Mar 03
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Congratulations to Everyone on Our First Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Grading

By | 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 SuccessKids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Grading Success

Feb 17
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Hewitt Wins BJJ Gold

By | Competition Team, Crawley BJJ | No Comments

Crawley BJJ – Sam Hewitt took gold at the Grapplers Showdown in Southampton at the weekend.  The purple belt who’s trains at the Crawley Martial Arts Academy in Manor Royal had been training up to twice per day in the run up to the competition and entered both the Gi and No-Gi competition.

Sam Hewitt winning BJJ Gold at Grapplers Showdown

In the No-Gi absolute competition Hewitt won his first fight by submission (via Gogoplata).  The Absolute division is open to all weight classes so when faced with a bigger opponent in the next round Sam went on after getting caught in a guillotine-like choke by an experienced wrestler.

Sam started here the UK before moving to the States to study.  While there he spent time training under Pedro Sauer while in Utah before moving to Florida where he trained at the infamous Top Team America Team – eventually fighting under MMA rules.

On his return to England Sam started to hone his Thaiboxing skills fighting as part of the Lumpini Thaiboxing Team here in Crawley and working on his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Black Belt Keith McKenzie.

An Osteopath at the Body Health Clinic and sports masseuse by trade – Hewitt is looking to get back on the mat this month in preparation for the British Open held in May.  One of the UK’s most prestigious tournaments Sam’s setting his expectations high and will be looking for another placement.

For anyone interested in learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling or MMA you can get in touch with the gym on 01293 552 511 or enter your name on the inquiry box on this page.

 

Jan 02
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Motivational Training Clip for the New Year

By | Exercise and Fitness, Ladies Fitness, Personal Training Crawley | No Comments

There’s a lot of cynacism this time of year about New Years Resolutions and starting 2014 strong but it’s one of the few times of year we all take a moment to reflect on what we’d like to change about ourselves, improve and make better.

So – in my opinion – ride that wave of motivation and hit it hard.

Then make that training part of your routine for 2014.

One of my favourite YouTube motivational training clip.  This guy is an inspriation…

If you’re looking to kick start 2014 HARD and make it a year to remember then why our January Special Offer gives you your first months training and annual membership free.

You won’t pay a penny until February and you’ll have started the New Year strong.

Find out more about our fitness special offer HERE.

Oct 14
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Crawley’s Cutter Wins European Title

By | Competition Team, Teens Martial Arts | No Comments

The Crawley Gym's Oscar Cutter with a Fight FanPart of the Crawley Martial Arts Academy, our Oscar Cutter won the WRSA Junior European Title in Bedford. The classy 18 year old who trains at the Academy in Manor Royal stopped his opponent in the second round after a barrage of well time leg kicks.

Cutter who’d been preparing hard in the gym was in a confident mood after winning in Southampton last month where he won on points.

18 year old Luke Hill and 21 year old boxer Paul Clarke were also on the fight card, both winning on points. Luke who’s been training for over 3 years now was on his 5th outing for the club with the well rounded fighter out clinching his opponent, scoring well with knees and beating his opponent.

Luke Hill, Oscar Cutter and Paul Clarke winning!

Luke Hill, Oscar Cutter and Paul Clarke winning!

While Paul Clarke from Horsham was representing the Crawley gym’s boxers for his fourth fight out classing his opponent for all three rounds of the fight to take home the winners medal.

Our next batch of fighters are competing on the 2nd November at the the next Muay Thai Mayhem Show at the Millenium Suite, Copthorne Hotel.

On the fight card are Ruth Ashdown and Paulo Da Silva who’ll be fighting for WBC Titles as well as local fighters Ben Hodge, Alan Sawyer and Jane Iskey.

To find out more about training at our Crawley gym call us on 01293 552 511

Sep 24
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BJJ Motivation

By | Crawley BJJ | No Comments

Next week will see our McKenzie BJJ team hit the mats at the Checkmat interclub competition in London.

Head coach Keith McKenzie will be bringing a team of grapplers to the annual event at the Checkmat Headquarters and everyone is in training ready to make the Crawley Team proud.

If you’re looking for a little bit of BJJ Motivation then have a look at these highlights of the Copa Podio competition.  It’s only a short video but a great video of BJJ in action.

Sep 16
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Iske Crowned Ladies Southern Area Muay Thai Champion

By | 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

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.

Sep 14
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Happy Birthday Ruth!

By | Personal Training Crawley | No Comments

A big happy birthday to our personal trainer Ruth Ashdown today who — being a local celebrity — got a shout out from the Crawley Happy Times.

Ruth will be fighting again at the next Muay Thai Mayhem Fight Night at the Copthorne Hotel, Effingham Park on the 2nd November alongside other members of the Lumpini Fight Team including Paulo Da Silva, Oscar Cutter and George Beach.

The tickets go on sale next week with VIP Tickets, Tables and Sponsorships still available.

Get in touch on 01293 552 511

Sep 06
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Harvey White – The Next Lumpini Crawley Superstar?!

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

This is cool little clip of 10 year old Superstar Harvey White.  He’s been training at the Crawley Martial Arts Academy for around 6 years now and has moved from being a part of the class to a part of our Lumpini Crawley fight team.

But not only does Harvey star in the video, he’s the editor and producer as well!

Here’s a clip of Harvey training with one of our instructors and fellow Lumpini Crawley fighter — Paulo Da Silva — who’s been training Harvey for most of his time here at the gym.

Of course not everyone who trains at the club fights, most of our adults and kids martial artists train for fun, to learn a new skill and keep fit.

Our gym is open 7 days a week with kids classes Monday – Saturday for children aged 4 and up.  The best way to find out about our classes is to call in a watch one in action or call us on 01293 552 511 and speak to one of our martial art instructors.

Sep 04
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Miss England’s Boxing Fitness Training

By | Exercise and Fitness, Ladies Fitness | No Comments

It’s always good to see celebrities and famous folk hitting pads and working up a sweat.

Hear’s a little glimpse into Kirsty Heslewood — Miss England 2013 — working with her personal trainer through a fitness routine that include cardio, weights and hitting the pads.

Fast forward to the 1min:10sec mark to watch her getting box fit.

A Great Way to Burn Fat

The real benefits to hitting the pads is they’re a great cardio workout that vary in intensity so you can work at a pace that suits you and make it as hard (or as easy) as you like.

By mixing up toning exercises that strengthen and shape your legs, stomach and arms with intense cardio from punching and kicking pads you can get an excellent fat burning workout that’s a lot more interesting than mainstream gyms.

Ladies Only Classes

At our gym in Manor Royal, Crawley we have a variety of classes for men, women and children who want to learn martial arts or train for fitness.

Classes are varied and our boxing fitness training promises one of the best workouts you’ll get anywhere.

To find out more our about ladies fitness classes you can call our team on 01293 552 511 or enter you details into the form on this page.

Aug 30
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Fast Fat Buster with Personal Trainer, Mr Motivator

By | Personal Training Crawley | No Comments

I just found this clip of TV personal trainer, Mr Motivator putting his ladies only class through their paces.

Now while the lycra isn’t quite out thing, nor are the crazy animal names to his exercises there’s one thing he did really well and that was — he made exercise fun.

While it’s far for a full body workout and it’s far from being overly functional there’s one big take-away and that is — by making exercise fun you’re more likely to do it and you’re more likely to stay at it.

And staying at it is ultimately the biggest stumbling block when it comes to losing weight and getting fit.  Which (yes, I’m biased) is massively influenced by the gym you go to.

At our gym in Crawley we’ve a very different approach to fitness.

Plus we’re lucky that — by sheer chance — our methods are some of the best fat burning exercise you’ll find anyway.

So what are they?

We teach our personal training clients and all of our gym members how to fight.

Yep, we teach them how to fight and we train them the exact same way we train our Champion fighters.

First, hitting stuff (not necessarily other people) is great fun and a great calorie burner.  Why else would so many personal trainers copy our methods by using pads to get their clients punching and kicking?!  Because it’s fun and it works!

Second, our training is pretty intense.  By training our PT clients like fighters they have to work in short, sharp and intense rounds which is a great way to get your heart rate pumping and the calories burning during and even after your leave the gym.

So next time you’re looking for a Mr. Motivator style workout — STOP — and give us a call because we’ve got something equally fun and in our opinion a lot, lot better for building a fitter, leaner body.

Get in touch with the gym on 01293 552 511 or visit our gym homepage to find out more!