Almost 40 year old grumpy old cynic who has been involved in martial arts non-stop for 18 years or so. Starting out in boxing and Muay Thai, I competed. poorly, built up a fairly poor record and then started getting interested in refing, judging and coaching. Eventually got graded to red grade in Muay Thai and was instructing the beginner’s class at Naresuan Muay Thai in Stockport, Cheshire. Got licensed for as a referee and Judge for Muay Thai under the BTBC.... hated refing... to much to do... like juggling jelly and focused on judging.
Around 1999, started wondering if that UFC stuff was still going, I remember watching it back in 1993. Looked on the internet, found SFUK and found Defence Unlimited. Coached by "Kali" Phil Wright, I trained there for 6 months.. it was pretty poor and I ended up RNCing the coach.... I thought there must be better places? Defence Unlimited is where I first met Matt Thorpe
Anyway, it closed down and Phil said I should try the Colosseum Gym... which I did. I strolled in one night, trained and then got owned in sparring.... I knew nothing!
I've been at the Colosseum ever since, so about 8 years in total and have joined the coaching staff alongside Danny Rushton and Danny Wallace. Over the years I have become Matt's main coach. He still goes other places for techniques and sparring, but I basically manage his training and develop his ability, especially on striking. I think Matt is THE best striker in UK MMA... and that's all under my coaching.. I'm proud of that!
Along the way, I have judged on a number of shows, such as Cage Warriors and Cage Gladiators, refed a couple. I still hate it! Commentated on a number and promoted a couple. I promoted King of the Cage UK... lost £42,000... Love this sport.
In 2009 I got the pleasure of getting involved with the M1 Team England, which has been a rollercoaster... but great fun and a career pinnacle for me.
Hoping that 2009/2010 bring more success for Team England, we continue with it in 2010
I have also written a few articles for MMA Unlimited