PARKINSONZ ACEs
Adapt, Conquer, Empower Others

Meet Jagdeep Singh Aujila
In 2021, Jagdeep Singh Aujla, a 52-year-old East Londoner, learned he had Parkinson’s. His symptoms had begun 15 months earlier with a subtle twitch in his right-hand index finger. While he had suspected the diagnosis, the final confirmation hit hard. Sitting on a park bench outside the hospital, Jagdeep allowed himself to cry—just once—before resolving to face his new reality head-on.
As a lifelong martial artist and a baptized Sikh, Jagdeep leaned into the resilience instilled in him by both his training and his faith. In Sikhism, the concept of “Chardi Kala”—an enduring spirit of optimism and positivity—offered him a path forward. He saw his diagnosis not as a defeat but as an obstacle to overcome. With the unwavering support of his family—his wife, children, siblings, and even his elderly parents—he found strength to move forward.

A Cultural Lens: Strength and Stigma
Jagdeep credits his Sikh upbringing for shaping his response to Parkinson’s. The principle of Chardi Kala encourages Sikhs to face life’s challenges with high morale and unyielding optimism. This mindset enabled him to see Parkinson’s as another chapter in his story, not the conclusion.
Yet, Jagdeep recognizes the cultural hurdles that others in his community face. In many cultures, including his own, conditions like Parkinson’s can be met with stigma or embarrassment, discouraging open conversations and social engagement. Rather than shy away, Jagdeep has chosen to confront this head-on. He has visited households, encouraging others to see beyond the diagnosis, break down barriers, and embrace the value of social and physical activity.
In his words, “I am determined to help our community understand that Parkinson’s isn’t a weakness or something to hide—it’s an opportunity to show strength.”

The Birth of Dopamine Warriors Boxing Club
During his diagnosis consultation, Jagdeep’s neurologist emphasized the importance of exercise, specifically suggesting boxing. That recommendation turned out to be a silver lining. With over 30 years of martial arts and boxing experience, Jagdeep found his way forward.
He established the Dopamine Warriors Boxing Club, a space dedicated to empowering individuals with Parkinson’s through boxing. The club became a beacon of hope and a platform for raising awareness about the condition. Under Jagdeep’s guidance, members not only improve their physical health but also find a supportive community that understands the challenges of Parkinson’s.
For Jagdeep, boxing isn’t just about punches and footwork—it’s about fighting back against Parkinson’s. “Exercise, done correctly, can slow the progression of the disease,” he says. “We’re not just training bodies; we’re training minds to embrace resilience and defy expectations.”

Living the Spirit of Chardi Kala
Despite the challenges Parkinson’s presents, Jagdeep’s outlook remains unwaveringly positive. He lives each day as if it were his last, mindful of the condition’s progression and inspired by the global disparities in access to medication. “In places like Africa and Asia,” he reflects, “many people don’t have access to the care we often take for granted. This perspective drives my gratitude and fuels my advocacy.”
Jagdeep’s advice to others newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s is clear and practical:
• Avoid falling into the trap of misinformation by consulting trusted resources.
• Exercise regularly, and if possible, find knowledgeable instructors who understand Parkinson’s.
• Embrace a healthy diet and maintain social interactions, whether in person or online.
Jagdeep’s journey is a testament to the power of cultural strength, community, and determination. By combining the principles of Sikhism with his lifelong dedication to martial arts, he has not only faced Parkinson’s with grace but also helped others do the same.
His message to the world echoes the resilience of Chardi Kala: “Parkinson’s is not the end—it’s a new fight. Together, we can punch through the limits and thrive.”
The Questions
What symptoms did you have that led you to seek medical attention?
Right hand index finger slight twitch
How long had you been having symptoms before you were diagnosed?
Index finger twitch started in April 2020, was diagnosed in June 2021 so that would be 15 months.
Is there anything about your culture that you find makes it easier or more difficult for someone with Parkinson's?
Two answers to this one:
First:
Personally to me I have taken Parkinson’s in my stride, I am a baptized Sikh I believe these are
one of the many obstacles that are put in our way and it’s up to us how we cope, there is a
saying in Sikhism ‘Chardi Kala’ which translates to: ‘Powerful Punjabi term embodies a spirit of
relentless optimism and high morale, regardless of life’s ups and downs. It’s a core principle in
Sikhism that encourages positivity and a resilient outlook’.
My family – Wife. Daughter, Son, Siblings are rocks to me, my father aged 91, mother aged 86
are all pinnacle of inspiration to me.
Second:
In many cultures as well as Sikhism, there can be a sense of embarrassment, stigma etc this
can make them not be socially active, I have visited many house’s to help in motivating them.
What was your initial reaction to your diagnosis?
I sort of knew it was Parkinson’s but until you don’t hear those three words ‘You Have
Parkinson’s I went by myself for the diagnosis which I still don’t know if it was a good thing or
bad, directly outside the hospital are park benches where I sat and had a cry, this was the last
time I cried about the diagnosis.
What helped set you on a positive trajectory?
During my consultation, the Neurologists recommended I exercise, I responded what type of exercise as I’ve been exercising from young age (10), first exercise mentioned was ‘Boxing’ this was my silver lining, as I had been teaching martial arts for over 30 years which included boxing.
This started the motion of raising awareness, creation of Dopamine Warriors Boxing Club, campaigning, advocacy.
How has your diagnosis changed how you perceive your future?
My perception for my future hasn’t changed, I am great believer in thinking of each day as it may be my last also not forgetting ‘Chardi kala’, I have helped people who are stage 5 so am fully aware of where this unique condition can take us.
I also think about the world around us places like Africa, Asia where medication isn’t freely available and if it is the cost is out of reach for the majority.
What advice would you give someone new to PD?
Hopefully your specialist should give you some good advice, do not google search; instead visit sites like Michael J Fox or Parkinson’s Foundation, Parkinson’s UK etc.
Try connecting with motivational people that can support, there are lots of Parkinson’s communities.
Exercise, exercise, exercise, we know with research exercise if done correctly can slow the progression, join local Parkinson’s exercise groups, where possible instructors should have sound knowledge of the condition, check to see how and who they are accredited to.
I am a social interaction person and it’s important to interact socially, this isn’t possible there any many online classes’.
Follow a good diet, it’s important we watch what we eat as per the famous words of Hippocrates “Father of Medicine” (460-370BC).
“For food and exercise, while possessing opposite qualities, yet work together to produce health”
