In the Begining

Welcome to Neil's blog, an account of my training as an athlete and instructor in CrossFit, a core strength and conditioning system, and my training in the traditional Japanese martial arts of Ninpo and Jujutsu.  As I write this I have been training with Miles Key at CrossFit Hove since the beginning of August, although only training once a week I have seen a big improvement in my abilities in this time.  Usually I would train at a corporate gym (which won't be named) which I am a member through work, training at lunchtimes and not having the right equipment has been quite frustrating, but has allowed me to concentrate on improving various skills and strength in areas in which I am lacking.

I was introduced to CrossFit by my Martial Arts Teacher Zeb Glover, it really has opened my eye's to how I should have been training all this time, I only wish I had found CrossFit earlier.  I have enjoyed this training so much, I decided to become certified as a CrossFit Instructor.  I recently travelled to Bath for the CrossFit Kettlebell Instructor Cert, and after this I quickly signed up to the CrossFit Level 1 Instructor Cert in Northern Ireland.  This was one of the best experiences I have had and I loved every minute, now I am certified I can begin my journey on learning how to become a CrossFit Instructor.

My training in the traditional Japanese Martial Art of Ninpo, truly started in 2003 in the Genbukan with Zeb Glover, my teacher at Myojo Dojo.  After training for six years I am currently learning the patterns for 4th Kyu, also I am currently learning the patterns for the Kirigami (pre black belt level) level of the Tenshin Hyoho Kukishin Ryu, a true old Jujutsu school.  At the upcoming Genbukan UK Tai Kai in Brighton at the end of October, I will be learning and testing the Kirigami level patterns, the testing conducted by Grandmaster Shoto Tanemura and his Shihan from Japan.  This promises to be an amazing event with Tanemure Soke demonstrating these amazing patterns, and over 300 Ninja's attending over 4 days.