tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74249388718155132772024-03-13T05:45:55.563-07:00KimuraKoiWriting and fightingXOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-47804867906451214022015-01-01T05:34:00.001-08:002015-01-01T05:34:32.330-08:002015A shiney new year must mean a shiney new blog post! I am in the middle of writing a longer post that kind of sums up the last 6 years of my BJJ life but its turning into a novel and needs a bit more time to make it readable but I wanted to post something today. <br />
2014 was a great year, for the most part I was busy in a new job, organising my wedding then getting married but after our honeymoon I got back to training and entered 3 comps and got meddles in 2. <br />
I felt like a nervous wreck getting back to competitions and it was hard getting to the light weight category but I'm glad I did it and I got another stripe on my purple belt at the end of year grading. <br />
I think I will give my body a bit more time to get back to a ower weight before entering another comp but I am looking forward to a year of really focusing on BJJ and am setting up some women's only classes as I miss teaching. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QyOKqIbQyyo/VKVFurE3tHI/AAAAAAAAAqU/TWEZ_4d_OWU/s1600/_DSC1898-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QyOKqIbQyyo/VKVFurE3tHI/AAAAAAAAAqU/TWEZ_4d_OWU/s320/_DSC1898-2.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p820DpvP6nA/VKVGxmCbmLI/AAAAAAAAAqk/FcpQOmTrPbs/s1600/reitercogel.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p820DpvP6nA/VKVGxmCbmLI/AAAAAAAAAqk/FcpQOmTrPbs/s320/reitercogel.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RO6I46KtXPs/VKVHEAWws3I/AAAAAAAAAqs/uICppJqCYhc/s1600/mount%2Blake%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RO6I46KtXPs/VKVHEAWws3I/AAAAAAAAAqs/uICppJqCYhc/s320/mount%2Blake%2B6.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5bGLS0xyVHs/VKVFzuMpZ6I/AAAAAAAAAqc/Lll-18XmBsA/s1600/rach%2Bthe%2Bber%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5bGLS0xyVHs/VKVFzuMpZ6I/AAAAAAAAAqc/Lll-18XmBsA/s320/rach%2Bthe%2Bber%2B1.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qGct30MJ0Q4/VKVCsJv38KI/AAAAAAAAApA/8XSehjG2oOw/s1600/268379_341194855963865_1091894365_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qGct30MJ0Q4/VKVCsJv38KI/AAAAAAAAApA/8XSehjG2oOw/s320/268379_341194855963865_1091894365_n.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ytcP8uI_OrY/VKVCuGV5g7I/AAAAAAAAApI/NC4qqI2hQoY/s1600/304516_3941890356050_1694739204_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ytcP8uI_OrY/VKVCuGV5g7I/AAAAAAAAApI/NC4qqI2hQoY/s320/304516_3941890356050_1694739204_n.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGaE3TCFtkk/VKVCwO5X7wI/AAAAAAAAApQ/osaK2fDdglo/s1600/430769_375904135826270_1345148478_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGaE3TCFtkk/VKVCwO5X7wI/AAAAAAAAApQ/osaK2fDdglo/s320/430769_375904135826270_1345148478_n.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PKneG5pNnnk/VKVCw-OVF6I/AAAAAAAAApY/3EvSa3NGVgE/s1600/542203_3941889956040_2144407626_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PKneG5pNnnk/VKVCw-OVF6I/AAAAAAAAApY/3EvSa3NGVgE/s320/542203_3941889956040_2144407626_n.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kxWz4T2orAg/VKVCxlSzFJI/AAAAAAAAApg/WfwROz41-lI/s1600/1238920_513093458774003_1554072760_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kxWz4T2orAg/VKVCxlSzFJI/AAAAAAAAApg/WfwROz41-lI/s320/1238920_513093458774003_1554072760_n.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYMfocG0q14/VKVCyxdXGTI/AAAAAAAAApo/FoHq-1LdLZA/s1600/1381437_10203001516094666_2480343356986982149_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYMfocG0q14/VKVCyxdXGTI/AAAAAAAAApo/FoHq-1LdLZA/s320/1381437_10203001516094666_2480343356986982149_n.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8H3TBAyABXc/VKVC0M5cs8I/AAAAAAAAApw/2yRSK8KyLfI/s1600/1526377_10202616111899802_2151405311567791302_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8H3TBAyABXc/VKVC0M5cs8I/AAAAAAAAApw/2yRSK8KyLfI/s320/1526377_10202616111899802_2151405311567791302_n.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N2IaKbVGzds/VKVC1H189zI/AAAAAAAAAp0/ufkW9Xxj4QA/s1600/10665967_756212121082538_1282086254521226299_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N2IaKbVGzds/VKVC1H189zI/AAAAAAAAAp0/ufkW9Xxj4QA/s320/10665967_756212121082538_1282086254521226299_n.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yt8GRsDeTgI/VKVC1rgYeXI/AAAAAAAAAp8/KQn8wUDTVSM/s1600/1467336_10154793538750506_1186179555821098938_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yt8GRsDeTgI/VKVC1rgYeXI/AAAAAAAAAp8/KQn8wUDTVSM/s320/1467336_10154793538750506_1186179555821098938_n.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tCm19z9wIR4/VKVC2RvHvEI/AAAAAAAAAqE/79fmXeDOl2M/s1600/10646694_713577122058968_6940790917693233150_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tCm19z9wIR4/VKVC2RvHvEI/AAAAAAAAAqE/79fmXeDOl2M/s320/10646694_713577122058968_6940790917693233150_n.jpg" /></a> XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-85573116777842295922013-01-30T16:35:00.000-08:002013-01-30T16:35:33.139-08:00Don't beat yourself upI haven't been training much but I have been beating myself up about it constantly.<br />
<br />
Any one that has put their life on hold to train for a sporting competition understands that sacrifices need to be made to achieve set goals. Especially when competing in combat sports, where failure can equal serious injury or at the very least a hit to the ego. <br />
<br />
When I have a fight that I am training seriously for, I don't go out so see friends and family, days are a cycle of training hard and eating clean,early mornings and late nights, which can often isolate friends and family that don't share the same values. <br />
<br />
Lately I find myself in a position where I just don't have the strength to make so many sacrifices and am unable to make the ruthless commitment to training that is required to compete. Its got to the stage where trying to please everyone and give training, work and family and friends my all has just become impossible and at the minute the latter need to take priority.<br />
<br />
This has left me feeling depressed and generally not myself, as training has become a part of me and without it I feel a bit lost. I am someone that always puts in 100% to everything I do and the anxiety of not performing to my best means that for once I need to ask coaches and training partners to be understanding and supportive while I focus my energy else where. Something I have grown accustomed to asking of friends and family and even work while I am training for a competition or fight.<br />
<br />
For the next month my family, friends and my job need my time and focus. I'm not just skiving off training because I can't be bothered or I've got a new boyfriend, everything I do in life is to reach a goal or objective and sometimes these won't be related to training but to other parts of my life. <br />
<br />
That being said I feel a bit of a weight lifted as I can take some time to just enjoy training again, and that can hopefully start by going to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/106161222787685/?fref=ts">Women's BJJ open mat</a> this Sunday. <br />
XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-16971267089924177452012-12-24T02:02:00.001-08:002012-12-24T02:02:57.537-08:002012 Summary Well it has been a busy year for me, I haven't been as active in my training as I would have liked to have been mainly due to a knee injury but still proud of my achievements!<br />
<br />
<b>2012 Summary</b><br />
<b>Competed at the Europeans and placed third:</b> I love the Europeans and am really sad that I cant make it this year as it is a great competition.<br />
<br />
<b>Had a K1 fight:</b> Stand-up isn't my strong point but it was a great experience and I found it 100 x harder than grappling or MMA.<br />
<br />
<b>Had a boxing fight:</b> I am gutted that I lost but I never thought in a million years I would even have the confidence to give boxing a shot, I will fight again and I will win! <br />
<br />
I trained with so many amazing people and seen my friends and team mates kick so much ass! So thanks to my coaches at First Generation Fitness in Eastbourne for always pushing me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Phz4DkYuBG0/UNgnB1kObCI/AAAAAAAAAj0/x85pOGoodPw/s1600/481540_4707848371985_1835666846_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="153" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Phz4DkYuBG0/UNgnB1kObCI/AAAAAAAAAj0/x85pOGoodPw/s320/481540_4707848371985_1835666846_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So what are my plans for 2013? <br />
<br />
I want to compete a lot more in BJJ and really push my grappling to the next level! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.superfightleague.com/fighters/Female-Bantam-Weight#Rachael McMillan">I want to fight pro MMA</a>! Hopefully this is in the pipelines with Super Fight League XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-21427082741901688792012-08-30T00:58:00.002-07:002012-09-01T03:33:12.099-07:00Lutadora Review of WFB<br />
The cage door closes and two mixed martial artists stand in front of each other. There's a palpable tension before the referee signals the start of the fight; the training is over and now it's down to the athletes to perform. Will there be a knock out? Submission? Or maybe a gruelling three round decision? Either way; to compete at the highest level of this sport you've got to be a pretty tough guy.<br />
<br />
Except these two fighters aren't guys. They're competitors in the UK's first all-women MMA event, ‘Women Fight Back’. The fight card featured two professional and five amateur MMA bouts, along with two K1 and two white collar boxing matches.<br />
<br />
It's an indicator of the rapid rise in popularity of female mixed martial arts. Fighters like Olympic judo gold medallist and current Strikeforce 135lb champ Ronda Rousey have paved the way for women's combat sports. America even has a female-only MMA promotion, Invicta FC, which is gearing up for its third event after its first two successful shows. <br />
<br />
But, back to the UK, last night's event was organised in aid of domestic abuse with all proceeds going to Victim Support. The event was made possible from various volunteers from the MMA community and served to showcase what a positive force the sport can be. <br />
<br />
The event kicked off with a Kenjitsu demonstration from multiple world martial arts champion Rubie Planson who later said, “it’s been great to be part of this event, I think it will really open doors for women in martial arts.”<br />
<br />
www.lutadora.co.uk was at the event with female fight brand FighterGirls. Emmaline Francis, a fighter competing in an MMA exhibition match was sporting FighterGirls shorts. “It’s amazing to be part of this event, I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she said. “I love the FighterGirl gear.”<br />
<br />
At no point did the fight card disappoint: from the heated brawling in the white collar boxing matches to the more technical K1 striking, and from the tough three round battles to the clinical submissions each fight was exciting in its own right. It goes to show these women are fighters and no matter what you think about female combat sports, they’re here to stay.<br />
<br />
For more information about Victim Support visit their website here: <a href="http://www.victimsupport.org/">http://www.victimsupport.org/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Make sure you follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WomenFightBackFightShow">Women Fight Back on Facebook</a> for a repeat performance next year in April<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fightersinfocus.co.uk/"><br />
Have a look at all the great pics from the night too!</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fightersinfocus.co.uk/"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qo78MnTfoBQ/UECIAhHcTEI/AAAAAAAAAhs/SAXl7jA2iTo/s1600/293254_398553826865634_1565296071_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="213" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qo78MnTfoBQ/UECIAhHcTEI/AAAAAAAAAhs/SAXl7jA2iTo/s320/293254_398553826865634_1565296071_n.jpg" /></a></div></a>XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-27080992379607612752012-08-27T09:04:00.000-07:002012-08-27T09:04:05.066-07:00WFBI always hate people that make bullshit excuses after losing. I won't lie I'm crushed that I lost and it will probably take a while for me to feel better. Lesson learnt that if you don't feel 100% mentally of physically its not fair to yourself, or coaches and team mates, to go into a fight that you've already lost before you've even stepped into the cage. <br />
<br />
Still, the event brought some really great people together and I am happy my team mates and friends all did so well and showcased just how talented they are. Big well done and thank you to Emma Smith and Gary Bond for making the event happen and Izzy Carwath for tireless work in matchmaking and promoting. Thanks to everyone that supported including <a href="http://www.rewkachu.com/awakening/">Rew Mitchell</a> and <a href="http://www.lutadora.co.uk/">Rebekka Francis</a>. <br />
<br />
Review of the event in more detail to come soon!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-13122264732653138142012-07-21T08:49:00.000-07:002012-07-21T10:37:31.936-07:00Women Fight Back Press Release<b> IN AID OF VICTIM SUPPORT</b><br />
<b> COLOSSEUM SPORTS PRESENTS:</b><br />
<b> WOMEN FIGHT BACK</b><br />
· ALL WOMEN FIGHT CARD<br />
· 8 WOMEN’S MMA BOUTS<br />
· ALL PROFITS GO TO NATIONAL CHARITY VICTIM SUPPORT<br />
· 25th AUGUST AT 7PM, ALDERSHOT (UK)<br />
<br />
Emma Smith: "Victim Support helped me out so much in my life, I wanted to give something back"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.csmma.com">Buy tickets online</a>: or call 0845 528 0979, <br />
<br />
Sponsored by Cage Queen<br />
<br />
(London, 20th July.12) Colosseum Sports is proud to present ‘Women Fight Back’ at Fight Science Gym in Aldershot (UK) on 25th August at 7pm, boasting a rare all female card. The event is a not-for-profit fundraiser, both organised and carried out by volunteers from the UK MMA community.<br />
<br />
It is an indicator of the growth in the number of women now competing in Mixed Martial Arts that Women Fight Back is able to host 8 British female MMA bouts on one card (with more to come), with all competitors matched at equal weight and fairly in terms of experience.<br />
<br />
Boxing, with its long history, took until 1998 to grant women licenses to fight. With MMA (in its present form) only emerging in 1993, the younger sport has been far quicker to embrace women athletes. It is resonant of the times that in the midst of the very first Olympics to include women’s boxing, such an event is now possible and that a British promoter is willing to get behind it.<br />
<br />
The Pro MMA bouts include square-offs between Cherie Buck and Chloe Hinchcliffe, Rachael McMillan and Kate Jackson, Emma Watson and Andrea Gladiatrix; with a further 5 confirmed Amateur bouts and more to be added. The card also hopes to feature an Amateur boxing bout (yet to be matched) with two times ABA champ, Juta; and showcases white collar boxing and K1 earlier in the night.<br />
<br />
Women Fight Back has drawn together the goodwill of a who’s who of well-known industry names: UFC referee, Michelle Drake Browning, will be flying in from the United States to oversee the fights, as Victim Support is a charity close to her heart. She will be refereeing alongside UK fighter, Danielle West. Judges are to include world #2 ranking Flyweight Rosi Sexton and UFC competitor, Oli Thompson. Commentators include reputed UK MMA journalist, Brad Wharton. For added star quality, UK MMA institution, Bret ‘Hollywood’ Freeman, will be bringing his glitter-factor to the mic, next to glamorous presenter, Cherelle-Jay O’Donnell, daughter to legendary promoter Cage Rage Dave. With UK fighter personalities Louis King, Tomasz Czerwinski, Dom Clarke, Steve Dossett and Tolly Plested brought into the mix as ring boys; and with scene queens including Little Red and Michaela (Fight Medics UK) promising to step into the cage, Women Fight Back is set to be an unmissable night of entertainment.<br />
<br />
The driving force behind Women Fight Back is Emma Smith, owner of Aphrodite Ring Girls and partner to Colosseum Sports promoter, Gary Bond.<br />
Smith said: “Victim support helped me out so much, years ago when I was in a very volatile marriage; and that’s what inspired me to want to do something that would give back to Victim Support, as they do such a fantastic job. Everyone I have approached to volunteer their time for this event has been really up for contributing to the cause. I’d like to thank Victim Support for the changes they made in my life and to all the people who have donated their time and effort into making this event possible. It has brought together people from different parts of the industry for a positive purpose and I’m really proud of that achievement and everyone involved.”<br />
<br />
Maralyn Smith, Victim Support Divisional Manager for Surrey said: “We always appreciate it when people and other organisations take the initiative to raise much needed funds for Victim Support. I’m delighted that we helped Emma Smith when she needed us the most during her volatile marriage. The money raised from this event will support victims of domestic violence and other crimes.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>WOMEN FIGHT BACK<br />
FIGHT CARD</b><br />
(with more fights to be confirmed)<br />
<br />
Pro MMA Fights<br />
FLYWEIGHT BOUT<br />
RACHAEL MCMILLAN VS. KATE JACKSON<br />
(0-0-0, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt) (4-1-0)<br />
BANTAMWEIGHT BOUT<br />
CHLOE HINCHCLFFE VS. CHERIE BUCK<br />
(0-2-1) (1-2-1)<br />
FLYWEIGHT BOUT<br />
ANDREA GLADIATRIX VS. EMMA WATSON<br />
(1-1-0) (2-2-0)<br />
<br />
Amateur MMA Fights<br />
BANTAMWEIGHT BOUT<br />
KIRSTY DAVIS VS. CHERYL FLYNN<br />
FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT<br />
PAULA DONNELLY VS. LJ ADAMS<br />
FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT<br />
EMMA LUXFORD VS. LAURA HOWARTH<br />
FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT<br />
KERRY HUGHES VS. KERRY MASARATI<br />
FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT<br />
BEX PACKHAM VS. CHARLOTTE STEPHEN<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
For all event enquiries contact: emma.smith@colosseumsports.co.uk or Gary.Bond@colosseumsports.co.uk<br />
For press enquiries contact: izzycarnwath@gmail.com<br />
For more information about Victim Support contact: rupi.gohlar@victimsupport.org.uk<br />
About Victim Support<br />
<b> <br />
About Victim Support </b><br />
<br />
The national charity for people affected by crime and gives help to over 1 million people every year.<br />
The funds raised at this event will go towards training 6,000 volunteers who give free and confidential information, emotional support and practical help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported and regardless of when it happened.<br />
Victim Support also runs the Witness Service which supports witnesses when they give evidence in court, as well as the Victim Supportline.<br />
If you want to make a donation to Victim Support, please go to: <a href="http://www.victimsupport.org.uk/Donate">www.victimsupport.org.uk/Donate</a><br />
<b> <br />
About Coliseum Sports</b><br />
<br />
Established in August 2011 by Gary Bond, Colosseum Sports Ltd. harnesses over 20 years of experience in the Martial Arts Industry, coupled with highly professional business acumen which has been gathered by running very successful businesses in the entertainment, marketing and public relations industries.<br />
<br />
We pride ourselves on two core values, quality and integrity. This is evidenced by the way we manage our Fighters, produce and host our fight Shows, our R.I.P. Product Range and our ring girls and event/promotional staff.<br />
<br />
<b>About Cage Queen</b><br />
<a href="http://www.cagequeen.co.uk">www.cagequeen.co.uk</a><br />
<br />
Cage Queen was set up to address the growing number of lone females training in MMA gyms across the UK, where trying find a good match or trying to someone your weight to spar with can be a challenge. The Cage Queen website collates fighter records at Amateur and Pro level and covers Women’s MMA fight news for the UK.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xTd8zhfuN5o/UAroyUWkI2I/AAAAAAAAAhc/FMSCw1scF6k/s1600/382384_381881305200907_1788374101_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="227" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xTd8zhfuN5o/UAroyUWkI2I/AAAAAAAAAhc/FMSCw1scF6k/s320/382384_381881305200907_1788374101_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-89488266241879743522012-06-17T00:33:00.001-07:002013-01-09T14:33:17.976-08:00How to Balance training and your JobLife is how I like it at the minute, busy and interesting however since starting my new job in February I have been struggling to stick to my training routine.<br />
As there so much I want to do and achieve at the minute, I thought I would take some time to get organised and share some of my time management techniques and ways to keep motivated even with a busy work schedule.<br />
<br />
When I used to work for Bupa people would always moan that they didn't exercise because they just didn't have any time due to work. My response would always be "oh it must be horrible having no free time what so ever!" to which they would always catch themselves and start to think about what they had just announced. More often than not they would begrudgingly admit they had a bit of free time here and there which they could be using more efficiently with a little bit of effort. <br />
<br />
And a little bit of effort is really all it takes. I usually do my planning on Saturdays or Sundays and go through the following tasks. At the start of the month I might take a bit longer to review events and appointments that I may have agreed to (facebook is good for this) and when I know I have a fight or competition coming up that is when I really need to put in the extra effort to stay organised. <br />
<br />
<br />
1) <b>Keep a diary: </b>I like one with week and month views so I can see what I'm up against with one quick glance. Also it is a good idea to develop a monthly and weekly plans for the things you want to achieve in work and training to help keep you focused. <br />
<br />
2)<b>Make a time table of it all. </b>I use a simple table with days of the week in the vertical column and the following heading on the horizontal: <br />
<br />
<b>Appointments/events: </b>This immediately lets me know if I have anything important on that day and often effects how I plan my day/week.<br />
<br />
<b>To do/reading/study: </b>This is where I add anything I really need to do that day usually its to write articles and blog posts or read up about something, practice my Portuguese, make a batch of healthy meals or whatever<br />
<br />
<b>Remember:</b> An extra hint to remember training kit, extra snacks, an important document, call someone <br />
<br />
<b>Training:</b> I like to know what training I can fit it and make sure I'm getting enough in especially when I have a fight or competition coming up <br />
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Scheduling your appointments like this lets you see if you are being overambitious and helps you iron out the finer details of your week. Make sure you factor in time to relax and just chill or see family and friends, it sounds obvious but rest and leisure can help reduce stress and help prevent over training. *If I'm feeling extra geeky I will also note down the weather, helps with making outfit choices for work<br />
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3)<b>Prepare things:</b> <br />
Making plans are all well and good but the important part is executing them. This can take a little bit more thought and consideration but if you have taken the time to get the first steps right it shouldn't be too difficult and you will get into a routine soon enough <br />
For me sticking to my routine is aided by making sure I have meals and clothes planned for the week ahead. It sounds silly but its so easy to make excuses not to go training if you've eaten badly and don't have energy or if you have to stop off home first to get training kit. <br />
Try planning meals and stash some extra snacks in your bag, at work, (at the gym if your lucky enough to have a locker or somewhere greedy boxing coaches won't find)<br />
I make sure I have enough training gear for the week and typically might stash some stuff at the gym so I don't have to lug it into work every day *hard to look stylish with a huge backpack on! Make sure your training bag is stashed full of useful bits and bobs (hairbands nail clippers, towel etc.) <br />
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4) Motivation: <br />
Long stressful days can leave you with a lack of motivation to go to the gym, some days I actually fall asleep on the train home but when I get to training I always feel better. <br />
A strong black coffee first thing when you get in and right before you leave can help Try announcing your plans to go train on facebook or texting your coach, once you feel you have committed yourself it will be make it harder to make excuses to go home and vegetate! <br />
I collect my favourite motivational quotes (twitter is good for training quotes) and write them on post it notes for when I'm feeling particularly uninspired. <br />
Make a playlist: Nothing makes me feel like hitting the gym than listening to some dubstep or heavy metal, if someone on the train asks you to turn down it down you have that instant can only be fixed by training irritation :) <br />
Head to youtube and watch some videos of people that really inspire you or your favourite fight, I always get that must smash feeling when ever I watch a really good fight. <br />
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Feel free to share any tips as these are just some of the things that have been working for me. <br />
XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-63051181028976926042012-05-26T05:54:00.000-07:002012-05-26T05:54:51.229-07:00AwesomenessWhat up internet, so I haven't blogged in a while,, boo me! Its been pretty hectic with training and work.<br />
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I have been really lucky and been able to train with 2 of the UK's most talented and well known WMMA fighters Rosi Sexton and Danielle West. <br />
If you're reading this and don't know who these women are then shame on you! <br />
These girls have been on the scene for nearly ten years now and are really are true pioneers of the sport! <br />
Its crazy because I think of WMMA now and how much support we get and even then its still a difficult and challenging sport to be involved in. <br />
Rosi and Danielle both share a true love and passion for MMA that has stood the test of time and is really inspiring to me. <br />
I think because they are both so humble it is easy to forget how much they have both accomplished! If it was me I would be boring you with tales of my epicness left right and center. <br />
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Now that I am working full time part of my new training plan is to make the most of my weekends and get good training in on both Saturdays and Sundays. <br />
I had a great day of sparring with Laura, Rosi and Kim at Semtex gym in Kent. <br />
It was great to spar with someone who had come to MMA from a grappling background,as I still had to work just as hard once the fight got to the ground! <br />
On Sunday I headed over to Carlson Gracie to train with Kerrie and Katherine and the grappling theme continued as I got a few good rolls in with some of the guys there and Katherine who is a really amazing judoka. <br />
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The following weekend Kerry and Katherine came down to do fighters sparring which is the hardest day of training at first gen and pushes us all right out of our comfort zones. I've always felt this is the most essential part of any fight camp as getting comfortable mentally with being pushed hard and not giving up are both important aspects of training that sometimes get overlooked. <br />
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On Sunday I went up to London again and trained at new wave gym. It was a really good session and we drilled escaping back control and head and arm control from standing and the ground. I sparred a couple rounds with Laura and Danielle and felt quite strong with my defence and take downs. <br />
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Sorry this blog post isn't too thrilling but training outside of my comfort zone and with different clubs and individuals has given me some good ideas for articles so watch this space. I am off on Holiday to LA on Monday so I will have lots of free time to write which I am really looking forward to! <br />
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<br />XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-36668486560306959472012-04-24T15:19:00.000-07:002012-04-24T15:19:49.898-07:00InspirationMy friend and student Bex Packham has been kicking ass and taking names lately so I thought I would devote a whole post to her awesomeness! She is 16 years old and has been training really hard for the last year. You can check out the whole article at <blockquote><a href="http://www.mmaprospectsuk.com/">MMA Prospects</a></blockquote>.
</br>I meet Bex Packham after Junior MMA class to have a chat and do some competition sparring for the upcoming British Open Brazilian Jiujistu competition that we are both training for. Bex smiles when I ask her what made her want to come and try a sport that generally attracts more of a male audience. "My brother was really into wrestling and had been getting into fights with our step brother. I think my dad thought the class would help him to channel his temper. He asked me to come along to a class and I thought ok I'll go to one just until he makes some friends but it was so much fun I just kept coming back!"
</br>I can relate to her on this one, the first class that I went to was to spend more time with my then boyfriend who was ditching me more and more to spend time at the dojo training. I thought I would go and see what all the fuss was about but similar to Bex I was quickly hooked to the sport! I think it can be difficult for some girls to take that initial step and try a class and it can be nice to have a friend with you when you start your journey.
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</br>Bex quickly took to the sport balancing a busy schedule of school and social commitments yet still making it to the gym 5 times a week! It wasn't long before she decided to start competing. With a lack of girls her age involved in the sport she gutsily stepping up to fight the boys at competitions and has sent a fair few home clutching a runners up meddle and not knowing what hit them.
</br>R: Am I right in thinking the last two competitions you have done have seen you beat the guys to take home the gold?
B: Yeah I still can't believe it myself It's great to be able to see that everything you learn in training is really effective in competition. Its brilliant to suprise the spectators, they always approach me afterwards with wide eyes, sorta in disbelief haha
R: I watched your fight on youtube, it's got so many views, what do your friends and family think about it all?
B: They were all really impressed; I think it helped them to understand the sport a bit better. My family are really supportive especially my mum.
R: Do you find it tough being the only girl in class
B: No I really enjoy training and am friends with all the guys, no one has an attitude and Pauls class is really fun.
R: what do you enjoy most about the sport?
B: It's just made me more confident in myself; it makes you feel like you can achieve anything.
R: Do you follow MMA on TV?
B: Yeah I sometimes watch it but I actually prefer watching amateur MMA, it just feels more real I think the production and entertainment side of the stuff you see on TV detracts from the sport its self.
R: Do you have a favourite fighter?
B: I like Gina Carano, I think she helped people to see that just because you do a combat sport it doesn’t mean that you aren’t feminine, I guess females in any male dominated sports have to put up with that though.
R: What are your goals for the future?
B: Now that I am 16 I am hoping to get my blue belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu and compete against women in the adult divisions. I would love to do some more amateur MMA but it's just the challenge of finding opponents.
</br>I can tell that the future of WMMA is going to be even more exciting with talented younger fighters like Bex representing the sport. Bex is training hard for the BJJ British Open and looking forward to testing herself in MMA.Its Great to see how much passion Bex has for the sport and it takes me back to when I first started and how exciting it was to find something that I really loved doing.
Here are some videos of Bex showing the guys how its done at the last couple of grappling comps we have been to!
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</br>I don't really know who to talk to when I feel stressed about training and life in general, it can be hard to explain why I spend so many hours training. Sometimes I even wonder why myself.
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</br>So here it is.
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</br>I knew in the first few moments, that was all it took. A silent promise made to myself that I wouldn't stop until I had mastered everything.
The promise was solidified with each minute that passed during my first class in grappling. Every sweep, choke and joint lock was a thing on wonder and mystery, it was knowledge I wanted to own.
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</br>Those few seconds sparked a chain reaction that took my life off the path it was going and down a more challenging and complicated yet interesting route.
Four years later I have a better understanding of the nature of that promise. To master everything in BJJ means never stopping.
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</br>It is a sport that is constantly evolving, to throw some metaphors around it is like a busy city that never sleeps. You can't let yourself get too comfortable, as even when you think you know the city like the back of your hand things can change.
Just as the very essence of the city can be affected by the people in it, jujitsu too is changed and moulded by the athletes that push the boundaries and make it their own.
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</br>Maybe I make things more complex than they need to be, I could probably be happy enough working up through the ranks of a 9-5 and going out getting drunk and doing what ever everyone else is doing but I would always be living with a broken promise. There is something in my nature that seems to rebel against normality and being settled, it used to bother me but I guess its better to embrace that and work even harder on days where I feel like this. Like I said in my last post things are never dull and in many ways I'm thankful for that.
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</br>There will be days like today where I feel a bit lost but there will be many more moments where I feel like I have pushed myself and become a stronger and better person because of it.
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</br>Melancholy aside I spent my day planning, plotting and organising and feel like I will wake up tomorrow a bit more at ease with the world.My cure for most things is to book a holiday and I got my flights for California. I have always dreamt of doing the IBJJF worlds and I cant wait to train at all the amazing gyms over there. As such I have decided to cut to a lower weight class which means an annoyingly strict diet but I have abs now check it out!
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Any one with suggestions as to where to go and what to do in California leave a comment or send me a tweet @kimurakoi!XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-71111517050954830732012-03-04T07:10:00.001-08:002012-03-04T07:10:42.370-08:00Well as always in the life of Rachael things are never boring. Since my last update I competed in the Euro's and came third in my category, got a new job in events management and also had my first K1 fight, not bad huh?
</br>I'll start with the Europeans. It was my second try at this competition except this year I would be fighting as a purple belt. It was a very different trip to the year before, mainly because I had come by myself without a coach or team mates but I felt it was something I needed to do to improve my game and help to focus on BJJ. I had sort of sidelined jits while I was busy training for my MMA fights, and it felt great getting back into it!
I arrived on Tuesday so I would have a day to chill and do some sight seeing before the competition kicked off. Lisbon is a really beautiful city, I will do a separate post on my guide to Lisbon for the Euro's for anyone thinking of going next year.
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</br>I was pretty happy with my performance, although my mental game is still a really big issue in jits, I just don't seem to switch on as well as I do in MMA. I did feet strong and technical but I need to work more on passing guard for sure!
I think the important thing I learnt is that 7 minutes is a long time so its ok to be patient and wait for the best opportunity to pull guard or go for the take down.
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Just before I flew out to Europe I had an interview for a job at a communications company, and the night before I was set to fly off they told me they wanted to give me the job! I told them I could start Thursday, so I had time to recover from all the partying that had gone on in Lisbon. I think I had forgotten how time consuming a new job can be as it left me with little time to train as I wanted to make a good impression. We had a really big event in London the night before my fight which left me feeling pretty uneasy about how it was going to go. </br>
</br>Pretty much everyone from the gym was fighting so I felt relaxed as we all got to have some food together and then had our own separate area to warm up.
I didn't really feel as nervous as I do before Jits or MMA, it was an odd quiet before the storm type of feeling.
The fight its self was probably not the most technical that I have ever been in but I stuck to my game plan and followed Paul and Tolly's coaching to get the win.</br>
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</br>Even though it was one of my least impressive performances I was still glad I went through with it, as I learnt a lot and it motivated me to work more on my stand up!
I might try and get a few more stand up fights on smaller shows while I am waiting to find out when my next MMA fight will be. I think the next Jits comp I compete in will be the British open in May.XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-75715854054535282292012-01-19T02:22:00.000-08:002012-01-19T02:22:58.554-08:00The importance of VariationAnother weekend and another adventure, this time I headed to Icon BJJ in Milton Keynes.
Unfortunately I had to drag myself out of bed and get on the 6.24 train to London again as I was aiming to get to MK by 9.30 to start training at 10. </br>
</br>The session was busy as the guys who train at Icon Holland had come over for a visit. After a very quick warm up we immediately got into a long session of sparring 8 minute rounds. Being so early I felt it took a while to wake up and get going but after about an hour I was well into a jiujitsu groove and rolling more fluidly.
The following day we went over a half guard sweep and escaping from back control and had a slightly more relaxed sparring session (only 5 minute rounds).
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<p></p>The last few weekends made me think a little bit more about the importance of variation in training. It is my experience that when you have been training with the same people for a long time you start to relax too much. As you know the way they play rolling strategically can minimise energy expenditure. In other words, it is easy to get stuck in a rut.
<p></p>The great thing about doing some training at a different club is that you have to work harder as you do not have a good idea of peoples skill levels or what type of game they play. It is perfect training if you have a competition coming up and want to push your self, with the Europeans looming it was exactly what I needed.
So if you have the chance make time for some BJJ adventures of your own and visit a friends club to get some variation in your training. I enjoy learning new drills and different teaching points for the same techniques. You also get to take back some new techniques to try out on your unsuspecting team mates!XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-89388103039900626162012-01-11T04:53:00.000-08:002012-01-16T05:00:29.198-08:00Pre European Competition SparringThis post is part 2 of my exciting weekend of training. Following a busy day at S.K.J I headed over to Derby to do some competition sparring for the Europeans. At the time I wasn't really sure if I was even going to go, as I mentioned in the past I felt a bit unsure about my purple belt and where I was at with my BJJ. As I was coming all the way from Brighton Rebecca, one of the girls that trains at GBD, kindly let me stay the night at hers so I felt much more rested up and ready for some training than Saturday.
<p></p>We arrived at Gracie Barra Derby at 12.30, the club has a traditional dojo feel and has a matted area as well as a caged off section for MMA. As people started arriving I recognized lots of familiar faces and it was great to meet some of the blue and white belts that were new to the sport since I had been over seas. Christine took charge and made sure we all felt welcome, suggesting that we begin with some specific positional sparring and finish with some rolling at the end.
This worked really well and gave me a good idea of the area's I needed to work on, girls move a lot differently than men and I think what most of us don't get much practice of is maintaining an on top position and working on attacking.
<p></p>I rolled with Leoni, who I used to train with at BJJ school, she said I felt much stronger than before which made me feel a lot more confident as she trains and competes at a high level and is someone I have always looked up to in the sport. All in all the training session left me feeling confident in my abilities and I decided to man up and enter the Europeans. I have only done the nogi British open and competed in MMA since getting my purple belt, so I think I need to start challenging myself more to progress and improve my BJJ.
<p></p>Hopefully there will be more sessions like this in the near future. Sometimes its just nice to meet up with other girls that understand the madness of training in BJJ. Back in Eastbourne I have begun pestering everyone to train some Gi with me, Tolly already had me sparring from standup with Joe and Lee, and I think I have a pretty solid game plan to work.
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<p></p>Some further reading for you
<a href="http://www.femmefightersuk.co.uk/#/gracie-barra-derby-ladies/4555201811">Femme fighters article on the Grace Barra Derby girls</a>XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-42337134663369089412012-01-10T08:57:00.000-08:002012-01-12T07:03:41.583-08:00Sticks Kicks and Jits<p></p> This weekend I ventured up to the Midlands to S.K.J martial arts in Leicester.
Organised by coaches Caz tweedy, Abigail Steady and Jo Hicks, the event offered a taster of 3 different martial arts, grappling, kick boxing and stick fighting.
Caz, Abigail and Jo are all established athletes in their chosen discipline's and regularly strive to cross train in different martial arts. They have launched S.K.J to offer a friendly and safe environment for women to learn and practice martial arts, and are one of the few clubs to offer such high quality female coaching.
<p></p>I arrived slightly late, sleep deprived and overdosed on espresso after catching a very early train from Eastbourne.
When I arrived there were already about 20 women present for the first unofficial part of the event, which was a 2 hour nogi grappling seminar taken by Caz.
As there was a range of skill levels present Caz started off with some hip mobility drills to warm up and emphasise the importance of hip movement in grappling.
She then went on to drill the correct base and technical stand up for fighting with an open guard.
The main techniques that we covered were escaping side control and passing guard both of which Caz explained very well, emphasising the importance of arm and hand positioning and where to frame to be able to move the hips.
Caz is an excellent teacher who's passion for grappling is apparent and infectious. She is able to break down moves into clear teaching points that even women with no grappling experience at all were able to pick up quickly.
<p></p><b>Taster session</b>
<p></p>The main emphasis of the event was to give a basic introduction to the three main disciplines taught at S.K.J martial arts. At midday we were joined by another 30 women, some of which had a wealth of experience and achievements under their belts and others who had never so much set foot in a dojo until that day.
Jo Hicks gave us our introduction to kick boxing starting with an energetically lead warm up followed by a good stretch, after which we worked on the basic jab cross combo followed by some side kicks on the pads.
Next Caz ran through some grappling basics, being such a complex sport it is hard to get a feeling for grappling in such a short space of time but Caz ran through some fundamentals and explained the positional progression of the sport well.
Abigail had the task of choreographing 50 women and sticks into shape. We learnt 4 stikes and 4 defence moves finishing with a disarm, which brought the session to an end.
<p></p>I hung around catching up with some friends and watched the stick fighters do some sparring which was beautifully brutal and interesting to look at at. I spoke to Caz and Abigail after the event and both were happy with the turn out and looking forward to the future of S.K.J. Well done ladies it was a well run event with excellent coaching and left everyone feeling happy and confident with some new found skills.
<a href="http://www.beautifullifeuk.com/photographyblog/2012/01/09/promotional-photography-leicester-skj-martial-arts/">Please check out the photo's from the event taken by Joy Foulds </a>XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-68835869008859566282011-12-20T03:29:00.000-08:002011-12-20T05:30:30.891-08:00iMMACULATE Style - An interview with Miad Najafi<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.immaculateclothing.com/"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 78px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2cLfKyK2Tng/TvCNT35HOaI/AAAAAAAAAZk/kc8EHXoU584/s320/Poster%2BIdea1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688201701929466274" /></a><br /><br /><br />I haven't reviewed a brand in a while however I was so impressed with new brand iMMACULATE that I thought I would share it with you. <br /><br />iMMACULATE is one of the growing number of clothing brands inspired by mixed martial arts to hit the scene. <br />However to look at some of the designs you perhaps wouldn't pick it out as being your typical MMA inspired apparel. <br />There are currently 4 t-shirt designs available featuring stylish and artistic prints that are comparable in terms of quality to brands like All Saints and Diesel.<br />Here to tell us more about the idea process and thoughts behind the brand is iMMACULATE's founder Miad Najafi.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">You have a diverse background in martial arts, what inspiration did you draw from this to create the iMMACULATE brand?</span><br />I have been really fortunate to have trained with some phenomenal instructors and fighters. <br />What is nearly always the case with high level guys, is that they are often intelligent, articulate, technical, athletic and humble individuals. <br />I didn’t really feel that most of the present MMA and combat sports inspired brands really captured that. <br />In fact I always felt that many of the market leaders relayed the more negative stereotypes of what a fighter really is. That really was the spark that has led me to create iMMACULATE.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What would you say separates your brand from some of the others currently available of the market?</span> <br />The main difference is the overall brand message and identity with a strong focus on creating high quality and beautiful garments.<br />I wanted to portray the fighting athlete in a positive light; that fighters are in constant pursuit of perfection on their journey to excellence. <br />But that isn’t just because I say so, that message needs to run deep into the designs, branding, artwork, fabrics and colours choices for each and every garment. <br />I wanted everyone who buys an iMMACULATE piece to immediately be able to tell that this is something truly unique.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />What is your favourite design out of the current t-shirts and why? </span><br />That’s a really difficult one for me to answer, as I love them all for very different reasons. Mastery (Graceful Mastery) was the first piece I commissioned by an amazing fine artist Dale Grimshaw, its based on what I felt was the DNA of iMMACULATE, so I have a personal connection with that particular piece of art but as I said, I love them all.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">You have already got great reviews in popular magazines Men's Fitness and Jiujitsu Style, how would you like to see the brand develop and grow? </span><br />Obviously I want iMMACULATE to have a strong presence on the worldwide MMA and combat sports scene, but at present I am really focusing on creating garments that the athlete and fan will want to wear and to allow the iMMACULATE brand to grow organically. I am really pleased to say that the initial response has been amazing, but the feedback is even better when people see the pieces in hand as only then can the true quality and attention to detail be appreciated. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Have you got any plans to tap into the growing market of female martial artist and MMA enthusiasts? </span><br />At present we are looking at men's hoodies, sweatshirts, rashguards and fight shorts for 2012. We will however be looking at doing some women’s wear. In fact I already have some really lovely women’s vest designs in the pipeline, so watch this space!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Who out of the MMA or BJJ community would you most like to see wearing iMMACULATE? </span><br />For me it's vital that anyone who represents the brand should be someone who really holds the same general values as iMMACULATE. There are too many fighters out there who are sponsored by brands that don’t really fit the fighters character, for example Demian Maia is a really technical fighter, not to mention a really polite and humble guy, so for me it doesn’t make sense that he is representing a brand called Bad Boy, the same goes for a lot of the top level fighters! <br /><br />Within MMA, I would love to see fighters like Jose Aldo, Machida, Frank Edgar, GSP, Jon Jones, Demian Maia, JDS, and Anderson Silva wearing iMMACULATE. Within BJJ I would shortlist Cobrinha, Marcelo Garcia, Braulio Estima, Lucas Lepri, Roger Gracie, Bruno Malfacine and Michael Langhi as my ideal brand ambassadors. They are all are really humble and articulate while still being phenomenal athletes, for me that’s what it's all about. Being a boxing fan, there are some fighters who I would love to represent iMMACULATE, but at present I am focused on the sports of MMA and BJJ. <br /><br />Thanks to Miad for taking the time to chat with me, and I am looking forward to seeing the collection grow as I think Miad had created something really interesting. <br />Miad is an Alliance BJJ coach and his designs have already got the nod from the General, Fabio Gurgel<br />"I had the pleasure to see how the Immaculate was created; the brain storm behind the brand says why it is so cool!<br />Jiu jitsu and martial arts in general have from now on something that really represents what the real fighters feel" <br /><br />Make sure you check out the designs on the <a href="http://www.immaculateclothing.com/index.php?/wear">iMMACULATE website</a> you can also follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/immaculateclothing">Facebook </a> and Twitter: @immaculate88<br /><br /><a href="http://www.immaculateclothing.com/index.php?/wear"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-arpKbLr74S0/TvB1LGZc-OI/AAAAAAAAAY8/LWDBHfE1qGY/s1600/im.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 106px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-arpKbLr74S0/TvB1LGZc-OI/AAAAAAAAAY8/LWDBHfE1qGY/s320/im.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688175162925316322" /></a></a>XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-86940467772970060192011-12-19T05:36:00.000-08:002011-12-19T15:50:49.954-08:00Cage Warriors 125lb Women's TournamentI was excited to read that Cage Warriors are promoting a 4 woman tournament to crown a 125lb Champion. <br />This will be some really exciting MMA to watch out for and is an example of the growing acceptance and popularity of women's MMA. <br /> <br />The first part of the tournament will take place in Amman, Jordan on the 15th of April and will feature German fighter Shiela Gaff (9-4-1), her opponent is still being matched. <br /><br />Representing the best of UK talent is Rosi Sexton (12-2-0)and Aisling Daly (13-2-0).<br />Rosi and Aisling will face off on Aisling's home turf fighting in Dublin on May 5th.<br />The winners will finally face off in Turkey in September 1st. <br /><br />I can't wait to find out who the fourth opponent will be, Rosi tweeted that she would like to see Tara La Rosa get the fourth spot. <br />WMMA fans may know that Gaff and Daly have already faced off with Gaff showing a much more aggressive style that finished Daly in the first round. It would be interesting to see how Daly adapts her game if she ends up facing Gaff again. <br />A match between Sexton and Daly has probably been on the cards for a while as they are probably the two most know fighters out of the UK. It should be a tough fight as both are very good grappler's so its a hard one to call.XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-33279696178016938092011-12-15T09:47:00.000-08:002011-12-19T05:33:48.143-08:00Thursday Sparring - FootworkIn today session Paul was there to help us, as after watching my most recent fight with footwork still being an issue this is what we decided to work on. <br />We started off with some skipping followed by 9 minutes of agility drills to get warmed up. After this we worked on cutting the angle off a jab and a few other boxing combinations to get us thinking about using footwork to set up shots. <br />As usual the session was finished up with some sparring and then I helped the girls work their take downs and defense against the cage. <br />After I did some squats and lunges with Sharlotte as I have been slacking with strength work and have a bit more time to work on my conditioning with no fights or competitions for at least 4 weeks. <br /><br />I have already started planning our next big session on January 22nd which will be an afternoon of boxing and submission wrestling drills for MMA followed by some sparring in the cage or ring, so if anyone would like to come along add yourself to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/242109519189609/">facebook group</a>, send me a message or call up First Gen on 01323 724831 <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p1_9z8AiPrU/Tup30P8_pZI/AAAAAAAAAXY/Y1fUDAIb4vY/s1600/377546_208619972554688_100002200611126_461119_1199301168_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p1_9z8AiPrU/Tup30P8_pZI/AAAAAAAAAXY/Y1fUDAIb4vY/s320/377546_208619972554688_100002200611126_461119_1199301168_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686489219027936658" /></a>XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-29164613029764224222011-12-12T12:18:00.000-08:002011-12-14T17:34:52.157-08:00Kayo MMA and Female only Sparing in January<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_NgtWCGUZiU/TuZth5xct3I/AAAAAAAAAXA/ZIsi-VP_SKI/s1600/379568_290400597663695_100000812718617_776524_1831907611_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_NgtWCGUZiU/TuZth5xct3I/AAAAAAAAAXA/ZIsi-VP_SKI/s320/379568_290400597663695_100000812718617_776524_1831907611_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685352008813164402" /></a><br /><br /><br />Its the day after my fourth fight and fourth win of the year. <br />As you may have read I had just fought a couple of weeks back on the Battle Arena show. This isn't something I would recommend or make a habit of doing as it is tough going having two fights so close together but I felt it was a good opportunity seeing as I had missed out on the contenders show and was feeling fight ready. <br />My opponent was Laura Clarke who was coming off a good win via TKO through a body shot. <br />As such I worked lots on my wrestling and movement around the cage. <br />The fight went how I wanted it to (despite a point taken off from an accidental illegal knee) and my take downs felt strong. I won in the first round via G&P, which was similar to my last fight but this time I felt a lot stronger with my shots. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Female training, classes and Open mats</span><br /><br />I won't be fighting again until Feburary on either the Contenders or Battle Arena show, which gives me lots of time to work on my BJJ and grappling. <br /><br />I was thinking about my plans for January and that's when I realised that there are quite a few female only events that might be of interest so here's a run down of some of them.<br /><br />On the 7th January my friend caz is organising an event called "sticks kicks and jits" Which is a taster session of BJJ grappling and stick fighting, check out the event on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/185758844852322/">facebook</a> or send me an email for more info.<br /><br />There is also <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/196114873809916/">competition sparring</a> for BJJ at Gracie Barra in Derby the following day,,, these sessions are organised by Christine and are a great chance to get in some quality training before the Europeans. <br /><br />Make sure you keep your ears open for news of the next <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/106161222787685/">London BJJ womens open mat </a>session organised by Meg and taking place at various different gyms. The sessions are a great way to learn some BJJ and get some extra training in. Check out a review of the day by Meg at <a href="http://www.megjitsu.com/london-bjj-womens-open-mat-8-review-of-8th/">Megjitsu </a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YXOIfZ6O52U/TuiuMSprm1I/AAAAAAAAAXM/yISMJgzz_O0/s1600/50252_106161222787685_2221207_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YXOIfZ6O52U/TuiuMSprm1I/AAAAAAAAAXM/yISMJgzz_O0/s320/50252_106161222787685_2221207_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685986055743576914" /></a><br /><br />If you live in London then why not check out purple belt Pippa Grangers female only BJJ class at diesel gym 1 on Mondays at 8pm or Sarah Merriners class on Saturdays 11am at Carlson Gracie Hammersmith.<br /><br />Thursdays at First Generation gym Eastbourne from 11-2 is ladies only training, there is a good group of us now that have been meeting up to drill some technique and do a bit of hard sparring in the cage, I know not everyone is free to train in the day but if you are then feel free to come down for it, we might start a weekend class if there is enough interest.<br /><br />So there you have it, lots going on in January to look forward to! Check out my next post on BJJ seminars and competitions in the next couple of days.XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-82234103929244941862011-11-29T17:09:00.001-08:002011-11-30T08:01:30.545-08:00Strikeforce WMMA Riled up by RouseyI sometimes read the stats to see who has been checking out my blog, and its always interesting to see the range of countries that it has been viewed in.<br />I got an email out of the blue from an old friend that I had lost contact with who said that one of his friends was telling him about my blog from all the way in Australia. <br />I can sometimes be a bit crappy about keeping in contact but its nice to know I'm not rambelling to cyber space unheard, and it was good to catch up with someone from the past. <br /><br />Has anyone else been following the twitter wars in the woman's MMA scene over the last few weeks? <br />Ronda Rousey, an Olympic judo medalist who has recently crossed over into MMA has been causing controversy and in her own words "getting the woman riled up" <br />Interest in her was sparked after she won all 4 of her pro fights in under a minute into the first round via armbar submission.<br />Her success didn't come without controversy as Sarah D'Alelio claimed to not have tapped from the armbar. These allegations made sure Ronda would not be letting go of a submission unless as the old saying goes her opponent tapped or snapped.<br />Unfortunately for Julia Budd, Rouseys latest opponent, this is exactly what went down, in an attempt to roll out of the armbar Buds arm was painfuly broken at the elbow.<br />After another impressive victory Rousey announced her intentions to drop to the 135lb weight class, calling out the current champ Miesha Tate for a shot at the title. Some would say this was a bold request to make after only 4 fights, especially as giving her a shot at Tate would mean Rousey skipping past fighters who had already worked their way through the 135lb division, claims were made over twitter that she should "wait her turn". <br />The call out had female fighters up in arms as to weather it was fair that Rousey be able to get a title shot in a category she had yet to prove herself in. The publicity and interest in the conflict lead to a double interview between Tate and Rousey on MMA hour with Ariel Helwani. Rousey took a direct approach stating that a fight between her and Tate would make the most sense from a marketing point of view. <br /><br />Rousey's comments were probably more thought out that they seemed, I think it was her intention to act the cocky new comer and tempt Tate into a fight that her common sense probably wouldn't agree to. Interestingly the conflict has sparked even more of a dispute between not only Tate and Rousey but also the fighters such as Sarah Kaufman who would miss out a chance at a rematch against Tate if Rousey got her way. <br />I know my coaches wouldn't let me take a fight like that, Tate worked hard to get the title, it would make more sense for her to see how Rousey copes against some good fighters in the 135lbs category first. <br />I can see why Rousey is pushing it as she has nothing to lose 4 fights in, and remaining in the 145lb category where the cream of the crop includes the likes of Chris Cyborg, mean it makes sense for Rousey to go for gold in the 135lb category while she has a buzz surrounding her.<br /><br />It may not be fair what Ronda is trying to do and as a Brit I'm inclined to get ticked off when someone tries to queue jump, however whatever fights happen next in WMMA are going to be a lot more interesting now that there is more of a story behind the match ups.XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-14700429430026266812011-11-28T19:56:00.000-08:002011-11-29T04:16:58.078-08:00I.S.K.A MMA titleAfter watching all my friends kill it on UCMMA contenders in Brighton I was feeling some what sulky that I didn't get to fight. <br />Despite contenders not happening I had been keeping up my training, even though it wasn't looking likely I would have anyone to fight on our next fight night either.<br /><br />My new found love of twitter (I know took me long enough) meant I was even more restless and psyched up to fight after following the uproar that Ronda Rousey caused by calling out Miesha Tate for a shot at the 135lb title. <br />"Sigh" it seems life isn't as interesting when you don't have a fight or competition to focus training around. <br /><br />Randomly my friend Tanya who I fought way back in March asked me if I wanted to step in last minute for a title fight at Battle arena in Northampton. <br />I was in London doing my exercise to music training day and in the middle of making a "just because we can" chocolate cake with my cousins. <br /><br />I text my coaches to see what they had to say and both Paul and Tolly seemed up for it if I put in the hard work. <br />I would like to say that I didn't scoff a huge slice of chocolate cake inducing a sugar high of excitement that was followed by a series of rocky style pose downs in mirror but yeah that totally happened. <br /><br />We killed it in training for 5 days working everything, Tolly is particularly ruthless when it comes to being fight ready. <br />Sunday came around really quickly, I weighed in at 3pm at around 60.5kg my opponent was around 2kg heavier but we had been expecting that. Had the standard pre-fight meal of nando's quarter chicken medium, chips and garlic bread, coconut water, then a smoothie and some fruit and a couple lucozade sports. <br /><br />As it was a title my fight was 19th so there was a long wait in the changing rooms, I had my book "the night watch" to keep me distracted, but overall I was feeling pretty good about the fight. <br />It was three 4 minute rounds, and my first time doing head shots on the ground. I think from the crowds reactions that they enjoyed the fight, and it was stopped in the third round via ground and pound.<br /> <br />All the excitement has meant I am now back on nocturnal time, as we got back really late and then I pretty much slept all day got up had an espresso and went to training hence writing this at 4am. Sleep is an important part of recovery so its back to a caffeine ban again from tomorrow, well today! <br /><br /><br />Thanks to my coaches Paul and Tolly and all the guys at 1st gen that helped me get ready especially joe, mikey and lee, and the crossface guys for nurturing some extra aggression in my game. Cheers to my sponsors <a href="http://www.punchtown.com">Punchtown</a> who hooked me up with some really nice sparing gear that made me feel extra bad ass in training. <br />Last fight of the year will be 11th December on KAYO MMA show in Watford then its time to focus on Jiujitsu again to be ready to rock the Euro's at the end of January. <br />Saying that I can't believe this year has gone so quickly but I'll save those thoughts for another post and leave you with some pictures of my new bling. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cfvbu5fBIJw/TtRfbDlk3KI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/KZKs7Zuwh6g/s1600/me%2Bt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cfvbu5fBIJw/TtRfbDlk3KI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/KZKs7Zuwh6g/s320/me%2Bt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680269948445056162" /></a>XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-37061007800099441232011-10-24T05:11:00.000-07:002011-10-24T06:23:59.211-07:00Nogi British OpenIts good to start doing competitions again especially as my time as a blue belt was spent mostly overseas or busy and broke in London, which meant I could only enter a select few comps.<br />It was also the first time I have entered a nogi competition.<br />Before I started training to fight in MMA I really used to hate nogi but I have since started to enjoy it and felt a lot more comfortable with the standing or wrestling element. <br />I recently got my purple belt and as I have been training for about 3 years now I entered the intermediate category.<br />There were 3 other girls in my group but I only got one fight against Aisling Daly which ended in a RNC. <br />I was pretty gutted but it was a good fight and I will feel a bit better about competing at a higher level. <br />I didn't really post about getting my purple belt with the same enthusiasm that surrounded getting my blue belt, as my training had felt quite hit and miss the last year. <br />But now I'm thinking of it more as a positive as it will push me to get better and compete at a higher level. <br />Time to start extra gi training for the English open at the end of November, hopefully will get a team from 1st gen to go compete. <br />Its looking unlikely I will have someone to fight in 2 weeks at contenders so my next MMA fight will be in December.XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-91870533681940329952011-09-11T13:42:00.000-07:002011-10-14T07:15:18.831-07:00SFC Fight Night "The Grappling match"I am happy to announce that I won my third MMA fight on Friday night against Kirsty Davis with both rounds scored 10,9. <br />The fight went exactly how I had planned, and I was able to get the take down from the clinch and against the cage and remain in a dominant position. I worked for the submissions for both rounds, which essentially prevented my opponent from using any of their "stand up" technique.<br />This resulted in my opponent commenting that they were disappointed they had not got to fight properly, they didn't realize they had signed up for a grappling match and also that it was the easiest fight they had ever had. They also threw in that as I was a blue belt I should have been able to submit a white belt. <br /><br />Lets look at this from a different perspective, say my opponent had spent the 2 rounds hammering me with punches and kicks and I had just moved around and covered up, essentially avoiding them from knocking me out. <br />I couldn't say this would be something I would be particularly proud of or use as bragging rights to help soften the blow of defeat.I also wouldn't make claims like, "I didn't know this was a kickboxing match" If it was my lack of ability to keep the match where I wanted that resulted in me not getting to show off any of my grappling skills. <br /><br />I was also surprised that the fight was mainly fought on grappling terms, as I expected my opponent to perhaps try to punch or kick me throw a knee in the clinch? <br />Oh well you live and learn and I took away lots of positive things from the fight.<br />As I have always said grappling with girls is a lot different as they have a much better range of motion and are good at escaping as they are often on the receiving end when training with bigger stronger guys.I will keep travelling to train with other girls to work on that aspect of my game but I am happy with how I am progressing. <br /><br />I am sorry if this seems like a bitchy post and I hate getting drawn into petty arguments but I think as a fighter its important to be able accent and learn as much from defeat as from victory. <br />I have respect for anyone that gets into the cage to fight as its no laughing matter and takes lots of guts but don't do it if your not prepared for what another fighter is going to bring to the table!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZXP3KHZB2s/TpLVsd_n3KI/AAAAAAAAASU/59eXVkozg00/s1600/297122_163750987041587_100002200611126_335871_1732663141_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZXP3KHZB2s/TpLVsd_n3KI/AAAAAAAAASU/59eXVkozg00/s320/297122_163750987041587_100002200611126_335871_1732663141_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661822641500576930" /></a>XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-87057859257055536152011-08-29T05:40:00.000-07:002011-08-31T04:13:55.882-07:00Helen Currie Seminar<span style="font-weight:bold;">Ego</span>
<br />
<br />I recently read Sam Sheridans books 'A fighters heart' and 'A fighters mind' and really enjoyed them both.
<br />A common theme that arose with regards to progressing in jiu jitsu and fighting in general was ego.
<br />More specifically that as you progress through the belt ranks it is important to keep an open mind and be able to learn from everyone.
<br />I think female jiu jitsu practitioners are at particular risk of being affected by ego and its something I've always felt but never been able to place my finger on or explain very coherently.
<br />I am sure other females often get comments like 'I didn't expect you to be so strong' or 'you would kill other girls.' from their male training partners, who are often impressed enough that we are there training let alone pulling off submissions and holding our own against all the big tough guys.
<br />I think our egos are nicely protected as we often don't have to put ourselves on the line or in a position of fighting someone of a similar size, strength or ability.
<br />It is too easy to make excuses when fighting men who are bigger or stronger and play a safe game based purely on escapes and avoiding submissions.
<br />Its similar to an observation one of my coaches once made when he noticed that sometimes before sparing people would ask how much their opponent weighed or how long they have been training so as to have an excuse to provide if they got into bad situations.
<br />Can this type of thinking or excuse making hinder us from progressing?
<br />One of the reasons I enjoy situations such as female open mat sessions and seminars and competitions is that they allow me to test my skills against other girls. I usually approach these situations with a different mindset, I'm more sharp and focused and move in for the kill more than I ever would when training with the bigger guys in terms of ego there is a lot more at stake losing to another girl than a bigger stronger guy.
<br />Maybe it was just a personal problem I had as opposed to something that bugs all female grapples, I have come across girls that are a lot more aggressive than me and better at imposing their game on anyone regardless.
<br />They are the ones that inspire me to make less excuses and impose my game on people of all sizes or abilities even if it means risking being put in less favorable positions if my attempts are unsuccessful, and I'm hoping this will help to improve my BJJ and general mindset to training.
<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">
<br />Helen Currie Seminar </span>
<br />In other news last weekend I attended a female only no-go seminar featuring Helen Currie at Leicester MMA academy.
<br />It was a detailed technical session that started with a quick warm up that involved lots of different squats (that I really need to do more of to improve my mobility).
<br />We drilled breaking our opponents posture from guard and trying to stay out of closed guard which was challenging and surprisingly tiring. Helen stated the importance of avoiding being put in someone’s closed guard at all costs.
<br />
<br />The bulk of the seminar was based around the 3 ways to pass guard- over under or around - Working off the sitting guard pass where you position your knee to open your opponents guard.
<br />Helen went over the importance of posture in the guard position as a way to keep your self safe from attack and to pass guard when the opportunity arose
<br /><blockquote></blockquote>I'm thinking about me, I'm keeping myself safe<blockquote></blockquote>
<br />It was a great day and despite the fact that I was a bit tired from training all week and getting up so early I still managed to get a bit of rolling in at the end with Caz Teedy, who organised the event and is a great no-gi grappler.
<br />She also runs a monthly female MMA class and circuit training class which I will try to attend in the future.
<br />XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-75867251012217529872011-03-13T04:48:00.001-07:002011-03-15T12:17:44.809-07:00MMA<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eT7bA4Smuyg/TX-7UtTnk8I/AAAAAAAAAQM/yNQsx7M4u4M/s1600/190705_10150436371685424_712005423_17434647_1438012_n.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eT7bA4Smuyg/TX-7UtTnk8I/AAAAAAAAAQM/yNQsx7M4u4M/s320/190705_10150436371685424_712005423_17434647_1438012_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584388027396363202" /></a><br />I have an interesting experience to write about today, last night I had an amateur MMA fight at the ZT fight night in Eastbourne. <br />Amazingly I won by decision after two 4 minute rounds, I can honestly say it was the most intense feeling I have ever experienced. <br />The girl I was fighting was amazing at stand up but I managed to stick to my game plan and take it to the ground. <br />I would have loved to win by submission but I still need to get used to the different dynamics of mma its a lot different from bjj or even no gi. <br />All in all it was a great night Sophie and Laura both won their fights and lots of partying was done after perhaps too much ;) I have a sore head inside and out today.<br />Back to training BJJ hard for the next few competitions coming up, I think fighting mma will help me to be more confident and aggressive with my bjj. <br />I fought in my tatami fight shorts and rashguard so I will post a review of them soon as its hard to find good quality female mma fight ware in the UK the girls both had fightergirl shorts which looked really good gotta get me some of those :)XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424938871815513277.post-5112345834352141702011-01-23T05:30:00.000-08:002011-02-28T14:46:59.028-08:00First generation at ZT fight school Eastbourne<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bId6KN3MpUM/TUsifuyjbUI/AAAAAAAAAP0/ETlHuo12oBU/s1600/Picture%2B024.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bId6KN3MpUM/TUsifuyjbUI/AAAAAAAAAP0/ETlHuo12oBU/s320/Picture%2B024.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569583292705107266" /></a><br /><br /><br />Its a great thing to see hard work and dedication result in something as amazing as the new ZT Fight school where my bjj coach Tolly is now located. <br />Those of you who have followed my blog for a while can track how much bjj in Eastbourne has progressed in such a short space of time. <br /><br />Tolly started teaching BJJ at canton martial arts when I returned from a months training at Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, it was there I got bitten by the grappling bug and had made up my mind that I had to master BJJ. <br />I didn’t realise at the time what a bold statement that was or how many hours of intense training were ahead of me, it was just a feeling I had at that moment in time and I felt driven to achieve it. <br /><br />I kind of think of it as fate looking back as low and behold our school had managed to acquire a bjj coach, I wondered where they had spirited him from as Eastbourne is a small place. The class attracted a range of students, some who had a basic knowledge of grappling but for the majority a pack of uncoordinated and unconditioned novices who Tolly had the challenge of teaching the complicated art of bjj to. <br /><br />Class was only 3 times a week but it developed a cult following with Tolly's friendly and expert coaching style and personality proving the key behind the groups quick progression. It was not too long before some of us became regulars on the competition scene going up against some of the bigger longer established clubs and often bringing back medals for our efforts. <br /><br />I had a great introduction to BJJ and I can attribute all my initial success to having this great group of people to train with, we didn't have the best facilities or training available on tap like some of the bigger gyms but it just shows that quality of training can often prove more effective than quantity and having a good coach can make all the difference to your experience and confidence when learning a new skill. <br /><br />After about a year of training every ones efforts were rewarded when we had our first grading with many students that had been there from day one receiving their blue belts. It was at this point that I left the UK and went to stay with my dad for a year in Bahrain <br /><br />While I was away efforts continued back in Eastbourne with Tolly always having the ultimate goal of having a permanent location that would be a solid base for everyone and allow more regular training. <br />He continued to train hard in BJJ and developed an interest in MMA training at Zt fight school in Brighton and his profile was raised after a number of victories at well established ZT fight nights. <br />Not only focusing on his success he continued to help his students to achieve their goals with many having had victories in MMA.<br /><br />This success helped to push things to the next level and saw Tolly move to a part time location at fitness first where the second grading was hosted with a huge turn out of students and continued support from Brazilian top team Black belt Ze Marcello.<br />His hard work was also rewarded when he received his brown belt from Ze Marcello and became afficliated with <a href="http://www.iconbjj.com/">Icon BJJ</a>. All the while the final pieces were being put into place. First generation BJJ was born and ZT fightschool opened their doors in Eastbourne. <br /><br />When I saw the new club for the first time I was blown away not only by the amazing facilities but by what Tolly had actually managed to achieve in terms of taking a sleepy town like Eastbourne and putting it on the map as a hotspot for up and coming talent in all areas of combat. There are so many good fighters at the school but it also attracts people who just want to improve their fitness and enjoy martial arts. Due to the positive attitudes and the way in which the club developed this is something that can coexist with everyone feeling they are part of the club regardless of age gender or ability and its an atmosphere that is often missing from some clubs. <br /><br />T thanks Sol Gilbert and all the guys at Zt, Ze, students friends and sponsers that have made everything a possibility <br /><br />So if you are ever down south check it out <br /><strong>Address</strong> <br />84 hammonds drive <br />Eastbourne<br /><br />Facilites include cage, boxing ring, large matted area and strength and condidioning equiptemnt<br />Classes in BJJ MMA submission wrestling Kick boxing, taekwondo, boxing with more to be being added all the time. Ladies only and kids/youth and gym membership also available. <br />For more information about classes and membership you can call Tolly on 07707541535<br /><br />Or if you want to check of some of the talent at the next fight night you can grab tickets on the ZT website<br />http://www.ztfightskool.com/hove/ <br /><a href="http://www.iconbjj.com/"></a>XOXrachyXOXhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01189239076295163808noreply@blogger.com0