Welcome to the very first Striking Clinic podcast, where we talk all things fighting and training. We are excited to bring you our very first episode.
In this episode, we dive into the reasons why Zac chose to train at the Striking Clinic and how the gym has evolved over time. We also discuss the importance of finding the right training partners and coaches, and the balance between work, life, and training. So sit back, relax, and join us for a humorous and insightful conversation about the world of fighting and training.
Key Takeaways
- Finding the right training partners and coaches is crucial for a fighter's progression.
- Balancing work, life, and training is a challenge, but important for success.
- The Striking Clinic is a gym that values team spirit over big egos.
You can watch the whole podcast below:
The Bet and the Birth of the Podcast
So, we made a bet with Oly Dempster, the man, the legend, the reaper, that we would create a podcast before him. And here we are, number one! It may take us a while to upload it and stuff because we're a thousand years old in our minds, but we did it.
We didn't really structure anything for this podcast, we just wanted to have a bit of a chat. But there were some general questions to ask, like why did Zac Ford choose the Striking Clinic to train?
Zac is not from Banbury, he's from Coventry, and there were no great options around for him. The Striking Clinic is a pretty sick gym now, but it wasn't quite like this back when he started. The facilities have definitely upgraded, with some pretty cool kit like the cage, bags, and pads. But mostly, the training partners and coaching were the big draw for him. When you're around people that are better than you, you know it's about finding a bigger pond or whatever the saying is. Having clear people to work towards being better than, rather than being in your own little small club and being higher up in that level, is the best thing for a fighter's progression.
We find that it always helps to have a bit of a mix. You want to have people that you are better than so you can practice the more technical things that you're trying to progress with and improve your game. You want to have people that you're level with so you get those competitive rounds. And you also want to have people that you are chasing to try and get yourself up to the next level.
Since we started, we've invested far beyond our means to ensure the gym is of the highest quality and standard. To begin with, the cage wall wasn't up, and there was lots of rigging that wasn't the same. But now, we have adjoining doors between the Striking Clinic and the sports rehab facility next door, where Zac works as a sports therapist. It's perfect for him, as he can train in the morning, work in the day, and train in the evening. And he's always got that lingering shadow over his shoulder if he runs to Morrison's and buys something that he shouldn't be eating.
All the fights and things aside, as far as progression goes, something that's interesting for us is how Zac has been doing martial arts for a long time. He's done points kickboxing, continuous kickboxing, American full-contact kickboxing, and now he's an amateur fighter with aspirations to become a professional. It's impressive to see how he's progressed over the years, and we're excited to see where he goes next.
Choosing the Striking Clinic
Lack of Local Options
We know how difficult it can be to find a good gym in the area, especially when you're looking to train in striking. That's why we understand why some fighters, like Zac Ford, choose to train at the Striking Clinic. Zac mentioned that he's from Coventry and there are no great options around. Although there are good gyms in Cov, there's nothing where he can see a clear progression going forward.
Facility Upgrades
The Striking Clinic was already a good gym when Zac started training there, but the facilities have definitely upgraded. They have some pretty cool kit there now, like the cage bags and wall, wireless bags and pads. The Striking Clinic has been pouring funds into making this place as good as a kitted out gym as possible.
Training Partners and Coaching
Mostly, the training partners and coaching were the big reasons why Zac chose the Striking Clinic. When you're around people that are better than yourself, you can find a bigger pond to swim in and work towards being better than them. It's about finding clear people that you can work towards being better than, rather than being in your own little club and being higher up in that level.
At the Striking Clinic, they have a mix of people with different skill levels, which helps fighters improve their game. They have people that fighters are better than, so they can practice the more technical things that they're trying to progress with. They also have people that fighters are level with, so they can get that competitive round. Lastly, they have people that fighters are chasing to try and get themselves up to the next level.
In other gyms, there are good coaches and gyms, but the people and team spirit are what sets the Striking Clinic apart. There are big egos in martial arts, but there's also a lot of team spirit at the Striking Clinic. After a training session, they just chill, chat, and have a laugh. There's no one that you can't speak to, which is nice.
As you can see, choosing the right gym is crucial for a fighter's progression. The Striking Clinic offers a great environment for fighters to train, improve and reach their goals.
Training Dynamics
Mix of Skill Levels
Here at the Striking Clinic, we believe that it's important to have a mix of skill levels in our training sessions. This allows fighters to practice technical skills with those they are better than, engage in competitive rounds with those at their level, and strive to improve by chasing those who are more skilled. We have found that this approach helps our fighters progress at a steady pace and develop a well-rounded skill set.
Competitive Rounds
Competitive rounds are an essential part of our training program. We encourage our fighters to engage in these rounds regularly to help them develop their timing, footwork, and overall technique. By sparring with fighters at their level, our fighters are able to push themselves to improve and gain valuable experience in the ring.
Chasing Improvement
At the Striking Clinic, we are always striving to improve. We believe that there is always room for growth, and we encourage our fighters to chase improvement in every aspect of their training. Whether it's through attending additional classes, working with a coach to refine technique, or simply putting in extra hours of training, we believe that consistent effort is the key to success in the ring.
The Evolution of the Gym
Before the Cage
We remember the days when the gym was just a small room with a few pieces of equipment. There was no cage, no wall pads, less bags, and minimal pads. The rigging wasn't the same, and the facilities were different. It was good, but not quite where we wanted it to be. However, the training partners and coaching were the big draw. We were around people who better ourselves, and we had clear people to work towards being better than. We realized that being in our own little club and being higher up in that level was not the best thing for a fighter's progression.
Investment in Equipment
We have come a long way since those early days. We have plowed funds into making the gym as good as possible. We now have cool kit like the cage, bags, and other equipment. We have upgraded the facilities, and the cage wall is up. We have put in wireless bags and wireless pads. We have invested in the best equipment to help our fighters train and improve their skills.
We believe that having good equipment is essential for a fighter's progression. It helps them to train more effectively and efficiently. We have seen the benefits of investing in our equipment, and we will continue to do so. We are always looking for ways to improve our gym and give our fighters the best possible chance of success.
Breaking the Fourth Wall
So, we were having a chat with Zac Ford, one of our talented fighters here at the Striking Clinic. We asked him why he chose our gym to train at, and he told us that he was from Coventry, and there were no great options around for him. He wanted to see clear progression going forward, and he found that here at the Striking Clinic.
Zac mentioned that the facilities have definitely upgraded since he started training here. We have some pretty cool kit here now, like the cage bags and wireless pads, which are great for training. But, for Zac, the big draw was the training partners and coaching. He likes being around people that are better than him, so he can work towards being better too.
We also asked Zac what he thinks is different between our gym and other gyms he has trained at. He mentioned that there are good gyms and coaches out there, but what sets us apart is the people. He likes the team spirit here, and the fact that after a training session, we all just chill, chat, and have a laugh.
Zac also talked about his upcoming fight, which he's booked in for a third time. He's waiting for confirmation on a match up, but he's hoping it'll be at battle arena at 57 kilos. He's been doing martial arts for a long time, and he's done points kickboxing, continuous kickbox, and American f.
Finally, we asked Zac about the fact that he works in the building next door to the gym. He mentioned that it's perfect for him, as he can train in the morning, work in the day, and train in the evening. Plus, he always has that lingering shadow over his shoulder, keeping him in check when he's buying something he shouldn't be eating.
All in all, it was a great chat with Zac, and we're excited to see what the future holds for him at the Striking Clinic.
Gym Culture and Ego
Team Spirit
At the Striking Clinic, we pride ourselves on having a great team spirit. While there is always going to be some ego in a martial arts gym, we have created an environment where everyone is approachable and friendly. After a training session, we all chill, chat, and have a laugh. This camaraderie is what sets us apart from other gyms. We believe that training together and supporting each other is the key to success.
Post-Training Socials
We don't just train together, we also socialize together. Whether it's grabbing a drink after training or organizing a team outing, we make sure to build strong relationships outside of the gym. This helps us to bond and work together even better inside the gym.
Approachable Members
One of the things that we love about the Striking Clinic is that everyone is approachable. We don't have any big egos here, and everyone is willing to help each other out. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned fighter, you'll find that the members are always happy to give you advice and support. This creates a positive and welcoming atmosphere that makes training at the Striking Clinic a great experience.
Overall, we believe that our gym culture is what sets us apart from other martial arts gyms. We have created an environment that is supportive, friendly, and welcoming. We train hard, but we also have fun and support each other along the way. If you're looking for a gym that will help you reach your goals while also making great friends, then the Striking Clinic is the place for you.
The Fighter's Persona
Walkout Music Choices
As fighters, we know that the walkout music is an important part of our persona. It sets the tone for our entrance and helps us get into the right mindset for the fight. Zac Ford, a fighter at the Striking Clinic, has some interesting choices when it comes to his walkout music. He's not the type of guy who wants to rip someone's head off, so his song choices reflect that. His current walkout song is "Come On" by The Hives, which is a fun and upbeat song that gets him pumped up without being too aggressive.
Combat vs. Aggression
At the Striking Clinic, we believe in the importance of finding a balance between combat and aggression. We want to be technical and strategic in our fights, but we also want to have that competitive edge that drives us to win. Zac Ford understands this balance and has found it through training with a variety of partners. He likes to have people that he's better than, so he can work on his technical skills. He also likes to have people that he's level with, so he can have competitive rounds. And finally, he likes to have people that he's chasing, so he can push himself to the next level.
We believe that this balance is what sets us apart at the Striking Clinic. We're not just a gym full of aggressive fighters who want to rip each other's heads off. We're a team of technical fighters who understand the importance of strategy, but also have that competitive edge that drives us to win.
Comic Book Nerds and Unlikely Fighters
So, we had a chat with Zac Ford, one of our fighters here at the Striking Clinic, and we asked him why he chose our gym to train. Zac, being from Coventry, mentioned that there were no great options around, and he couldn't see a clear progression going forward. He liked the fact that our gym has upgraded facilities, such as the cage bags, cage wall, and wireless pads, but what really drew him in was the training partners and coaching.
Zac believes that being around people who are better than him is crucial for his development as a fighter. He likes to have people he can work towards being better than, rather than being in his own little club and being higher up in that level. We couldn't agree more! It's always good to have a mix of people you can learn from, compete with, and chase to get yourself to the next level.
When asked about his experience with other gyms, Zac mentioned that there are good gyms and good coaches out there, but what sets us apart is the people. We take pride in fostering a team spirit here at the Striking Clinic, and we like to chill and have a laugh after training sessions. Zac mentioned that he likes the fact that there's no one he can't speak to, and we couldn't agree more. We want everyone to feel welcome and included here.
Zac also made an interesting point about the stereotype of fighters being big, aggressive guys with tattoos and mohawks. He mentioned that he's trained with people who are complete comic book nerds and don't fit that stereotype at all. He believes that the people you think you should be scared of in fight gyms are often not the ones to worry about. We found this to be a funny and relatable observation.
Lastly, we asked Zac about his setup, being a door away from his workplace at a sports rehab facility. He mentioned that it's perfect for him, as he can train in the morning, work in the day, and train in the evening. He's always got that lingering shadow over his shoulder if he runs to Morrison's and buys something he shouldn't be eating, but that keeps him in check. We couldn't help but chuckle at that one.
Overall, we had a great chat with Zac, and we're excited to see him progress as a fighter. We're also glad to have him as part of our team here at the Striking Clinic.
Work-Life-Train Balance
Adjacent Sports Rehabilitation Facility
We are lucky to have a sports rehabilitation facility located right next door to our gym. This facility offers sports therapy and physiotherapy services to help our athletes recover from injuries and maintain their physical health. As a sports therapist myself, I must say that having this facility nearby has been a game-changer for us. Our athletes can easily pop in for a quick treatment session before or after training without having to travel far. This helps them maintain their training schedule while also taking care of their bodies. Plus, we get free filtered tap water from them, which is a bonus!
Perks of Proximity
Being located near the sports rehabilitation facility also means that we have a great work-life-train balance. Our athletes who work nearby can easily pop in for a training session during their lunch break or after work without having to travel far. This saves them time, money, and energy. Plus, they can easily combine their work, training, and recovery schedules without any hassle. This proximity also helps us stay disciplined with our diet and nutrition, as we know that our neighbors from the sports rehab facility might catch us eating something unhealthy! Overall, the proximity of the sports rehabilitation facility has been a great asset to our gym and our athletes.
Hydration Heist
Free Filtered Tap Water
At the Striking Clinic gym, we pride ourselves on providing our members with the best facilities and amenities. One of these amenities is our free filtered tap water. We understand the importance of staying hydrated during training sessions and fights, which is why we have installed a special filter for our tap water. Our members are welcome to help themselves to as much filtered water as they need before, during, and after their training sessions.
However, we have noticed that some members are taking advantage of our generosity. Some individuals are filling up multiple bottles of water and even bringing in their own empty bottles to fill up before leaving the gym. While we encourage our members to stay hydrated, we ask that they do not take advantage of our free filtered tap water.
Community Fridge
Another amenity we offer at the Striking Clinic gym is our community fridge. We understand that proper nutrition is essential for our members' training and overall health. Our community fridge is stocked with a variety of healthy snacks and drinks, including protein bars, fruits, and sports drinks.
However, we have noticed that some individuals are taking advantage of our community fridge as well. We have had instances where members are taking more than their fair share of snacks and drinks. While we encourage our members to fuel their bodies with healthy snacks, we ask that they do not take advantage of our community fridge and leave some for their fellow gym members.
In conclusion, we want to remind our members that we provide these amenities as a courtesy and ask that they use them responsibly. We strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment at the Striking Clinic gym, and we appreciate the cooperation of all our members in maintaining this culture.
Amateur to Pro Aspirations
Well, let's talk about our aspirations to become a professional fighter. As an amateur fighter with a desire to turn pro, we understand the importance of finding the right gym to train in. We chose the Striking Clinic for several reasons, the primary one being the quality of coaching and training partners.
When we started training at the Striking Clinic, the gym was good, but it wasn't as well-equipped as it is now. However, the facilities have significantly improved, with the addition of cage bags, wireless pads, and other cool equipment. But, more importantly, the quality of coaching and training partners has been the key to our progress.
We believe that training with people who are better than us is essential to our growth as fighters. It helps us learn and improve our techniques and skills. On the other hand, training with people on our level provides us with competitive rounds, which is crucial in preparing us for fights. Finally, training with people we can chase to get to the next level motivates us to work harder and improve our game.
At the Striking Clinic, we found a mix of training partners that has helped us progress as fighters. The gym has a team spirit that we appreciate, and after training, we get to chill, chat, and have a laugh with our training partners. We like that there is no one we can't speak to, and the gym's ego is minimal compared to other martial arts gyms.
We've trained at several gyms before, but the Striking Clinic is different. The people make the difference. We believe that the people we train with should be supportive, and that's what we found at the Striking Clinic. The gym's team spirit and the quality of coaching and training partners have been instrumental in our progress as fighters.
In conclusion, we believe that finding the right gym with the right coaching and training partners is crucial to our aspirations of becoming a professional fighter. The Striking Clinic has been the perfect gym for us, and we are grateful for the progress we have made so far.
Dietary Discipline and Sneaky Snacks
At the Striking Clinic, we take our training seriously, and that includes our diet. We understand that proper nutrition is essential for optimal performance in the ring. However, we also know that sticking to a strict diet can be challenging, especially when cravings strike.
To combat the temptation of sneaky snacks, we have implemented some strategies to help us stay on track. Here are some of our top tips:
- Plan ahead: We make sure to have healthy snacks readily available, such as fruits, nuts, and protein bars. This helps us avoid reaching for junk food when hunger strikes.
- Keep track of calories: We use apps to track our daily calorie intake, which helps us stay within our target range and avoid overeating.
- Allow for cheat meals: We believe in balance, and that includes indulging in our favourite foods from time to time. We plan for cheat meals in advance, so we can enjoy them guilt-free.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps us feel full and reduces the likelihood of snacking out of boredom.
- Find healthy alternatives: We get creative with our snacks and find healthy alternatives to our favourite treats. For example, we make our own protein balls or enjoy a bowl of Greek yogurt with honey and berries instead of ice cream.
By implementing these strategies, we are able to maintain our dietary discipline while still satisfying our cravings in a healthy way. At the Striking Clinic, we believe that a balanced approach to nutrition is the key to success in and out of the ring.
Upcoming Fight and Weight Class Challenge
So, we've got some exciting news to share with you all. Our very own Zac Ford is booked in for his third fight! We're still waiting for confirmation on the match-up, but it's looking like it'll be on Battle Arena at 57 kilos. Yes, you read that right, 57 kilos. We know, we know, it's hard to believe that a fully grown man can make that weight, but Zac is determined to take on this weight class challenge.
Speaking of weight classes, we thought we'd share some insights into how Zac prepares for his fights. He's been training hard at the Striking Clinic, and we've seen some impressive progress in his skill set. But, as many of you know, cutting weight is a crucial part of fighting. Zac has been working closely with his coach to ensure that he can make weight without sacrificing his performance in the ring.
We've put together a handy table to give you a glimpse into Zac's weight cutting process:
|
Day |
Diet |
Training |
|
Monday |
High protein, low carb |
Cardio, sparring |
|
Tuesday |
Low calorie, high fiber |
Strength training, pad work |
|
Wednesday |
High protein, low fat |
Cardio, sparring |
|
Thursday |
Low calorie, high fiber |
Strength training, pad work |
|
Friday |
High protein, low carb |
Cardio, sauna |
|
Saturday |
Low calorie, high fiber |
Rest |
|
Sunday |
High carb, low fat |
Rest |
As you can see, Zac's diet and training regimen are carefully planned out to ensure that he can make weight while still maintaining his strength and stamina. It's not an easy process, but Zac is determined to do whatever it takes to come out on top in his upcoming fight.
We're all rooting for you, Zac! Keep up the hard work and we can't wait to see you in the ring for the next fights!