King Kamali - NPC National Heavyweight Champion and top IFBB Pro.

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Interviewed by Amjad Vanimal

King Kamali is a very dynamic, controversial figure in the bodybuilding sport. He became IFBB Pro by winning the 1999 NPC Nationals Heavyweight title. As a competitive bodybuilder he has been the featured guest poser and an honored speaker at several local, regional, and national competitions.

He started lifting weights around 1986 at his sophomore year in High School. He was always been a fan of bodybuilding and was fascinated with the muscular look. At the very beginning his weight training were not taken seriously. But later he came back to the battle. He decided to join local gym, Ironworks. Here is where he met his mentor Mr. DC James Bryant. This man pulled him aside and took him under his wing. He gave him confidence, not just in bodybuilding but life as a whole. Bryant made him ready to compete.

King Kamali has always been a favorite topic of discussion in the bodybuilding industry. But having the perfect combination of muscle and symmetry, the King of kings has established remarkable palmers over his years of bodybuilding career. He has rightly wowed bodybuilding audience with a perfectly presented package of muscle symmetry, definitions, presentation skills, and great muscle shape.

His muscle-clocked physique certainly conveys the type of tremendous power associated with the hard-core bodybuilding and its most extreme- testimony to years of hard, heavy, brutal workouts.

In an unclogging interview with our Editor, Amjad Vanimal, King Kamali unlocked his mind which gives a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of bodybuildings greatest.

Age	34
Hometown:	Washington, DC
Date of Birth:	03/29/1972
Height:	5'10"
Weight:	290 lbs. (off-season) 255 lbs. (pre-contest)
Hair:	Black
Eyes:	Brown
Education:	BS Exercise Physiology George Mason University
Occupation:	IFBB Professional Bodybuilder
Hobbies:	Eating, sleeping, and spending all my time with my Barbara
Future:	Rich and Famous!

The King of Kings - How do you feel when you are being called so? How did you get the pseudonym-King?

I’m flattered and proud to have that stage name. It fits my personality. I was given the stage name “King” by Gary Udit at the 1994 Collegiate National’s. He had a hard time with my given name of “Shahriar” so I told him what it means and the rest is history.

How and when did you get started in bodybuilding?

I was 15 years old and when I started lifting weights and I began immediately after I saw my first FLEX Magazine. I was hooked!

I have read somewhere that at the very beginning your weight training were not taken seriously. But later you came back to the battle. What was your motivation to become such a stunning performer?

All I heard over and over again was that I would never make it and all it did was fuel my fire. The funny thing was that I was winning everything and people still talked shit. I was always an entertainer even as a small child. I was an amazing break dancer and had many dance battles growing up. I do perform in front of crowds and never looked back.

What’s your diet like at the moment?

Milos Sarcev has me on a very high fat high carb. Diet that is doing wonders for my physique. A lot of people are going to be shocked at the 2008 Ironman Pro.

Have you made any changes to your training programme in the recent time? If so, what are these and what results are you expected to achieve?

My training has and will always remain the same, HEAVY AND SUPER INTENSE. When I first went to Cali to meet Milos he informed me that he knew of my reputation as an animal in the gym and that he was going to take me out. Well, he tried and I was the first to make it through without quitting or puking.

What about supplementation? Is there anything particular to recommend?

I use a full spectrum of sport supplements: The basics are the following:
a) Creatine
b) L-Glutamine
c) Whey isolate protein
d) Protein blend
e) Vitamins/minerals

Throughout your years of competition what did you learn yourself as a bodybuilder?

I will never quit until I have reached my goals. Never.

How do you psych yourself up for a major contest?

The haters that talk shit… That’s all the fuel I need.

What would you consider to be your greatest achievement in your career?

Becoming a professional athlete.

King Kamali is said to be one of the most victims of criticizers in the bodybuilding sport. What’s your comment?

F***’em! I could give a rats ass.

Many of professional bodybuilders today are well known for certain outstanding body parts. Do you feel you have any outstanding areas?

My back, shoulders, hamstrings, and glutes.

I heard that you were on gymnastics and wrestling?

I was the team captain and MVP (Most Valuable Player) of my High school gymnastics team both my Junior and Senior years.

Today people have so much craze about sports. How do you see the future of bodybuilding sport? Do you think it will ever be accepted by mainstream society as a legitimate sport like Soccer and Cricket?

Bodybuilding will become a drug free sport within the next 10 years and no, I don’t think it will be accepted as mainstream.

Outside of bodybuilding, any other goals you would like to accomplish?

To be a multi-millionaire by 40 years of age.

May I know how do you spend your leisure time?

Living an amazing life with my wife and daughter and both our families.

Do your family/ loved ones support you?

They are King’s Army! They are my biggest supporters and personal bodyguards.

Can you share with us some of your unforgettable experience in your life?

Don’t have one…I have been blessed with good luck.

What message would you like to give for someone who wants to pursue bodybuilding Career?

Have a back up plan; build your body and bank account at the same and stay healthy, not being around to enjoy life is a waste of your life.

Thank you so much for your valuable time. Is there anything you would like to add?

No sweat… A lot of people will owe me apologies coming very soon.

Contest	Place
2007 IFBB Montreal Pro Classic	8th
2007 IFBB New York Men's Pro Bodybuilding Contest	9th
2006 IFBB Europa Super Show	11th
2006 IFBB New York Pro	6th
2005 IFBB San Francisco Pro	12th
2005 IFBB Arnold Classic And Internationals	11th
2005 IFBB Iron Man Pro	5th
2004 IFBB Grand Prix Australia	5th
2004 IFBB Arnold Classic And Internationals	8th
2003 IFBB Night Of Champions	4th
2002 IFBB GNC Show Of Strength	11th
2002 IFBB Olympia1	7th
2001 IFBB Olympia	10th
2001 IFBB Arnold Classic And Internationals	4th
2001 IFBB Ironman Pro	3rd