The older I get the more I realise how important flexibility is. Flexibility helps prevent injuries, increases your power, improves your technique, and a whole host of other things. A while ago, I learned some incredibly beneficial stretches from my buddy and the head bendy person at Elite Flexibility Rob Najar. Rob’s a big guy...

Mastering Martial Arts Ep.14: The Cost of Martial Arts Training One of the most common questions I get asked is “How much do your classes cost?” And that’s a great question to ask. After all, you need to know if you can afford classes long-term. I’ve seen martial arts classes in Plymouth range from £3 per...

Mastering Martial Arts Ep.13: Pre-competition Tactics One of the most common questions I get asked is how do I prepare for a competition and deal with pre-competition nerves. Nerves can kill your performance. For a long time, I really struggled with pre-competition nerves. I would arrive at a competition well prepared and in peak condition but...

3 Simple Tips For Successful Weight Loss One of the biggest reasons people starting training in Martial Arts is weight loss or weight control. Irrespective of the whether you train Kickboxing, Jiu Jitsu, MMA or Karate, Martial Arts can be great for helping you lose a few pounds or keep those pounds off. Over the...

Mastering Martial Arts Ep.12: Effective Pad Holding pt1 One of my biggest pet hates is bad pad holding. I’m sure at some point in your martial arts journey you’ve had an experienced something like this; you’re working with a new training partner on the pads and go to land your knockout blow… …except when you...

Why Every Child Should Learn Martial Arts Naomi started training at Masters Academy in 2000 when she was 4 years old. In this short interview she talks about how training martial arts has benefited her life and why she feels every child should learn martial arts. If you have ever wondered whether Martial Arts training...

Mastering Martial Arts Ep.11: Lifestyle Challenges Three weeks in and I was shredded. And I mean Arnie level shredded. Not Arnie in Terminator Genesis, I’m talking Arnie in his Mr Universe days. I had a full six pack and my back looked like the Himalayas. All I’d done is make one simple change to my...

Essential Boxing: Lessons 3 & 4 It took just under 6 minutes for Holly Holm to knock out Ronda Rousey at UFC 193. And she did it all with simple techniques and excellent movement. Going into this title fight, Rousey had a perfect 12-0 record and had demolished her last three opponents in a combined...

Essential Boxing: Lessons 1 & 2 Since July Masters Academy Plymouth have been working with the Ultra White Collar Boxing (UWCB) organisation. The UWCB has been running events round the UK for 6 years and have so far raised over £2,000,000 for Cancer Research UK. The events are not for professionals boxers, instead they are...

Mastering Martial Arts #10: Five Easy Nutrition Tips In 2008, I was in the process of losing 5kg to make weight for the World Grappling Games.Losing 5kg when you’re already lean is a challenge. Particularly when the weigh in and fight are only a few hours apart. I had reduced my calorie intake, I was...