We’re all on the wind down now, it’s the final run up to the Xmas break.
Personally I’m looking forwards to two full weeks away, this will be the longest break I’ve had since launching WG-Fit almost 5 years ago (which reminds me, we must do a 5th anniversary party next year…)
The last 12 months have been pretty full on, here’s a few of the standout features of 2012:
1 – Awesome People I Met & Learned From:
Mike Mahler – Mike has been a huge influence on me since I first heard about the kettlebell back in 2005. His writing was far less hyped up and much more sensible than just about everything else at that time. I’ve followed his work pretty much consistently ever since then and have always enjoyed what he has had to say.
This year he came to Ireland and I had the opportunity to meet the man in person.
He didn’t disappoint, Mike’s a gentleman and an inspiration.
Mick Coup – Coup is the man behind http://www.CoreCombatives.com, a self defence/self protection system that is stripped down, simple and brutal. Mick’s teaching style is no different.
I’ve hosted Mick a couple of times and each time I’m impressed. He doesn’t go out of his way to impress me, he just does what he does so well, understands his material so thoroughly and explains it so clearly, it’s hard not to be impressed.
Mick will be back here in 2013, keep an eye out for him.
Patrick Lowbridge – Pa gave one the most honest accounts of the pro bodybuilding lifestyle I’ve come across. He talked about training, dieting and doping. It was a day well spent, even though I personally have limited interest in bodybuilding I find it is always useful to listen to people who know more than me, especially about topics I’m not well versed in.
Patrick Lowbridge
Steve Cotter - It’s not the first time I’ve worked with Steve, but this time I toured him around Ireland. Meeting up with various instructors around the country. If your going to take a 100o mile, 3 day road trip with someone, make sure it’s Mr Cotter!
Anne Dempsey - When it comes to Yoga, Pilates, Somatic movement and simply getting a body moving pain free and efficiently, Anne is your woman!
We met when she asked me for help with her training, but how the table have turned. This year, I’ve had a rough time with old injuries, and it’s Anne that is getting me back together. She’s doing what all the Kings horses & all the Kings men failed to do.
It’s purely on the back of her training that I have PR’d my power clean and am back able to squat a barbell.
2 – Events and Stuff:
Kettlebell Sports – The WG team have done well in the local GS circuit this year, despite me not being able to lead from the front as I would have liked.
We’ve had Phil in particular who was selected to travel abroad to compete on the Irish team. This is the first official Irish squad to go out and compete at an international level. A proud moment for us all.
A Mile of Swings – Once again we took our kettles and walked a mile while swinging them. It took me 58 minutes (I think) to get a 24kg bell around the course. In doing so we raised €4700 for Mental Health.
Chin Up Domination! – Gravity has finally bowed to the sheer force of will thrown at it by our female members! In the last quarter of this year, 3 girls all hit double figures, with more hot on their heels.
Lads, pull your fingers out!
Bodyweight Workshop – The lads at Tramore Tactical Fitness invited me down to teach a bodyweight workshop for them. This has since gone national and is being exceptionally well received.
It seems that the basics are being forgotten, and from the level of questioning I receive during the workshop on foundational details, it is about time people really started exploring equipment free training, if nothing else it will make their use of equipment so much more efficient.
The next course will be in Galway on Feb 23rd.
Rapid Response Knife Defence Course – Since granted the rights to teach this course, I’ve run it a couple of times, with a requests now coming i from other gyms to run it for them. The course was developed by top FMA practitioner Pat O’Malley of http://www.rapidarnis.com.
Pat tested the course out on myself and Paulie several years ago, he’s since refined it, as have I.
So far it’s been very well received, again, keep an eye out for future dates.
It’s been a busy year.
I’ll be compiling a “Things I learned in 2012″ post next, should have it up later in the week.
Regards
