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