Hakim Hayat

An avid boxer who picked up love for the sport while in military training, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen said the opening of his boutique boxing gym, Jab Gym, allows him to share his passion and let others experience what he loves the most.

Opening its doors to the public for the first time yesterday, Jab Gym – located at the heart of the capital – overlooks the picturesque Brunei River and packs a breathtaking view. It is the first boutique boxing gym in Brunei Darussalam to combine workout, lifestyle and luxury.

Speaking to the Bulletin, His Royal Highness, a fitness enthusiast, expressed his hope to see more people in Brunei be inspired to come out and lead a healthy lifestyle.

“Fitness to me is very important, it keeps me productive. Without my workout, I feel bored, low and flat, but after a workout I feel great,” he shared.

The keen sportsman, who bagged two bronze medals for Brunei as part of the national polo team, hopes the opening of Jab Gym will bring with it a boost in the boxing scene here.

“I just hope that people enjoy the gym as much as I do,” His Royal Highness said.

The gym boasts state-of-the-art fitness facilities and a group of elite trainers, including former boxing champions and Brunei’s well-known fitness coaches.

Offering high level boxing training, top-of-the-line gym equipment, and group classes that range from yoga and boxercise to TRX and high-intensity circuit training, His Royal Highness said his priority is for every-one to come and enjoy the “world-class facility gym.”

“I brought Jab Gym to showcase a different side… a boutique gym. I don’t think there are a lot of boutique gyms in Southeast Asia to be honest, so I thought it would be great to have a world-class boutique gym in Brunei,” he said, noting the positive response they have had so far.

When asked about the story behind the selection of the gym location, His Royal Highness said, “First of all, it is in the capital. Secondly, it is the view. When I came here for the first time, I knew exactly this is the place.”

The gym’s tagline, ‘Making an Impact’ relates to different types of situation in everyday life, said His Royal Highness, who revealed that American professional boxer Muhammad Ali is one of his role-models.

His Royal Highness was inspired by the late Muhammad Ali’s personality and charisma.

“Whether it is making an impact by going for a workout or a run, or just making an impact in general… where you can make an impact to someone’s life.. it has so many meanings to it, so I think it’s a smart way to make a tagline,” His Royal Highness said.

VIP guests, including Cabinet Ministers, attended the opening yesterday.