The first quarter of 2015 has been an interesting one at UFS, the introduction of massive changes in the grappling part of the syllabus and a host of learning and re-learning. That will continue onwards into the future now, but a few weeks ago I began thinking about what the next changes would be. Having had some meetings with Gary Dawson, Stacy Coles and Mo Teague it became more and more obvious that the way we approach fitness needs a shake up and it is coming this month. The introduction of the fitness test will help all of you evaluate where you are in terms of fitness and in your state of health; or not,as the case may be.

However, the more I thought about this particular question the more it also made me question other aspects of life and training. Last year I heard a phrase that has stayed with me ever since:

“How you do anything is how you do everything”.

It sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? Until you think about how you do things. Some people are always late, some people are always early, some people are really messy and some people are very, very neat. Some people believe that they are only scatter-brained in some areas of their life, others that they are completely ordered in their life. What is the answer? Whatever works for you, except I would also add the caveat “Moderation in all things, except moderation”. You also have to consider the impact you have on other people and how they view you. It’s not quite so easy now is it?

I would then add the question, what do you want? What are your goals? Your ambitions? What do you want from your martial arts? What do you want from life? From your relationships? Over the next three months (April to June) I will be working with you to help you achieve, or at the very least plan, where you want to go. I wouldn’t want you to be like so many people and drift through life, because they will be the one’s getting to middle age wondering where their life has gone.

We will also be discussing strategy and tactics. How do you deal with a one on one attack at 7am as you walk to work? How do you cope with a knife attack? What do you do if 2 attackers jump you? Or it could also be life questions. How do you cope with life’s bumps in the road? I want you to bring your questions, your challenges, your desires and your ambitions. The next 90 days could change your life forever, if you want it to.

Martial arts is so much more than just the physical side of training, but the physical side cannot be neglected. If you keep getting injured we will look at that, the same if you keep getting ill. Balance is the key, rest and diet are as important as physical training. If you have questions email me at andygibney@nobrain-nogain.com or message me on Facebook. It’s going to be an interesting three months.