Fitness and conditioning are key to success in competitive sports. Often at lower levels of competition the fittest competitors are the most successful, with an improved capacity to work masking the potential short falls in skill capability. At elite levels, that extra capacity to work can provide the 1% or 2% difference which allows for a successful competitive edge. In all martial arts conditioning, and although it is often overlooked, no area of the body is more important

Sharing time and positive experiences are the keys to happiness. Studies have shown time and again, that those people who undertake an activity in a group are much more likely to participate and stick to it in the long term. Starting, or changing, any type of routine can be challenging. Having people around who can positively support you, encourage and understand what you are going through is essential. Add in our need for social interactions and sharing and it is clear that

For many the mental image of effective personal defence is that of men in crisp white suits with black belts, effortlessly casting aside their would be assailants. In many martial arts schools, personal defence is taught as an add on to the teaching syllabus. I've personally been in sessions where the instructor has informed us that, "Tonight's class will be self defence..." and then proceeded to spend the next hour demonstrating a variety of joint locks and releases, which o