Before going to Spain for my Erasmus exchange, I searched the internet for all the combat sports clubs in Tarragona. On Tuesday evening, I found the contact information for a club called KMT–Combat Tarrako and contacted the head coach and owner, Albert Gimenez, who is also a world referee in Thai boxing. After our very first WhatsApp message, I already knew he was a great guy. He told me to come to the gym at 6:30 PM and explained what equipment I needed to bring.

When I first saw the gym, I almost fell in love with it. There were punching bags, a ring, mats, and everything a fighter could wish for. At that moment I knew this was the right place for me.

Already during my second training session I sparred with Alex, who is also the Catalonian national champion. At first he landed a few kicks that I could still feel in my shins for three days and I had bruises like never before. But instead of discouraging me, it gave me even more energy and motivation, because for me that kind of pain is a sort of sweet pain.

In the gym I also met Lorenzo, who told me he has Slovenian roots. We got along very well and often train wrestling together. He is preparing for a competition and I try to help him with my modest knowledge. There is also a girl in the gym named Pavla, who is a world champion in Thai boxing. So far this experience has been the highlight of my Erasmus, although I am curious to see if something will surprise me even more.