Firstly, all the team at the Combat Ready Gym would like to thank you for your continued support over the last twelve months. Training people is not merely a job for us but a real passion for everyone involved.
A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to create strong foundations for the future. Despite a recession we still see growth in the industry and we are investing in the future. There are many new directions that the gym will be heading in the future with the addition of new training programmes, training kit, organisational structure, social media and much much more. All this is to ensure that you get the best possible training experience available.
We will reopen again on Monday 7th January. We hope you all had a fantastic Christmas. Have a great New Year and we look forward to seeing you all in 2013!
Monday, 31 December 2012
Sunday, 30 December 2012
Happy Birthday Marcus!
Today we want to wish a very Happy Birthday to Combat Ready's Founder and Chief Instructor Marcus!!
Hope you are having a fantastic day!
Hope you are having a fantastic day!
Friday, 28 December 2012
Are you committed?
We all train for different reasons and most of us train in one or more disciplines at Combat Ready. In truth in my younger days when I used to train out of the Edinburgh Judo Club I really only cared about the people who were the committed hardcore ones. It was a tough place to train with very few rules and you really had to be in it to win it. It was all a learning experience for everyone involved. Then as the business grew and we opened the gym I realised that I would always keep the hardcore and I would have to work harder on keeping the other 98 percent of people who want to train whom for them training isn't their life.
In truth you get people who buy all the gear, can talk about the protein shakes they take, how often they train, what the latest fitness craze is, however, that doesn't make them committed. Does it make them any less of person no, it just means they are not part of that very small hardcore group. The hardcore people are the ones in there come rain or shine, coming after a hellish day at work not just cause they want to train but because they said to someone the day before they would train with them. Their diet may not be the best but they excel because of the time they put in and in truth they would probably be good at whatever they did just because of the time they are willing to commit. Its like in the army, not everyone is a warrior but there are those few who stand and can motivate and lead and just keep going no matter what is in front of them.
The gym is made up of people who come for a fun way to get fit, to learn some self defence or to meet other like minded people. My goal as a coach is simply to make sure that you benefit from whatever programme you enter into. I always try and encourage woman to come out of the kickboxing class and into the Krav Maga class so they can learn some more efficient self defence techniques. Similarly I try and persuade the guys in Krav Maga to get into the kickboxing class to get some better footwork and striking skills. If I see someone who wants to get fitter then Im suggesting the kettle bells or caveman classes. Everything at the gym compliments everything else and the more classes you experience the more you will hope to gain. Its a place for everyone to benefit and learn new skills.
Now the most important part of any training programme is commitment. Now if you decide to come along and train then for goodness sake commit to it. If its only training once a week then make sure you go for 8 weeks minimum. Its easy to find excuses not to go and believe me I have heard them all. When you learn a new skill its supposed to challenge you. Nothing is impossible and every time you do it you will get better at it, simply persevere. Imagine if at primary school you just stopped learning as it was too difficult. Well you are an adult now so if its difficult you just keep going. Nothing can be harder than having to learn to read or write. Sometimes people think the classes are too physically demanding, others maybe don't think they are demanding enough. The classes are scaled so you do what you can. If you are a new start then go conservatively. For some the warm up may feel like an exercise class for a few weeks so don't just jack it after a few sessions it will get easier. For those who are there more regularly put more effort into the work out or the pad work. Play with your pace and breathing. Go all out for 20 seconds and then tone it down. Think about the pace of a boxer during a fight. Also, the pad holder can control most of it so you recognise when your partner is struggling and help them out.
The bottom-line is simple, nothing worthwhile comes easy and it will take a bit to learn. Be confident enough to work through it and grow as a person. Give it a chance and there is really no stopping you. I could have stopped long ago when things got hard but if I had I wouldn't be typing this on boxing day running a business. I'd be stuck in a job I hated. We all make sacrifices big and small to get to where we want to get to. Think big, get colossal.
So when the gym reopens, you come in with a fresh perspective. You are going to better yourself and its going to take time but you don't care as you are committed and you realise it isn't an over night thing. There is nobody stopping you except yourself.
Marcus
In truth you get people who buy all the gear, can talk about the protein shakes they take, how often they train, what the latest fitness craze is, however, that doesn't make them committed. Does it make them any less of person no, it just means they are not part of that very small hardcore group. The hardcore people are the ones in there come rain or shine, coming after a hellish day at work not just cause they want to train but because they said to someone the day before they would train with them. Their diet may not be the best but they excel because of the time they put in and in truth they would probably be good at whatever they did just because of the time they are willing to commit. Its like in the army, not everyone is a warrior but there are those few who stand and can motivate and lead and just keep going no matter what is in front of them.
The gym is made up of people who come for a fun way to get fit, to learn some self defence or to meet other like minded people. My goal as a coach is simply to make sure that you benefit from whatever programme you enter into. I always try and encourage woman to come out of the kickboxing class and into the Krav Maga class so they can learn some more efficient self defence techniques. Similarly I try and persuade the guys in Krav Maga to get into the kickboxing class to get some better footwork and striking skills. If I see someone who wants to get fitter then Im suggesting the kettle bells or caveman classes. Everything at the gym compliments everything else and the more classes you experience the more you will hope to gain. Its a place for everyone to benefit and learn new skills.
Now the most important part of any training programme is commitment. Now if you decide to come along and train then for goodness sake commit to it. If its only training once a week then make sure you go for 8 weeks minimum. Its easy to find excuses not to go and believe me I have heard them all. When you learn a new skill its supposed to challenge you. Nothing is impossible and every time you do it you will get better at it, simply persevere. Imagine if at primary school you just stopped learning as it was too difficult. Well you are an adult now so if its difficult you just keep going. Nothing can be harder than having to learn to read or write. Sometimes people think the classes are too physically demanding, others maybe don't think they are demanding enough. The classes are scaled so you do what you can. If you are a new start then go conservatively. For some the warm up may feel like an exercise class for a few weeks so don't just jack it after a few sessions it will get easier. For those who are there more regularly put more effort into the work out or the pad work. Play with your pace and breathing. Go all out for 20 seconds and then tone it down. Think about the pace of a boxer during a fight. Also, the pad holder can control most of it so you recognise when your partner is struggling and help them out.
The bottom-line is simple, nothing worthwhile comes easy and it will take a bit to learn. Be confident enough to work through it and grow as a person. Give it a chance and there is really no stopping you. I could have stopped long ago when things got hard but if I had I wouldn't be typing this on boxing day running a business. I'd be stuck in a job I hated. We all make sacrifices big and small to get to where we want to get to. Think big, get colossal.
So when the gym reopens, you come in with a fresh perspective. You are going to better yourself and its going to take time but you don't care as you are committed and you realise it isn't an over night thing. There is nobody stopping you except yourself.
Marcus
Thursday, 27 December 2012
Another quick workout...
Here's another quick workout. Today we're focusing on push ups...
WORKOUT 2
10 wide grip push ups
10 diamond push ups
10 regular push ups
then 8, 6, 4, 2 and finish with 15 tuck jumps
Sunday, 23 December 2012
Holiday Workouts
We may be closed for the holidays but the blog will still have posts going up with workouts and training tips to keep you active over the festive period.
We know that over the holidays it is easy to get sidetracked and run out of time to train. So, here's the first of a few quick workouts you can do any time and anywhere.
We know that over the holidays it is easy to get sidetracked and run out of time to train. So, here's the first of a few quick workouts you can do any time and anywhere.
Workout 1
Star Jumps 1 minute
Squats - 1 minute
Burpees - 1 minute
Wall Squat - 1 minute
45 seconds recovery and repeat again.
Star Jumps 1 minute
Squats - 1 minute
Burpees - 1 minute
Wall Squat - 1 minute
45 seconds recovery and repeat again.
Friday, 21 December 2012
Christmas - Fitness and Food
During any holiday period it is easy to become complacent with diet and training. Try not to beat yourself up about it if you do fall off the wagon a little bit. For the majority of us our training is a long term thing and we are not competitive athletes. We don't have a weight to make an event to compete in or a fight. We train because we love it and want to be stronger, fitter and faster than most. If you consider that you will train for the rest of your life then taking some time off isn't a major thing. We can get that cardio back, lose that weight or put that muscle back on. In fact if you have been training hard all year then perhaps its time for a break. A little rest can work wonders and let your body repair itself and more often than not you will come back feeling stronger.
It's a tough time when everyone is offering you alcohol, food and snacks but everything in moderation. Normally you can be eating turkey for a about two weeks no matter where you go and turkey is a great meat. Just go easy on the carbs and top up on the vegetables. If you have time off and you want to train then you really don't have an excuse. Get the trainers on and run around the block a few times. Get some sprint drills in between lamp posts. Or simply stay indoors and work bodyweight exercises. Challenge yourself to see how many burpees you can do in three minutes, see how long you can hold the plank for. Try and master the one armed push up or increase your explosiveness with clapping push ups. Or why not think about stretching and mobility work. Look to increase your flexibility and range of motion with various movements. There are a number of excellent mobility drills all over you tube so get researching.
You are a student of movement regardless what programmes you train in at the gym. Study, question and improve in all areas of your life. Start with the body and then think about the mind. There is so much you can do to improve yourself and in turn it will improve the lives of others. Think about how the new you will reflect on your kids your partner and colleagues. Give that guy in the office the push he needs to start exercise, pick up some cushions and train with your kids. Teach your wife or your husband some basic self defence techniques. It's only a two week break so be inventive, keep yourself and your training ticking over and all will be great.
Thursday, 20 December 2012
Master your own bodyweight...
A lot of people seem so eager to progress onto lifting weights before even mastering their own bodyweight. Push ups, squats and chin ups should all be done correctly before you even think about needing to lift a weight. They are the foundations of everything physical. Remember strong foundations are the key in everything we do otherwise whatever we put on top will simply topple. Think about Bruce Lee and how he practised the basics for hour after hour. This is what made him exceptional. There is nothing stopping you from being exceptional except yourself. Be great, be kind but most of all be yourself.
Holidays!
A quick reminder to all of you reading that come down and train that we finish up for the holidays this week.
Our last Krav Maga class is tonight at 18:45 and final the kickboxing is on Saturday morning at 10:15. It'd be good to see as many of you there as possible for one final session before the holidays.
We'll still have some blog posts and workouts up for you during the holidays so don't forget to check the blog and we'll be back open in the New Year on Monday 7th January.
Our last Krav Maga class is tonight at 18:45 and final the kickboxing is on Saturday morning at 10:15. It'd be good to see as many of you there as possible for one final session before the holidays.
We'll still have some blog posts and workouts up for you during the holidays so don't forget to check the blog and we'll be back open in the New Year on Monday 7th January.
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
EATING FOR SUCCESS
The question I get asked most often is, what should I be eating if I want to lose fat and gain muscle? This question, it sometimes feels, has a thousand answers, and those answers change every other week. From Atkins, to Paleo, to Vegan, there are plenty of 'experts' out there who will spoon feed -excuse the pun - you their 'answer'. Beyond fad dieting, pro-athletes also have their own strict and very special dietary requirements, which papers and fitness magazines are very fond of proclaiming as the 'secret diet for success'.
For the average person, I think the question of how to eat right is much more simple than experts would have you believe. Your body is the best guide you could possibly have, and everyone's body is different. It is far better to experiment yourself and find the foods that give you the most energy and keep you feeling healthy, than to take this weeks healthy eating guide as gospel. There are simple guidelines you can follow; lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, good lean protein and avoid processed foods and foods high in sugar and calories. These are just the rules that we have heard all our lives, and you don't need an expert to tell you what you already know. Fad diets are exactly that, fads, they only work for a very small section of the population. Those few success stories are then used as 'proof' of the diet appropriateness.
We aren't pro athletes – for all we might want to think we are – and so we don't need to push our diets to the same extremes. We have jobs to work, kids to raise, and very different lives to lead. We come from a variety of genetic heritages, and there is no one size fits all diet – as disappointing as that may be for some people. Eat when you are hungry, eat what your body needs – complex carbohydrates, lean protein, fresh vegetables – and eat good quality food. Use common sense, be adventurous, and find what works best for you.
For the average person, I think the question of how to eat right is much more simple than experts would have you believe. Your body is the best guide you could possibly have, and everyone's body is different. It is far better to experiment yourself and find the foods that give you the most energy and keep you feeling healthy, than to take this weeks healthy eating guide as gospel. There are simple guidelines you can follow; lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, good lean protein and avoid processed foods and foods high in sugar and calories. These are just the rules that we have heard all our lives, and you don't need an expert to tell you what you already know. Fad diets are exactly that, fads, they only work for a very small section of the population. Those few success stories are then used as 'proof' of the diet appropriateness.
We aren't pro athletes – for all we might want to think we are – and so we don't need to push our diets to the same extremes. We have jobs to work, kids to raise, and very different lives to lead. We come from a variety of genetic heritages, and there is no one size fits all diet – as disappointing as that may be for some people. Eat when you are hungry, eat what your body needs – complex carbohydrates, lean protein, fresh vegetables – and eat good quality food. Use common sense, be adventurous, and find what works best for you.
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
Social Media
Firstly, thank you to everyone for reading our posts throughout the year. As you'll have noticed we've recently been making some changes to the blog, hopefully making it better for all of our readers. We've also been setting up some new social media pages so we can interact with you all a bit better.
With that in mind, we'd really appreciate it if you could check them out and like/follow/subscribe to us...
- Facebook - www.facebook.com/combatreadygym
- Twitter - @combatreadygym
- YouTube page - http://www.youtube.com/user/KravMagaEdinburgh
Thursday, 13 December 2012
1 Scots train with Combat Ready
Yesterday Michael and I went along to Dreghorn Barracks to train the 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland which was organised by Sergeant Eddie Scott who is training and teaching at the Combat Ready gym. It was great to go along and train with a group of highly motivated individuals who will soon be deploying to Afghanistan.
We started the session off developing striking combinations on the pads utilising our hands, knees and elbows. From there we looked to control and clinch to ensure that the attacker wasn't going anywhere. The main difference with this particular session was that level of threat was perceived to be higher therefore we could train the guys to use more lethal combinations and to operate at the very top of the force ladder. This is something that sets the Combat Ready Gym apart from other trainers as through our training we have the know how to deliver this material.
We split the guys up for part of the session and Eddie took the guys through some situations where they were working from against a wall and also how to use the wall and floor to their advantage either controlling or neutralising. Michael and I took other guys and worked on some fast takedowns and how to control someone while they were there. We looked at how the guys could operate together and keep someone controlled on the ground while maintaining a perimeter.
One of the main focuses of the day was counter edged weapons. Now whether or not the guys will encounter this abroad its something that is rife in this country and these guys need to be protected. We looked at various attacks and gave the guys solid fundamentals that they will remember after the session, are easy to maintain and with constant forward pressure could save their lives.
The session finished off with some pressure testing of the material we had trained that day. It was a great session with fantastic feedback. It was great having Eddie there who has been on numerous operations and been all over the world. He can tell the guys how it is and he commands a great respect from them. I'd like to thank all the guys for the training and hope that they all stay safe when serving. Thank you to Eddie for arranging the session and giving us the opportunity to work with the guys.
Marcus
We started the session off developing striking combinations on the pads utilising our hands, knees and elbows. From there we looked to control and clinch to ensure that the attacker wasn't going anywhere. The main difference with this particular session was that level of threat was perceived to be higher therefore we could train the guys to use more lethal combinations and to operate at the very top of the force ladder. This is something that sets the Combat Ready Gym apart from other trainers as through our training we have the know how to deliver this material.
We split the guys up for part of the session and Eddie took the guys through some situations where they were working from against a wall and also how to use the wall and floor to their advantage either controlling or neutralising. Michael and I took other guys and worked on some fast takedowns and how to control someone while they were there. We looked at how the guys could operate together and keep someone controlled on the ground while maintaining a perimeter.
One of the main focuses of the day was counter edged weapons. Now whether or not the guys will encounter this abroad its something that is rife in this country and these guys need to be protected. We looked at various attacks and gave the guys solid fundamentals that they will remember after the session, are easy to maintain and with constant forward pressure could save their lives.
The session finished off with some pressure testing of the material we had trained that day. It was a great session with fantastic feedback. It was great having Eddie there who has been on numerous operations and been all over the world. He can tell the guys how it is and he commands a great respect from them. I'd like to thank all the guys for the training and hope that they all stay safe when serving. Thank you to Eddie for arranging the session and giving us the opportunity to work with the guys.
Marcus
Friday, 7 December 2012
T-SHIRTS
There are still a number of t-shirts for sale so just ask one of the instructors and we will sort out your size. It looks good when everyone is wearing the same t-shirt makes it more of a community.
Marcus
LAST NIGHT AT KRAV MAGA
Last night we covered some defend, attack, defend and then reversed it. We worked these on the pads and then without. It can't always go your way so it's good to put you on the back foot. Also combat is never static so it makes sense to drill it like this.
I was still concerned that some of the guys are not wearing the proper protective kit. I hate to see people training without a gum shield it is just irresponsible. You get one set of teeth and accidents happen. Krav Maga means contact combat and you get a good bit of rough and tumble so be prepared. Get a gum shield on and a groin guard which you can get from the gym cheaply. I will be checking!!!!!
Marcus
I was still concerned that some of the guys are not wearing the proper protective kit. I hate to see people training without a gum shield it is just irresponsible. You get one set of teeth and accidents happen. Krav Maga means contact combat and you get a good bit of rough and tumble so be prepared. Get a gum shield on and a groin guard which you can get from the gym cheaply. I will be checking!!!!!
Marcus
Thursday, 6 December 2012
KRAV MAGA EDINBURGH HITS DREGHORN BARRACKS
Next week I will be going out to Dreghorn barracks to work with the army prior to deployment to Afghanistan. Really looking forward to working with these guys, its a privilege.
Marcus
Marcus
LAST NIGHT AT NSI
We started working some finger locks and then moved onto our lock flow. We looked at defending against various punches and then looking to lock and control and then abandon if need be and go back to our striking curriculum. We also looked at combative sets where I would tell the guys what lock they needed to finish in.
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
TONIGHT AT KRAV MAGA EDINBURGH
We warmed up with some multiple opponent drills and from there went straight into military applications as there were a number of boys down from the barracks.
Marcus
TONIGHT AT KICKBOXING
Tonight thai boxer Eddie Scott took the class. We covered some base drills and clinch work. Great effort from everyone involved. Eddie will be around for a while taking classes so make the most of it and get in and get a fresh perspective from another coach.
Marcus
CONGRATULATIONS
Last night Scott Mellia the ground coach from Combat Ready was doing selection for the Scottish backhold national wrestling team. As I knew he would he makes the team and will be heading to Iceland for the annual European Celtic Wrestling Championship in 2013. A big well done. When you see him in the gym give him a pat on the back!
Marcus
Marcus
NEW FOREARM PROTECTORS
We will be taking delivery of some new forearm protectors this week from shockdoctor. Great for keeping those arms bruise free during KM classes. I only have ten sets coming in and they are going for the price of £8 per pair. Get them while you can in medium and large.
Marcus
Marcus
TONIGHT'S KICKBOXING CLASS
We are lucky to have Eddie Scott taking the class tonight who is a thai boxing instructor who fought and held the British title for three years. Eddie will be taking a number of the classes so get along and get a taste for a different instructor. See you guys there.
Marcus
LAST NIGHT AT KRAV MAGA
Last night we worked on our elbow and knee strikes and looked at being able to strike from attachment without having to disengage too much and give the attacker more room to defend. Remember nobody wants to be struck so if you try and fire a big haymaker in there chances of success are slim. We worked some defences against chokes and we looked at compromising the attackers mobility. Great effort.
Marcus
Marcus
Sunday, 2 December 2012
KRAV MAGA GRADING
Well that's it over for another year. A great performance from everyone in attendance which is exactly what I wanted. We started the day with some baseline fitness requirements and then went straight into our pad work. From there we looked at some vertical grappling, takedowns and breaks. We looked at material that could be used in any number of positions. Finishing off the day with some knife defence.
Well done guys.
Marcus and Scott
Well done guys.
Saturday, 1 December 2012
CONGRATULATIONS
A big well done to Michael Carnie who became a full Tactical Edge instructor after a day of testing at TE HQ. I am really proud of him and the hard work and dedication he sows week after week at the gym.
Marcus
KICKBOXING GRADING
Today everyone performed as I knew they would. We went straight into pad work working striking and focussing on correct positioning and power development. We looked at footwork and evasion and how not to get hit. We had some sparring working legs vs hands etc and looked at how to shut someone down with the correct tool. Positional control and how we can use the material in class in a self defence situation.
Marcus
Marcus
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