Aikaro Sports Academy

Aikaro Sports Academy: international fitness certifications

Aikaro Sports Academy is a health and fitness training academy operating in the UK, the Middle East, Pakistan and other markets. Its activity focuses on international certifications and diplomas for industry professionals, with an offering that combines theoretical, practical and work-based training. The academy presents itself as the number one in fitness certifications in the UK and claims to have trained more than 6,000 graduates.

Training offering

The catalogue includes a full spectrum of specialisations and short courses. Qualifications include Fitness Assistant, Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer and the Nutrition Coach Diploma. CPD (Continuing Professional Development) courses and short online certifications of between four and six weeks are also offered. The academy states that it delivers more than 60 international health and fitness courses.

Accreditations and recognition

The academy declares that it is accredited by REPs UK and ACTD USA, and presents itself as an international authority in health and fitness. Its qualifications are described as portable and globally recognised, valid in the UK, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan and other countries. The institution cites statistics from IRSHA (International Health Racquet & Sportsclub Association) that value the global fitness industry at 94 billion dollars.

International presence and locations

Aikaro Sports Academy has a presence in the UK, the Middle East, Pakistan and beyond. It has a location in London, in Covent Garden, and another in Dubai, in the Port Saeed area, Deira. The academy describes itself as the number one in fitness certifications in Pakistan and claims to have more than 100 international trainers.

Management team

Management is made up of Nathan Brown, managing director and partner; Fiona Brown, director of operations, partner and international master trainer; and Syed Hussain Ali, director. Syed Hussain Ali is described as a leading fitness expert in Asia and Master Coach, with more than 35 international certifications and a member of REPs UAE and iCREPS.

Methodology and enrolment process

The student journey begins with an enquiry by call, email or WhatsApp, followed by a one-to-one meeting with an academy expert. The international application form is then completed, the enrolment fee is paid (with the option of a flexible payment plan) and the documents are sent. Once enrolment is formalised, the student receives login credentials for the online learning platform. Training combines face-to-face practical sessions with international master trainers, Zoom sessions for reinforcement and guidance, and a final practical assessment with the submission of a case study and a learner log book.

Origin of the name

The name Aikaro comes from the Māori Kia Ora, which translates as hello, welcome, we embrace you. The word is formed by joining KIA and ORA, and refers to the Māori people of New Zealand (Aotearoa). The academy notes that its directors, with strong ties to that culture, wanted to recognise their roots and apply a sense of MANA (spirit) to the logo design, including the shield that protects the letter A.

Recent activity and testimonials

The academy organised a fitness workshop in collaboration with DHA Sports Club Moin Khan Academy, personally supervised by Moin Khan, which brought together more than 150 participants. Testimonials from former students, such as Sara Naeem, Asif Butt, Mahiuddin and Shehla Iqbal, highlight the training methodology, the curriculum and the support after graduation. One of them mentions having secured employment as a personal trainer at Fitness First Dubai after completing levels 1, 2 and 3.

Locations and premises

Location 1: 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ

Dubai location: Aikaro Health & Fitness Metrofitt Business Village Towers Level 2 Port Saeed, Deira. Dubai, United Arab Emirates