Springtime in the UK

Landed at Heathrow to be welcomed by Richard Green from Coventry. England is a great place – and right now it’s springtime – beautiful! The martial arts culture here is very different from that of either Australia or the USA. It just feels different. I love the ‘gritty’ feel of the fight culture here – there’s something about the smell and look of an old-school fight gym that is both grounding and uplifting. This week in England is one that I know I will enjoy immensely. I conducted an MMA/BJJ-based seminar for Rich and his stable in Coventry on Tuesday – after a good nights rest at the Old Mill hotel in Baginton. After which, Rich was awarded his blue belt. He has a great group of keen guys and is about to move into a new premises. I am sure he will go from strength to strength.
Frank Monea, a student and good friend from Melbourne was over doing some business in Europe – he usually has a private session with me every Tuesday morning – so I shouldn’t be too surprised, when he showed up at the Old Mill hotel on Monday night – 'good to go' for his usual lesson on Tuesday. Some people take fanaticism way too far. Amazing frank – you definitely win the ‘keenest student’ award for this month.
Today I was picked up by longtime student and good friend of Geoff Thompson’s – Tony Terranova, who lives down in the Cotswalds in Cheltenham; after a workout with him and a few of his seniors at his place, we sat down for a home-cooked meal and a great 'family' chat - a nice treat when 'on the road'. I now have a few moments to write this blog before we head off to train at his school this evening. Once again I am reminded of one of the most wondrous benefits of my job – and that is the exceptionally nice and interesting people I meet along the way. Tony and his family are just fantastic. I best sign off – training awaits.

Back again - early next morning actually. Tony and his family are great hosts, warm an friendly, to a fault. The training was great last night. The room packed and full of some of the friendliest and folk I have met. The Fighting Fit school has a great culture - no surprise really - considering that the culture is always set by the person running the show. I'm already looking forward to a return visit, and I havn't even left yet!
Off to Coombe Abbey today for an evening off, before hooking up with friend Geoff Thompson tomorrow at dawn.

Best wishes all,
JBW