In 2014, the life of Erbol Zheentaev, full of energy and optimism, changed drastically. At a wedding, a misunderstanding led to a conflict that escalated into a fight. This incident resulted in Erbol suffering a severe traumatic brain injury, and he found himself in a hospital bed.
Three months in a coma: how a random fight at a wedding turned into tragedy
At first, no one realized the seriousness of his condition, and the hematoma on his head went unnoticed. However, in the hospital, Erbol developed brain swelling, which led to the first surgery. Unfortunately, a rebleeding occurred in the morning, necessitating a second operation. After that, Erbol fell into a coma for three months.His family went through difficult times. While his wife gave birth to their second son, Erbol fought for his life.
“I saw people, but I couldn’t say a word. Perhaps deep down I was speaking, but I couldn’t express it,” he shares his memories.
Overcoming: how Erbol returned to life after a long recovery
After being discharged, a new phase of struggle began. A year and a half of complete immobility and dependence on loved ones. His mother, brother and sister-in-law, and friends constantly supported him morally and physically.
The moments when he had to use diapers were especially difficult for him. It was hard for him.
“That was my first goal. As soon as I can get rid of the diaper, it means I can do more,” says Erbol.
Recovery began with small steps. Erbol learned to move by leaning on furniture and the support of his relatives. What seemed simple for a healthy person became a true triumph and a return to life for him.
His children became his main motivators. “I didn’t want them to see me helpless, like a vegetable. I didn’t want my mom, brother, and loved ones to cry because of me,” Erbol recounts.
Although he cried at times, he never showed his tears to anyone. He made himself a promise: life should not end at 26.
During this period, Erbol went through a divorce. Later, in 2018, he tried to restore his relationship with his ex-wife, but she refused. This made him realize that he needed to get back on his feet for the sake of his children and himself.
His friends supported him. One of them, Bektur, brought him shawarma, which became a symbol of his former life when he could enjoy food. At that time, he was being fed through a tube — food was given in liquid form.
This small moment awakened in him a desire to live fully: to chew again, to taste, and to eat independently. Gradually, the tube was removed, and he set a new goal — to recover through proper nutrition and discipline.
New love and wedding
A new love entered his life, and he fondly remembers walks in Bishkek when his legs, which used to hurt, no longer caused discomfort.
“It felt like first love. Spring, you can’t sleep, you’re constantly thinking…” Erbol shares.
The wedding took place in November 2025.
Coaching career: how Erbol broke doctors' prohibitions
He never dreamed of being a coach, but life forced him. He started small — lifting 2-kilogram dumbbells and gradually increasing the load. Doctors strongly recommended that he avoid the gym, but he continued to train, constantly consulting with doctors and studying recovery methods. Erbol began to read, study anatomy, and consider the risks — that excessive loads could harm the nerves and blood vessels.
Erbol has a doctor he has trusted for many years — a therapist and other specialists with whom he maintains contact.
“I am currently in stable condition. If something happens, I immediately consult doctors. They know anatomy better,” says Erbol.
Every year he undergoes preventive treatment for his brain: it used to be every six months, now it’s annually. This helps keep his condition normal.
Although the consequences of the injury remain, and his memory sometimes lets him down, Erbol has learned to document important moments and supports his memory with medications and vitamins.
He has been working in one of the gyms in Bishkek for about six years. Not just a trainer, but an inspiring mentor. People come to him not only for physical results but also for psychological support, as he knows how to speak in a way that makes people reconsider their views.
“Sometimes I communicate with my students in such a way that they cry because I deeply understand their experiences,” he notes.
Erbol receives many messages on Instagram from those wishing to train specifically with him, as he is not just a theorist but a person who has gone through hardships. His philosophy is simple: “If you place a ball down, it just stays there. But if you push it, it will roll. The same goes for a person: you can’t stay in place, you need to move forward.”
Erbol's approach is based on quality, gradualness, and discipline. He does not promise miracles but teaches what really works: discipline, dietary control, limiting sweets, and proper loads.
“I can provide motivation. But discipline must be built by oneself. Until you educate yourself, no one else can do it,” he emphasizes.
Umrah for mom and the power of faith: the importance of moving forward
Faith occupies an important place in Erbol's life. He believes that Allah has always been with him and “showed the way.” In 2025, he was able to take his mother to Umrah and considers this one of his greatest achievements.
Today, Erbol lives life to the fullest: he trains, helps others, actively communicates with his children, and maintains contact with his relatives. He is confident that goals should constantly grow, and movement should never stop.
The most important thing he learned from his experience: true strength is not manifested in easy times, but when it seems impossible to rise, yet you do it anyway.
Life principles of Erbol Zheentaev: the philosophy of overcoming
