Unified Fighting Systems

03/11/2026

This is a remarkable photograph. Out of these 11 children, two have passed their junior black belt. Two more will discover if they have passed their junior black belt this evening and another will test for theirs next year. All the others stopped their training some time ago. What is even more remarkable is that all those who stayed are on one side of the photo and those that left are on the other.

29/10/2026

We've got some variety tonight. Two of the juniors are on the third night of their black belt grading (the end is on Sunday afternoon). Variety and grading material in the UFS class and then we're going to work on the footwork and boxing drills in the kickboxing class to end the day. How about that?

27/10/2026

Are you feeling jetlagged?
The clocks went back on Sunday morning. What did you do with the extra hour? Sleep? Train? Catch up on the latest boxset? I cleared up after my dog who woke me up three times to be sick. He’s fine now and I have no idea why he was ill. The fun of owning a dog.
Yesterday was all action. 3 mile run to start the day. Weights session at midday and martial arts training for 75 minutes in the evening. Add in the push ups and crunches plus work and it was a good day.
However, I also went to sleep after midnight. So, I set my alarm for 7am today. I usually wake up at 5am. Result: I went to Rushden Lakes to buy a pair of running shoes (don’t bother), tripped over a kerb and landed on my knees. I now have a JKD injury: bruised knees. (You might have to say that one out loud.)
I also missed breakfast and had a large lunch and to add to that haven’t drank enough water. I feel like one of Donald Trump’s wigs. Today has not been one of my most productive days.
So why the high and low of the last couple of days? That shift in time. We’re an hour behind and our bodies are trying to catch up. I’ve taken evasive action. A short nap and two pints of water. Some hours have passed since I’ve eaten and tomorrow I’m back to the routine.
That means early to bed, early to rise; start the day by making my bed, doing my push ups and get to the gym. If my knees are not too sore, I’ll be running too.
So, has the time change affected you? Have your energy levels been a bit skewed?
In a day or so we should all be back to normal again, but it does go to show that the smallest of things can drag us off course. The trick is recognising the symptoms and dealing with them asap.
If I’m a bit stiff at training tonight, you’ll know why.
See you in class.
Andy

25/10/2026

Remember the clocks went back last night.
See you at 6pm for the juniors and 6.40pm for the adults.

22/10/2026

This is a group shot from the latest juniors gradings.
Children train from age 5 years to 11 years.
At 12 years they move to the adult classes.
Juniors train from 6pm to 6.30pm.
Fees range from £25 a month to£30 a month.

22/10/2026

Longer nights and colder times mean more training. The colder months are when we see the most people starting, so that's why we have a constant beginners programme running. New people need simple methods to improve fast.

12/10/2026

In the summer of 2026, I became aware of the White Ribbon Campaign and I’ll be honest I was shocked that it even exists. The purpose of the White Ribbon Campaign is ‘to prevent violence against women and girls by engaging men and boys.’ In other words, to teach men and boys that violence against women and girls is a bad thing. Why does that need to be taught?
It has existed since 1991 and I wasn’t aware of it until this year. So, what have I done about it? In July I joined thirteen other crazy people and took part in the Fan Dance. A part of the SAS selection process hiking 15 miles in the Brecon Beacons and taking on Pen-y-fan (886m) twice while carrying a 35lb weighted rucksack. Together we raised £1645 for the White Ribbon Campaign.
I have also become an Ambassador for White Ribbon and that’s part of what this post is about. The campaign is so close to my heart because of what happened to my wife and others I know. Kirsty and I were together less than two years and in that time, we were married and living our life when she passed away suddenly. It seemed particularly cruel when she had endured years of mental torture and violence in a number of abusive relationships. Just when she had found happiness, it was all over.
As a martial arts instructor I have met many women who have been r***d, abused and had their confidence shattered in every area. In each case it was one relationship, or like Kirsty, a series of relationships, that took their lives from them. In many cases, the women and girls escaped or found a way to survive, but it also took years for some to find their way back.
It was always men and boys who did this. And they believed that it is acceptable.
This is me taking a stand against this. With the philosophy of the White Ribbon Campaign, I am saying that I am against every form of coercive behaviour, every act of violence and every word uttered that does not bring a happier time to the people in your life.
It truly does amaze me that this needs to be said, but in the 21st Century it appears that many males need this education. Through my classes, through my videos and in the written word I will pushing this agenda. Love and not hate, joy and not misery and safety, not fear is the way to build a better world. One person at a time.
The White Ribbon Day is on Wednesday 25th November and the theme is ‘It takes all of us.’ I’ll be talking about it more in the next few weeks.

Our mission is to end men's violence against women, once and for all. We work with men and boys to challenge cultures that lead to harassment, abuse and violence.

06/10/2026

Many people live their lives in a constant state of ‘What if?’ And usually ‘What if it goes wrong?’ So how does anyone achieve success and by that, I mean in anything. Many people see success as riches and things. That is things to own. Some see it as being a champion. Everyone has their own definition.
Over these next couple of days, I’ll be outlining the four elements that make up the ultimate route to success. I’ll be talking mostly about martial arts, but you can relate them to many phases of life.
Here we go. Element number one: enthusiasm.
When students begin their journey in martial arts they always begin with tons of enthusiasm. It’s a new activity; they have got past the feeling of being scared of being beaten up and they are meeting new people. As they continue on their journey, so enthusiasm can wane when they realise that one of the other keys to getting good at something is the desire to keep improving.
The way to keep that enthusiasm is to keep seeking marginal gains. That’s the small incremental improvements that comes from regular attendance. Yes, there are some people who don’t understand that to improve in anything requires regular (I would recommend) daily practice. That doesn’t mean going to classes every day, but it does mean practising on the days when you don’t attend. Even short workouts can bring about significant improvements.
Enthusiasm also shows up in the way you feel about training. You should look forward to training on most occasions. I think it’s unrealistic to look forward to every session and I’ve often found the classes I almost avoided have turned out to be the best classes. You are constantly reminded that this training lark is fun.
Also, the environment can affect your enthusiasm. If you train with a bunch of grumpy buggers, you’ll be looking for somewhere else pretty quick. Fortunately, UFS is full of the happiest souls around. Or as we like to say, we have our fair share of nutters.
Mostly though, you are the architect of your enthusiasm. Keep that fascination with learning and with the practice that helps you improve.
Look out for the next key in ultimate success. Can you guess what it is?
Clue. You always have enough time if you have enough of this …
See you in class.
Andy

01/10/2026

One of the many things I love about UFS is the diversity and mix of the students. We have them all. Some can even read and write! All have their own crayons.
Some great training in store tonight.