The toughest call a fighter has to make is when to call it a day. In a line of work where one makes an anathema of quitting at just about anything, hanging up the gloves requires a complete shift in mentality. Admitting that it's all over is to swallow the bitterest pill of all. When … Continue reading The bizarre tale of Ma Baogua
Leave your ego at the door?
The maxim and command: 'leave your ego at the door' is doubtless familiar to anyone who has been through the door of a Jiu-Jitsu academy. It might be considered a sacred commandment of BJJ. Ostensibly it’s very good advice, if somewhat trite, that we must free ourselves to err in order to make progress. The … Continue reading Leave your ego at the door?
What it takes – In praise of longevity
Back in 2004/2005, I lived a while in the city of Petropolis, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. In my privileged position as the one and only gringo, I had the unique right to pass freely around all of Crezio’s associated gyms in the city. One of those was the ‘Academia’ of Crezio’s father, … Continue reading What it takes – In praise of longevity
What it takes – Casca Grossa
Hand in hand with toughness, goes it's close relation - 'bottle' . Here in the North-East, that's what we call courage. The intestinal fortitude to see the job through. There are a whole load of Jiu-Jitsu slang words and expressions attributed to Carlson Gracie senior, the trainer of my teacher Crezio de Souza. One of … Continue reading What it takes – Casca Grossa
Creating a Good Boxing Hand Wrap
Creating a good wrap for Boxing, MMA or Muay Thai is an essential skill for the combat sports practitioner but also one that takes a little time to learn
FSN – Fight Store North
Fight Store North, the new name for Fight Store Newcastle is certainly the longest running dedicated Martial Arts Store in the Newcastle and Gateshead area
Why Has MMA NEWCASTLE Changed?
A year later I moved into the centre of Newcastle and we built a community website called MMA Newcastle. A lot has changed since then and we felt it was time to go full circle.
