s who I am—committed not just to professional excellence in meetings, but also to physical mastery and self-discipline. I had already immersed myself in disciplines like yoga, gymnastics, swimming, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), freestyle jump rope, and powerlifting. I wasn’t just training—I was proving to myself and to others that no qualification or job title can define your limits if your purpose is greater.

My hard work paid off when I won multiple categories in a strength competition at Gym in Surat, ultimately earning the title of Champion of Champions. That victory wasn’t just a personal achievement—it was proof that discipline, resilience, and perseverance always win.

My journey in competitive fitness didn’t stop there. Alongside my wife—who is not only a gold medalist eye surgeon but also a fitness influencer—we won the Guns and Roses partner workout circuit at the Barbarian Competition, one of the most renowned events in the Indian calisthenics community.

As my expertise grew, I delved deeper into calisthenics—a discipline that perfectly blended all my previous training. My skills gained recognition, and people started approaching me for coaching. One of my freestyle jump rope videos was even acknowledged by famous fitness trainers and a Fit India ambassador, further solidifying my place in the fitness community.

To build my credibility, I earned certifications in fitness training and sports nutrition, and after qualifying as a CMA, I entered the corporate world by working with healthcare companies where I handled responsibilities in taxation—further deepening my practical expertise in the commerce domain. laying the foundation for a professional coaching career. Over the years, I gained extensive experience, helping individuals unlock their true potential through structured training and guidance.

Establishing Star Calisthenics Academy & Expanding Online

With a vision to promote calisthenics in India, I founded Star Calisthenics Academy in Surat, India. Alongside some of India’s top calisthenics athletes, we built a premium training hub for individuals passionate about bodyweight training and functional strength.

But my mission didn’t stop there. I wanted to extend my reach beyond geographical boundaries and help those who felt lost in their fitness journeys. That’s why I launched Online Calisthenics Training—a program designed for those who want to push their limits from anywhere in the world. Whether you prefer training at home, dislike crowded gyms, or simply enjoy working out alone, this program is tailored for YOU.

Your body is your gym. Your mindset is your greatest weapon. If you are willing to give 100% effort, I guarantee you results. This is more than just a workout plan—it’s a transformation journey.

My journey from being an overweight kid to a coach and entrepreneur has taught me one thing—excuses will always be there, but so will opportunities. It’s up to you to choose. Choose to rise. Choose to become the best version of yourself.

This isn’t just fitness—it’s a movement. Welcome to the future of training.