TRAINING, TRAINING, TRAINING...

"...so we either step up or we step the fuck off. That's the game, yo" - Bodie

So, people have asked me to elaborate a little more regarding my training. I understand this won't be every one's cup of tea but I've met quite a few martial artists on my travels who've asked.

First of all i must mention Lynn C Thompson. He's been a long-distance coach from the beginning. From motivational phone calls and emails to "homework" videos and his Cold Steel training DVDs. Lynn remains a training inspiration and a great motivator.

For techniques and training i have watched (and taken notes from):
The Warrior's Edge
The Cold Steel Challenge
Self Defense with the Saber and Cutlass
The Fighting Tomahawk
The Fighting Machete
Filipino Boxing

KETTLEBELLS and CLUB BELLS


My Kettlebells were provided by Powerhouse

My Club Bells (and other sports equipment)were provided by Fitstream

My Kettlebell training is under the watchful eye of the exceptionally talented Mr Phil Earley at NKC

WEAPONS TRAINING


My (polypropolene)training swords and sticks are courtesy of Cold Steel Inc

My Manau Rattan sticks are courtesy of Canestore

My padded sticks and knives are made by "Got Stick" and my armour is courtesy of Guro Krishna Godhania at Warrior's Eskrima

My Weapons Coach (covering stick, sword and knife) is Mr Ben Creighton

My training and sparring partners vary regularly, but i should shout out to Michael Williams (JKD and Phoenix Kali), John Kelso (Kendo) and Peter Hartley (Phoenix Kali)

THROWING



My throwing Tomahawks, Axes, Shovels and Knives are courtesy of Cold Steel UK

The wooden discs i throw at were provided by The Woodsmith's Store

My Throwing Coaches are Mr Ben Creighton (knives)and Mr Maurice Pyle (axes and tomahawks)

EMPTY HAND TRAINING



My awesome Rocky inspired punch bag (The Butcher's Bag) was provided by Bond St Boxing

My Boxing Coach is Dr Iain Brownlee

I have also had the good fortune to participate in part of the UK PDR Course courtesy of Mr Tony Blauer - a truly life changing experience...



THE FRIDGE



The Fridge is the nickname of my training space, a warehouse provided by Hoults Yard, Byker

This training space is perfect for my needs, 24 hour access, custom throwing range (with home made targets) and three massive rooms for me to mess about it. I can't thank Hoults enough...

I still continue to explore more martial arts and training options as my challenge continues. My custom made tyre dummy (nicknamed "The Dalek") has a lot of martial artists talking. I also have an improvised De Cuerdas (a staff suspended by climbing rope that whips around as you hit it) that people have asked about.

My training photos are taken by the awesome Sheriff Mitchell who has created a group on his flickr account just for me...

I hope that's been of interest and it answers questions. If anyone wants to know more (regarding specific drills or techniques i am being taught) please drop me a line at fatdocinfo@gmail.com

thanks

Andy

BLAUER TACTICAL

"Those that talk can be persuaded to walk" - Tony Blauer

So, tomorrow I'm off to visit Mr Tony Blauer

Tony is considered the world's foremost self defense instructor and a specialist in confrontation control and fear assessment and management.

You can see why I'm excited to meet this dude.

One thing that's been playing on my mind lately is the "reality" of my training.

Martial Arts are amazing and have a great deal of grounding in self defense. I train with sticks, swords, axes and knives as well as my bare hands but i am very aware that i am preparing for a tournament...a competition. A scary thing (the thought still makes me sick with nerves) but a competition with rules nonetheless.

I believe my training will help me with confidence, conditioning, strength, angle recognition, speed and awareness...all things that are undoubtedly very "real" and have a great deal of merit if you think about self defense, but ultimately i am learning to compete, not to fight.

When i was a kid i trained in Karate. I was pretty good for a chunky kid in NHS spectacles. I even entered (and did OK in) a few full contact tournaments...yet in the real world i was being physically bullied every day.

One thing i am exploring with the help of Tony is the psychology of fear. Understanding why people freeze and how to cope with that.

I never want to be in another fight for the rest of my life, this film isn't about being tough or hitting folks. I want to explore (and face) a few fears and learn to deal with a few demons.

The Cold Steel Challenge is going to be an epic undertaking, it'll be scary and painful and probably the toughest thing I've ever done...but what I'm realizing is that the preparation and training for this challenge is addressing much deeper issues as well.

It's funny, but this film is honestly changing me....

I can't wait to meet the new me at the end of this

Andy

OH SNAP!

The following are all photos by the incredible Mr Sheriff Mitchell
Check out the set on his Flickr page