Martial Arts Clubs in Crawley Archives

Nov 14

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The Lumpini Ladies at the Diesel Gym Interclub

By JohnJarvis | Ladies Fitness, Martial Arts Clubs in Crawley, Muay Thai | No Comments

The Lumpini Ladies at a Muay Thai Interclub in London

Rita, Karen, Holly, Emily and Lauren at the Muay Thai Interclub in London

A big well done to Rita, Karen, Emily and Lauren at last weeks Muay Thai Interclub at the Diesel Gym in London.

All four train in both our Ladies Muay Thai classes and jump in with the guys during our regular Muay Thai classes and invite only fighters classes too.

We use interclubs as a stepping stone towards having your first fight. Instead of “thowing people” in the deep-end, they’re the best way to build your confidence, to test yourself and feel what it’s like to have a real fight.

They’re typically a 3 round bout against one one from another club with a referee and corner team. So on the outside it looks and feels like a real fight. You train in advance for it, maybe for 3-4 weeks depending on how much notice we get, you watch your diet, lose a few kilograms and learn how to deal with the nerves of a contest.
Then you fight.

They’re not 100% all-out fights, there should be an element of control. It’s about learning to put what you learned into practice. To battle-test your techniques in a real situation against a less-tha compliant partner. You have to stay calm, be strong, listen to the advice of your corner team and to the referee who’s there for your safety.

If you or your opponent go “too heavy” the referee will step in and tell you to take it down a notch. If you’re outclassing your opponent, he’ll tell you to take it down a level – to go easy.

An interclub is all about learning. There is no winner or loser at this stage so it doesn’t make sense to “lose it” or “go crazy!”

We run several interclubs here at our gym and travel to local shows locally.

If you’re interested in training for an interclub, let us know. Train regularly and be consistent. Then put your name down for the next “Fight Skool” in the gym.

We post them on our Facebook page and put up posters around the gym in advance — so keep your eyes peeled!

See you in the gym!

Oct 13

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Lumpini Muay Thai Fighters Session

By JohnJarvis | Martial Arts Clubs in Crawley, Muay Thai | No Comments

A short clip of Paulo’s Muay Thai Fighter’s class which runs every Wednesday Night.

A nice mix of people in the class, a few novices through to season A Class fighters (Professional) who fight with knees and elbows (full Muay Thai rules) to the head and even a couple of retired fighters in there too 😉

We try to make sure you learn from sparring. It’s not a fight (if you want to have a fight, then just have a fight) but sparring should be a time to learn how to apply your techniques.

To learn how to read your opponent, to time your shots and fight with your brain, not just brawn.

Then you get better and you don’t get injured (which would mean you can’t fight and if you’re a pro-fighter it means you don’t get paid and don’t get to eat!)

Personally, I think everyone should spar. Regardless of ability. We don’t make people spar but even if you “play spar” super-light you’re going to learn. You’re going to become technically better and you’re going to be able to use your techniques for real.When you learn new techniques, when you shadow box, hit the bags or pads then you hit them the same way you hope to spar and one day fight (if that’s your goal).

Everything is consistent.

You train how you fight, so you fight how you train.

It makes Muay Thai a “live” martial art because you’re not up against a compliant partner, they’re resisting and that’s what keeps the art and the sport real.

If you’re interested in learning Muay Thai you can find out more by clicking HERE.

Oct 06

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A Winning Weekend for the Boxers of the Crawley Martial Arts Academy

By JohnJarvis | Boxing, Martial Arts Clubs in Crawley | No Comments

It’s been a busy week for the boxers at the gym with a few of the guys jumping in and trying the Ultra White Collar Boxing tournament – raising money for charity – and then another 7 of of the team fighting in Erith last Saturday.

Fighting on the card were Cai, Aaron, Jake, Ashley, Josh, Dean and Randall.

Crawley Boxers

The results – a mixed bag for the gym.

Ashley, Josh and Jake all had tough fights – that’s a good thing – and despite putting in good performances they lost to better boxers on the day. They’ve all gone away, having learned a lot and have already been back in the gym working on getting better for next time.

MMA fighter, Aaron, was back in the boxing ring for the first time in a couple of years – taking a few MMA fights in between. The come-forward fighter did exactly that winning by TKO in the 2 round having already given his opponent a count earlier in the round.

Randall was back in great form – the tall, rangey fighter picked his shots well, moved stylishly and did what he had to do to take home another convincing win . While Dean – in a tough, well matched fight – listened well and put his gym work to good practise to win what was only his 3rd fight.

Military man Cai had boxed only 6 days earlier on the Ultra White Collar Boxing event for charity and was stepping into the ring for his first official fight for the Crawley Martial Arts Academy. Moving well and picking his shots he put on a great display to out box and win his fight.

It’s been a busy few weeks down the gym and with more fights on the horizon – plus an international Muay Thai even coming up on the 21st November – it’s only going to get busier!

To find out more about boxing or learning Muay Thai at the Crawley Martial Arts Academy – you can get in touch by filling on the form on the side of this page or calling us on 01293 552 511.

Feb 04

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Why our Kids Muay Thai Classes are great for confidence

By JohnJarvis | Kids Martial Arts, Martial Arts Clubs in Crawley, Muay Thai | No Comments

While our classes might look like they’re all about punching and kicking… running and jumping… press-ups and squats…

They’re not just physical skills our Little Champions learn.

During our classes our students have to be able to listen carefully and follow instructions.

They learn to have the confidence to put their hands up and ask if they’re not sure or need extra help. They’re asked for opinions and suggestions (… it takes a brave person to put their hand up in public, most adults are too scared) and participate in class.

We have our students volunteer and help demonstrate. They’ll be in charge of exercises… they’ll count our reps and lead by example.

All of which are MASSIVE confidence builders and make our classes much more than just punching and kicking. And if our adults find classes good for their confidence then imagine what it can do for your kids!

There’s a lot more going on too.

Sure children improve their physical skills and learn to help out in class, participate and engage but here’ something else they do.

They learn to take responsibility for themselves and the other members of the class. We have partner drills where (… yes) the kids practice techniques on each other. They punch each others gloves and learn to place their kicks and knees on each others bellies. That all takes control and it takes trust from us – the instructors. And guess what? The kids have never let us down because they listen… they respect their instructors and they respect the other children in the class. Their training partners and team mates.

Our Kids Muay Thai classes are great for confidence… they’re great for skill, co-ordination and control and with a little hard work they’ll be where the next Champion Thaiboxer from Crawley starts their journey!

To find out more about kids martial arts classes you can call us on 01293 522 511 or enter your details in the enquiry form on this page >>>

See you in the gym!

Oct 08

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Ben Hodge Prepares for ‘King of Muay Thai 2014’

By JohnJarvis | Competition Team, Martial Arts Clubs in Crawley | No Comments

Crawley Thaiboxer – Ben Hodge – prepares for the biggest fight of his career on 25th October 2014 in Thailand.

Fighting as part of an 8-man tournament Ben will face Antoine Pinto (France), Saiyok (Thailand), Alka Matewa (Belgium), Sen Bunthen (Cambodia), Michael Corley (USA), Hiroki Nakashima (Japan) and Millad Farzad (Austrailia) the 26 year old plumber from Crawley has been training daily at the Lumpini Thaiboxing club in Manor Royal.

Late last year Ben travelled to France where he beat the WMF World Champion Yohan Lidon with a cut at super-middle weight (a weight division above his normal fighting weight).

With only two weeks until the Kings of Muay Thai show — Ben has been training six days a week and up to twice a day (in addition to working a full-time job) in preparation.

The 8-man tournament is carried out over three stages with the winners going through to the semi-final and the winners of that meeting in the final.

Then in December Ben fights Priya Sumalee from Thailand in Southampton.

To find out more about training in Crawley you can call the gym on 01293 552 511.

May 28

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Checkmat BJJ at the British Open 2014

By JohnJarvis | Crawley BJJ, Martial Arts Clubs in Crawley | No Comments

This years BJJ British Open saw the Checkmat BJJ team place 2nd in the overall team results with our team of Crawley fighters playing their part and bringing home several medals.

With competitors in the White, Blue, Purple and Black Belt dvision it was a diverse team from the Crawley Martial Arts Academy on the mats for the days competition including 17 years old George who decided to skip the youth division and go straight for the jugular by entering the adults competition.

Graham on the podium after collecting his Silver Medal for the Crawley Checkma BJJ Team

British Open Crawley BJJ Result

Wrestler and first time competitor Ali Carter tried his hand in the Gi at White Belt level winning his first two fights before losing his third fight.
Relatively new to the team – Martin Duke battled it out for two fights, winning them both before losing in the quarter finals.
Thaiboxer and BJJ enthusiast Marco Carvalho won his first fight and lost his second contest.
Darren Spillian – a relatively new Blue Belt – fought well in the Adult Masters winning Bronze
Pete Smallridge – in a hugely competitive weight category – won four fights on the bounce all with chokes before losing on a wrist lock in his fifth fight to take home a well deserved bronze medal
17 year old George Kolarov (in his first Blue Belt competition) won his first two fights before losing his third contest.
Redhill’s – Sean Curran – had two tough fights to take Silver
Heavyweight Lee Wilderspin – who pretends to be the underdog – took home silver.
The tough Konrad Gedzik won four fights at Blue Belt, losing to an Ezekiel choke in the final to take home a silver medal.
Horsham’s Graham Day – who was determined to do well – did himself proud to win yet another Silver medal for the Checkmat Crawley team.
Sam Hewitt – who’s had a good year competing regularly lost in the first round, hugely disappointed at the points lose.
Leg lock and Judo expert – Rolanas Cizauskas – won his first two fights convincing before having what can only be described as a ‘war’ in the final only to lose on points in the final.
While Black Belt Keith McKenzie won his first fight and narrowly losing the final on an advantage point to win the silver medal.

Overall the Crawley BJJ Team took home 2 Bronze and 5 Silver Medals and it was great to see all the guys back on the mat Monday evening – ready to learn from any mistakes at the British Open and improve their game.

The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu team will be back on the Mats at the Surrey Open on the 6th July in Guildford.

To find out more about learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing or MMA in Crawley you can get in touch with our gym on 01293 552 511 or enter your name and contact number in the box on the side of this page.

Mar 17

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Kids Fight Club – Sunday 23rd March

By JohnJarvis | Competition Team, Kids Martial Arts, Martial Arts Clubs in Crawley, Teens Martial Arts | No Comments

Our kids fight club is a chance for our youngest members to show case their martial art skills and put them to the test in a friendly in-house sparring session.

Sparring – loved by our kids – is one of the most enjoyable parts of a lesson and in the kids fight club they spar safely and without head contact and get to show case their skills.

With a fully fledged adults and kids competition team – our fight clubs are the first step our members make before stepping into the competitive arena for the first time. They are an excellent stepping stone for anyone who’d like to compete and good fun for those who don’t.

The next fight club is this Sunday the 23rd March and for our members only.

You can read more about our kids classes here (we have classes 6 days per week) call the gym on 01293 552 511.

Last August Kids Fight Club, the perfect opportunity for our youngest members to show case their skill!

During a fight club each child has their own corner man and there is a referee in place to keep the action flowing. The kids spar for 3 rounds back to back (as they would in competition) and have to demonstrate proper technique and the ability to listen to their corner man.

It’s all about perfect practise and preparation for the next generation of Lumpini Superstars!

Mar 17

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Silver Medal for Crawley BJJ’s Sam Hewitt

By JohnJarvis | Crawley BJJ, Martial Arts Clubs in Crawley | No Comments

Crawley BJJ’s Sam Hewitt walked away with a Silver medal at this weekends’ TUFF Challenge in Southampton.

Fighting twice in the same day Sam won his first fight choking his opponent unconscious with a bow and arrow choke (see the video). His next fight – the purple belt final – the fight ended a draw with both fighters level on points and no advantages.

The referee gave the fight to Sam’s opponent, leaving him to walk away with the silver medal.

The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition was the second

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To find out more about learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at our gym in Crawley call us on 01293 552 511 or enter your name and telephone number in the box on this page.

See you on the mats!

Mar 03

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Congratulations to Everyone on Our First Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Grading

By JohnJarvis | Kids Martial Arts, Martial Arts Clubs in Crawley | No Comments

We’re Crawley’s first and only Brazilian Jiu Jitsu club and this week ran our first kids grading this week with 10 of our next generation of martial artists passing the test.

Our Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes are led by Black Belt and two time European Champion, Keith McKenzie.

Nicknamed “the gentle art” – Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has a focus on skill and technique over brute force and strength. With an emphasis on grappling and ground fighting BJJ teaches students how to throw, control and submit your opponent without punching or kicking.

A new martial art, BJJ was founded in the early 2oth century and has grown exponentially largely thanks to the Ultimate Fighting Championship and its practical nature. Like many martial arts it places an emphasis on discipline and respect while the sports element allows BJJ players to put their skill and physical fitness to the test in competition.

The grading is a first for Crawley and kids and teens were required to demonstrate techniques and their practical application during an hour of sparring with other classmates and adult assistants.

Using an internationally recognised grading system BJJ sets its standards high and only has give adult belts with the coveted Black Belt taking up to 10 years to earn and in May the team will travel to Birmingham to compete in the British Open.

The Kids Brazilian Jiu JItsu Team after Grading Success Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Grading Success

Sep 16

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Iske Crowned Ladies Southern Area Muay Thai Champion

By JohnJarvis | Competition Team, Martial Arts Clubs in Crawley | No Comments

The Lumpini Fight Team based at the Crawley Martial Arts Academy

Jane Iske with her new Southern Area Title Belt

Lumpini Fight Team’s — Jane Iske was crowned the new Southern Area Champion after winning her 5 round title battle in Southampton at the weekend.

The mixed fight night featured 8 fighters from the Crawley Martial Arts Academy with six Muay Thai fighters, two Grapplers and a White Collar Boxer competing.

Lumpini Crawley’s Jane Iske Wins

Jane, 22, from West Green was fighting Lauren Huxley from Swansea for the 62.5kg title. Both technical fighters, Jane looked strong throughout as she mixed up her punches, kicks and clinched well to fire off knees to the body of the Huxley. The young Welsh fighter was clearly looking to land head kicks but Iske’s tight guard and movement meant she was always ready to counter-attack and land her own shots. Jane grew in strength round by round and started to take control with good movement around the ring. Going to the judges score card Jane was unanimously crowned the new Southern Area Title winner.

White Collar Boxer Paul Clark was matched against Mathew Daniel at 80kg. The 21 year old on his third outing for the club has been improving week on week and picked his shots well throughout the contest. Mixing it up with uppercuts and body punches, Paul fought well and listened to his corner winning with another unanimous decision from the judges.

18 year old Oscar Cutter was back in the ring for the first time since April’s Muay Thai Mayhem and beat Swansea’s, Andrew Hill. The classy teenager from Horley put on a well rounded performance as he scored well landing heavy kicks and knees to the body of his opponent. Local girl Falen Burt beat Danielle Whitfield from the Warriors Gym in Kent. The three round fight went the distance with Falen wining the well matched contest on points while Matt White fought George Smith from the same gym, losing on points.

Pound Hill’s George Beach fought Bournemouth’s Tommy Barlow for the 72kg Southern Area title. The 18 year who studies at Crawley Collage had been training hard in preparation for the title bout and fought well against the strong Barlow losing on points after five rounds.
Sam Hewitt, a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from Northgate and wrestler Ali Carter who grapple at the Crawley Martial Arts Academy were both fighting 2 x 4 minute contests. Matched against a black belt from London, Sam lost on a referee’s decision in what was a very close fight while Ali squared up to Nik Jones from Southampton losing on another close decision.

All the fighters will be back in action for the Ringmasters Tournament in Kent this month competing under Thaiboxing and MMA rules and on the gym’s own “WBC Muay Thai Mayhem” event at the Effingham Park Hotel on the 2nd November.

If you’d like to find out more about training at the Crawley Martial Arts Academy or fighting for their Lumpini Fight Team then call the gym on 01293 552 511.

Martial Arts Clubs in Crawley