Name: Sherif El Bendary

Weight: 85-90 KG

Height: 180 cm

Age: 31 Years

Education: Economics major from the Faculty of Management Sciences at MSA University

Current job: Sales advisor at ExxonMobil Egypt

Body Fat Percent During competition and off-season: Competition: 4%-5%  -  Off-season: 15%

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How did you get into this sport? 

I started doing Kung Fu (Sanda) in 1994 when I was a kid at Gezira Sporting Club. Throughout my childhood, I participated in many local and national competitions and was really successful, ranking in high positions at an early age. In 2003, I joined the Egyptian National team, and it was a turn in my sports career.

What are the main competitions that you have participated in and what are the prizes and positions you have won?

I finished second place at the 2015 China Fighting Championship (CFC), the largest and most famous championship in the Wushu Sanda sport. The competition gathers the best professional fighters from all around the world. In 2015, it was held in Xi’an, China. I finished first place at the 2015 Arab African Championship held in Cairo and second place at the 2007 African Championship. Furthermore, for more than 10 years now I finish first or second every year in national championships.

How long do you spend training per week?

I train five days a week for a minimum of 2.5 hours in the off-season. If I’m preparing for a competition, I traintwice a day every day for a minimum of 2 hours. 

Do you follow a certain dietary plan? Can you give some hints about it?

In off-seasons, I tend to be on a high-carb dietary plan, and I treat myself with pizza or a burger on the weekend. During competitions however, I tend to be on a high-protein, low-carb diet and remove all junk food and anything that contains a lot of sugar or salt from my diet.

What is your favourite exercise? 

I am into all kind of fitness, cardio, and cross fitness exercises, but my favourite exercise activity is skipping rope.

What is your dream?

I have both a short-term and a long-term dream. My short-term dream is to increase my international and professional accomplishments during the coming years. My long-term dream is to open a martial arts and fitness facility that would specialise in preparing different kinds of athletes to advance in their sports alongside a nutrition and health clinic. I also dream to be one of the most influential athletes in Egypt and the Middle East and to help people reach their goals.

Are you currently preparing for any events or competitions?

I am currently preparing for the African Championship that will be held in Morocco in April 2017. There is also another international competition later in 2017 that I will participate in.

Do you have any favourite quotes?

I really like the quote: “Train like an athlete, eat like a nutritionist, sleep like a baby, win like a champion.” I also like: “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.”