News

Small Victories
I was thrilled to learn this week that Big John, a fighter I train had just won his first ever Brazilian Jui Jitsu tournament. After suffering a horrendous injury in Thailand fighting John decided to dedicate himself to mixed martial arts rather than just Thai kick boxing. John has only been training in BJJ for around 6 months but was able to win the novice heavy weight division event. He won 3 fights and lost 1, with 2 wins and 1 loss being determined by points and one win coming from an arm bar.

Big Opportunities
A huge congrats has to go out to 3 Brutal beach volleyball teams that have been selected to compete in the country quota event for the FIVB World Tour to be held in Adelaide this March. I would like to congratulate Chris Burns (the Unit) and his partner Greg Jury, Ben Newton and Owen Boland of Team Brutal, and Linda Hamilton and Cristy Mace from Team Mint. This will be the biggest opportunity to date in the professional careers of these players, so let’s wish them all the best.

Team Brutal makes top 3
Our very own Ben Newton (Frank) and Owen Boland (O-Ring) are now ranked as the No. 3 team in Australia. Not bad considering it’s their first season together on the Australian Pro Tour. I venture to guess they may have even gained the No. 2 or even No. 1 spot if Ben’s back injury in Round 1 and Owen’s sprained ankle in Round 3 hadn’t robbed them of their athleticism.

Of particular note amongst a series of amazing feats was their total drubbing 21-18, 21-12 of World Tour team Brett Richardson and Isaac Kapa. Need to get into some more conditioning training since the opposition seems to need to attack you under the net to win these days.

Check out Team Brutal at www.teambrutal.com.

Team Mint
Congrats also to Brutal’s Team Mint on obtaining a 4th place ranking in Australia. Well done to Cristy and Rinda.

Relentless Foundations
Andrew Read of Relentless Training and regular contributor to this site through Joy & Fierceness is offering what I believe is an essential service to all athletes. It’s called foundations and is based upon making your physical foundations as strong as possible to provide greater capacity for performance development. This includes injury rectification and prevention, increased strength and sports specific physical development. I have begun working with Andrew and have had enormous benefits already. Kelso, the ultimate psycho is also working with Andrew. Feel free to contact us through the contacts page or you can pm Andrew on the forum if you’re interested in discussing your needs with him.

The Unit Fires!
Brutal Director, Chris 'the Unit' Burns, recently made a semi final appearance on the Crocs National Tour in Surfers Paradise. Not only was this a personal best and playing with a new partner, but he managed this result while battling a sprained toe and a dislocated finger. Nice work Burnsy!