Kaizen Academy

Kaizen Academy has been celebrating success in a variety of disciplines and we shall be using this week to celebrate all our members that have been achieving in their sport.
Coming up: A summary of the excellent performances of Joe Kearns and Rafferty Stewart on UK Fighting Championships MMA promotion
... Our 6-8 aged children took part in a friendly in-house competition in both kickboxing and no gi BJJ, overseen by coaches Joseph Butler and Jack Townson-hughes
We have recently promoted our BJJ players who train in both gi and no gi, some of which have achieved a new belt ranking
Several of our children took part in the Elite Youth BJJ Nationals and came out with some stunning results.
We are also gearing up for the next Evolution Of Combat MMA, where our squad are honing their skills to take on Glasgow for the first time as the away team.
All of this to come over the course of the week!
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In yesterday's kickboxing class we reviewed some of the footwork patterns we have been working on in recent classes. The different types of footwork we looked at involved 'getting off line', so as to make it more difficult for our opponent to strike or clinch us. This included movements such as lead pivots, rear pivots, cross pivots, lateral steps and curve steps. Despite the seemingly complicated nomenclature, the idea behind the footwork is simple. Get off to the side of yo...ur opponent and 'turn them'. This can mean timing your opponent as they step in, allowing you to move off to their side giving you an advantageous position. Or stepping in yourself to try and 'steal an angle' on your opponent putting you in a position where you can punch them in the face easier than they can punch you.
In the video clip below we see the aggressive Ricky Hatton getting punished by the timing and footwork of Floyd Mayweather.
Do you recognise any of the footwork used in the clips?
Do you have any other favourite examples?
Get yourself along to boxing tonight at 19:30 or kickboxing tomorrow at 18:00 if you would like to learn more. The classes are structured so that we can all safely develop our skills, learning about the sweet science whilst adding to our own games.
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Currently warming up are two of our excellent MMA fighters on the UK Fighting Championships 9 (#UKFC9) held in Preston.
Rafferty Stewart shall be making his debut into the cage, with all of our support. A smooth, efficient and technical striker proficient with all the weapons for success combined with an excellent sense of timing and control of the distance. We're predicting some precision strikes to set up excellent take downs coupled with a budding jiu jitsu game.
"Big" Joe... Kearns moves like a giant TJ Dillashaw! He has elusive footwork and advanced head-movement, can fight out of either stance with KO power in both hands and cannons for legs. A well versed fighter in Jiujitsu in all areas, he doesn't care if the fight stays on the feet or goes to the ground.
Good luck guys, we're all behind you!
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Not long left before Big Joe and Raff step into the cage at UK Fighting Championships 9 (#UKFC9)! Both old hands around the Gym, Raff will be making his debut, while Joe will be looking to bring his KO win streak up to 4! More posts on them later in the week!
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Coming up this week, two of our MMA prospects will be entering the UK Fighting Championships 9 (#UKFC9) cages on Saturday 23rd March.
We are no stranger to seeing the knock out power of "Big" Joe Kearns and his indomitable attitude to fighting within the light heavyweight category.
Rafferty Stewart shall be making his debut onto the MMA circuit as a smooth striker with an excellent sense of strategy.
... Tickets are available to buy from the fighters, or through UK Fighting Championships 9 (#UKFC9) and shall be hosted in nearby Preston.
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Open mat today! Come train, have fun, knee each other. At Kaizen Academy we pride ourselves on having a friendly open environment for training at any desired intensity, with all skill levels welcome to come give it a go!
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Kid's 9-14s BJJ tomorrow at 11am! Anyone interested is welcome to come down for a free first session!
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BJJ tonight at 6pm, followed by Kickboxing at 7pm!
See you down!
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Shell up. Wade in. Pick your moment!
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What goes through your head when someone shoots a double and it's too late to sprawl out?
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Happy International Women’s Day!
Kaizen Academy boasts an eclectic cohort of female fighters from all over the world, who train and develop their skills together. Our girls have gone on to do fantastic in competition, excelling in their chosen disciplines of boxing, muay thai and Brazilian jiu jitsu.
We’re proud to have such weird and wonderful girls, who give it their all on the mats to improve their abilities.
... Here’s some highlights of our ladies in action.
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Since we've been recently covering it in class, Joe and Luke made a video a while back, summarising deep half guard, and a couple of entries and sweeps. We hope this is helpful to our NoGi bros!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYMsh27-f 7g&t=96s
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A great part of training at Kaizen Academy is that our pristine white mats show off everyone’s favourite kit so well! Gone are the dark days where everyone had the same black rash guard or the same board shorts, now it’s a technicolour of individualism on every front!
We pride ourselves on bringing forth not just members’ own moves and strategies through their chosen discipline, but also their sense of style whilst doing it!
We even have some in-house designers that have bee...n putting their own original stamp onto our training sessions, such as “Handsome” Allan Gardner's “Admiral Armbar” rash guard to raise money for Cancer Research UK and DonnellyDesigns, who has redesigned Kaizen’s own rashguard to give it strong ties to Lancaster city, proudly displaying the Ashton Memorial.
Here are a few of the highlights!
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Happy St David's Day!
Today we would like to celebrate our Welsh dragons and their contribution to our training and community!
Thank you fellas, we’ll see you on the mats for advanced BJJ rounds this evening at 7pm.
... Diwrnod Hapus Ge David!
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Setting up the Paper Slicer Choke!
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Generations of killers!
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Our wonderful, normal kickboxers at last weekend's grading. Thanks to Mittmaster.com Matt for coming up and leading the event!
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On Saturday a small squad of Kaizeners took on the Manchester BJJ247 Open, including Lewis who entered into the children’s brackets. Lewis has become a regular competitor and is growing in technique as he gains experience. During the final, Lewis was up on a dominating 9-0 lead, outpointing an older and heavier opponent, but fell to an Americana and an early referee stoppage, due to the kids’ extra safe ruleset. Lewis came away with a Silver medal, an excellent achievement co...nsidering he was fighting up both an age and weight bracket, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for this hungry young competitor!
Our resident Swamp Monster, better known as Joseph Butler, took on a huge division filled with equal monsters all vying for the gold. Joe smashed his way into the final after a series of victories, gaining an early lead with a sweep, but ultimately ran out of juice having had a super intense fight in the semi final just minutes before, allowing his opponent to be able to slam on a bow and arrow choke leaving Joe with the Silver medal. Joe is a machine and we are proud of how he is developing as a competitor. His division is always stacked (in this case it was 18 men deep) so any look at the podium means massive success. Keep it up Swamp Monster!
Cowboy Jim sauntered into the purple belt featherweight division, winning against his first opponent on a comfy points lead, scored via a single leg x sweep. However, a knee injury in the second round stalled his game and likewise was tapped by a bow and arrow choke.
Well done to all three gents representing Kaizen Academy this weekend!
If you’re interested in competing just like these fellas, please enquire with one of our excellent coaches.
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It's Monday, get back to work!
Kickboxing at 7pm, just after 6pm BJJ.
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With very little martial arts experience Kaizen welcomed me in and taught me the ropes in a way i could learn a lot but also enjoy what i was learning at the same time. Everyone attending is super friendly and always happy to help. A brilliant way to get into a new sport or master one using the experience the club holds! Would advise anyone to give it a go and ultimately join the group!

This place is incredible. I would recommend them to anybody, they have a very diverse mix of students of all levels. After moving away I can't train here anymore but I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of training BJJ/Kickboxing.

I wish Michael, Kieran, Joe and the rest of the team success in the future.

Thanks chaps.

This gym is run on the principle of integrating and sharing knowledge from all martial arts, with instructors who are as willing to listen as to teach. It's a rare place with a fun atmosphere that makes it very approachable, no matter what your starting point.

There is no braggadocio, no patronising or belittling to be found in the minds of any at Kaizen. Nurtured through the talented coaches attentions and through the collective knowledge and experience of over a hundred martial artists, you will love all the time you can spend here. Constant improvement, one of the principles which underpin the teaching here is no less applicable to Michael, Adam, Kieran and Ze than it is to one who's interest was piqued enough to take those first steps onto the mats. They are forever building upon and refining their own strategies, techniques and principles for all disciplines and applying those to their teaching methods.



You will never regret the decision to take your first steps, or to revitalise your game at Kaizen Academy!

The only place to train in combat sports the smart way in the city, perhaps even in the whole country. A unique approach to teaching coupled with an extraordinarily friendly and open atmosphere, within a stunningly artistic space, makes Kaizen Academy the perfect place to train in combat sports. This was sorely needed in Lancaster, and I can't wait to keep training here! Best of luck to the fantastic team behind Kaizen Academy! :)

The Academy has definitely exceeded our expectations. It is run efficiently and professionally by excellent Coaches, who have really done their homework in devising the kids programme. The classes are enjoyable and well structured. Our son is thoroughly enjoying his Saturday Classes, and we would definitely be interested in more sessions for his group <3

My little boy attended the 2-4's class today, run by Emma and Joe and absolutely loved it! Both coaches are amazing with the kids and the class was really toddler friendly. Incoperating play and delivering techniques in short bursts to keep the little ones engaged :) would definitely recommend! Thank you!

I was for a few days in Lancaster, the passion in the Teachers that you can feel makes you want to start learning Martial Arts right away.



So I started my BJJ journey with them and just by taking the Foundation class, damn i think i can ERASE anyone on a White Belt competition.



The environment is really peaceful and calm, everyone just talked to me like i was a member of the Kaizen Family for years, yea Family that's what Kaizen is.

I have been looking at Kaizen website and was interesting in trying the BJJ classes. Had a trial this evening. I was greeted with a very friendly welcome, had a chat about the academy while having a tour of the facilities. The atmosphere is very friendly and the coaches are very helpful. It was an excellent experience for me and I would recommend going to the academy.

I have been attending classes at Kaizen for the best part of a year now. It is by far, in my opinion the best martial arts academy I have ever attended. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, sporting people with a huge range of different skill levels. However, what really stands out to me is their approach to teaching; the instructors tend to teach the principles behind the techniques, striping away the mystery, showing you why in addition to how. They aren’t bogged down by the dogmatism or strict hierarchy that I have experienced at other schools, making them more approachable and almost always willing to spar when asked. I believe due to this my progression in bjj has happened at a pace I would not have thought possible at another school. I have recently moved away to Stockten, where my white belt bjj training puts me on a par with black belts at the local judo club. It is only now when I’m unable to train at Kaizen that I start to realise the value of the training I received.

I had only been at Kaizen for 4 months but in that short time I've learned a vast amount about martial arts and also myself. Like many, I can imagine, I was pretty nervous about starting, but Kaizen and its great community have always been supportive and welcoming, helping me to thoroughly enjoy training and generally gain confidence in myself. If you're looking for somewhere to start training either casually or professionally I cannot recommend Kaizen enough, a wonderful academy full of wonderful people, I'll miss it!

I absolutely love this place. The people are amazing, it doesn't matter your ability or level there is a lot to learn from Kaizen. As a 40 year old, completely unfit mother of two who has done nothing remotely sporty or fitness related apart from racing (which involved sitting on my backside and only using my arms and feet 😆) let alone marital arts I was welcomed and made to feel at ease from day one. Within 3 months spending just 3 hours a week here I am fitter, more confident, developing some new skills, lower fat % already. I come here because the environment is welcoming, friendly and professional with a variety of people teaching with exceptional experience. I love it, if I could go everyday I would. If you fancy having a go my advice would be... 'if I can do it anyone can' and most importantly 'look no further this is the place to go'.

First time ever doing anything like that Part from boxing and I loved it. The lads were so welcoming and full of knowledge and showed me how to adapt what I know into what they know. Fully recommend the place and will be back there next week ��

Excellent instructors who are so passionate about what they do. They have a real gift for explaining ideas and take the time to make sure you understand.



Exercise/sports wise I have not stuck with anything for more than a couple of months but in December this year I will be celebrating two years of regular training. This is testament to the instructors (and their patience!), my fellow training partners and the all round supportive, friendly, inclusive atmosphere of the club. One very happy customer indeed! :)

Before Kaizen, I was intimidated by combat sports as a whole because of its chaotic and violent physical appearance.



I soon learned that despite its surface, martial arts are perhaps one of the most mentally engaging sports. I've lost fears of physical confrontation and found joy in the mere movement of my body. I've also learned the limits of the will (via rear naked choke) and just thoroughly enjoy my time here in Kaizen, all the time.

As soon as you step into this place you can feel it is the result of the passion and commitment of its young coaches, whose main goal is to make other people part of their unique way of conceiving and experiencing martial arts. It is not (only) about fitness or fighting, here you can get involved in a process aimed at building something new, using everyone's interests, strenghts and curiosities.

As someone with no martial arts experience, the environment at Kaizen was something unexpected; the white mats, ambient music and smiling faces were so inviting- not what I expected an MMA gym to be. Never once have I felt intimidated, uncomfortable or out of place; it instantly became somewhere I’m excited to go each evening.

Micheal, the BJJ coach is fantastic; his previous experience as a teacher is evident during his classes. He takes the time to explain each technique clearly, backing them up strongly by the principles of BJJ that are first learned in the foundation class.

Competition class is super exciting and really well taught - all aspects of competing are learned during the competition class including how to ref. At the end of class the matches are reviewed and we come away with things to work on for next time.

If you enjoy pushing yourself and are looking to try out something both physically and mentally stimulating in a humbling environment, Kaizen is the place to go!

As an amateur martial artist, this is by far the best gym I've ever been to anywhere in the country. The owners work the front desk most days themselves. Extremely nice guys who are straight shooters. No contracts, no sign up fees, no first and last month, no bank draft. Walk in, pay your month, and do it again the next month when it's time. The ONLY gym I've ever seen that's still doing it the old school way. In addition, I've never seen a gym with so much equipment and so many toys for every type of individual. Everyone here is serious about what they're doing. Highly recommend anyone who is serious about BJJ to give this place a try. I'm hooked.

After having private with Michael once a week for over a year now and with Adam helping me in other areas, I have learned an incredible amount about BJJ.

Kaizen is one of the best atmospheres I've ever trained in and the instructors are world class.



If you want to learn martial arts or just have a hobby within a brilliant social circle then Kaizen is for you.



World class.

With very little martial arts experience Kaizen welcomed me in and taught me the ropes in a way i could learn a lot but also enjoy what i was learning at the same time. Everyone attending is super friendly and always happy to help. A brilliant way to get into a new sport or master one using the experience the club holds! Would advise anyone to give it a go and ultimately join the group!

This place is incredible. I would recommend them to anybody, they have a very diverse mix of students of all levels. After moving away I can't train here anymore but I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of training BJJ/Kickboxing.

I wish Michael, Kieran, Joe and the rest of the team success in the future.

Thanks chaps.

This gym is run on the principle of integrating and sharing knowledge from all martial arts, with instructors who are as willing to listen as to teach. It's a rare place with a fun atmosphere that makes it very approachable, no matter what your starting point.

There is no braggadocio, no patronising or belittling to be found in the minds of any at Kaizen. Nurtured through the talented coaches attentions and through the collective knowledge and experience of over a hundred martial artists, you will love all the time you can spend here. Constant improvement, one of the principles which underpin the teaching here is no less applicable to Michael, Adam, Kieran and Ze than it is to one who's interest was piqued enough to take those first steps onto the mats. They are forever building upon and refining their own strategies, techniques and principles for all disciplines and applying those to their teaching methods.



You will never regret the decision to take your first steps, or to revitalise your game at Kaizen Academy!

The only place to train in combat sports the smart way in the city, perhaps even in the whole country. A unique approach to teaching coupled with an extraordinarily friendly and open atmosphere, within a stunningly artistic space, makes Kaizen Academy the perfect place to train in combat sports. This was sorely needed in Lancaster, and I can't wait to keep training here! Best of luck to the fantastic team behind Kaizen Academy! :)

The Academy has definitely exceeded our expectations. It is run efficiently and professionally by excellent Coaches, who have really done their homework in devising the kids programme. The classes are enjoyable and well structured. Our son is thoroughly enjoying his Saturday Classes, and we would definitely be interested in more sessions for his group <3

My little boy attended the 2-4's class today, run by Emma and Joe and absolutely loved it! Both coaches are amazing with the kids and the class was really toddler friendly. Incoperating play and delivering techniques in short bursts to keep the little ones engaged :) would definitely recommend! Thank you!

I was for a few days in Lancaster, the passion in the Teachers that you can feel makes you want to start learning Martial Arts right away.



So I started my BJJ journey with them and just by taking the Foundation class, damn i think i can ERASE anyone on a White Belt competition.



The environment is really peaceful and calm, everyone just talked to me like i was a member of the Kaizen Family for years, yea Family that's what Kaizen is.

I have been looking at Kaizen website and was interesting in trying the BJJ classes. Had a trial this evening. I was greeted with a very friendly welcome, had a chat about the academy while having a tour of the facilities. The atmosphere is very friendly and the coaches are very helpful. It was an excellent experience for me and I would recommend going to the academy.

I have been attending classes at Kaizen for the best part of a year now. It is by far, in my opinion the best martial arts academy I have ever attended. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, sporting people with a huge range of different skill levels. However, what really stands out to me is their approach to teaching; the instructors tend to teach the principles behind the techniques, striping away the mystery, showing you why in addition to how. They aren’t bogged down by the dogmatism or strict hierarchy that I have experienced at other schools, making them more approachable and almost always willing to spar when asked. I believe due to this my progression in bjj has happened at a pace I would not have thought possible at another school. I have recently moved away to Stockten, where my white belt bjj training puts me on a par with black belts at the local judo club. It is only now when I’m unable to train at Kaizen that I start to realise the value of the training I received.

I had only been at Kaizen for 4 months but in that short time I've learned a vast amount about martial arts and also myself. Like many, I can imagine, I was pretty nervous about starting, but Kaizen and its great community have always been supportive and welcoming, helping me to thoroughly enjoy training and generally gain confidence in myself. If you're looking for somewhere to start training either casually or professionally I cannot recommend Kaizen enough, a wonderful academy full of wonderful people, I'll miss it!

I absolutely love this place. The people are amazing, it doesn't matter your ability or level there is a lot to learn from Kaizen. As a 40 year old, completely unfit mother of two who has done nothing remotely sporty or fitness related apart from racing (which involved sitting on my backside and only using my arms and feet 😆) let alone marital arts I was welcomed and made to feel at ease from day one. Within 3 months spending just 3 hours a week here I am fitter, more confident, developing some new skills, lower fat % already. I come here because the environment is welcoming, friendly and professional with a variety of people teaching with exceptional experience. I love it, if I could go everyday I would. If you fancy having a go my advice would be... 'if I can do it anyone can' and most importantly 'look no further this is the place to go'.

First time ever doing anything like that Part from boxing and I loved it. The lads were so welcoming and full of knowledge and showed me how to adapt what I know into what they know. Fully recommend the place and will be back there next week ��

Excellent instructors who are so passionate about what they do. They have a real gift for explaining ideas and take the time to make sure you understand.



Exercise/sports wise I have not stuck with anything for more than a couple of months but in December this year I will be celebrating two years of regular training. This is testament to the instructors (and their patience!), my fellow training partners and the all round supportive, friendly, inclusive atmosphere of the club. One very happy customer indeed! :)

Before Kaizen, I was intimidated by combat sports as a whole because of its chaotic and violent physical appearance.



I soon learned that despite its surface, martial arts are perhaps one of the most mentally engaging sports. I've lost fears of physical confrontation and found joy in the mere movement of my body. I've also learned the limits of the will (via rear naked choke) and just thoroughly enjoy my time here in Kaizen, all the time.

As soon as you step into this place you can feel it is the result of the passion and commitment of its young coaches, whose main goal is to make other people part of their unique way of conceiving and experiencing martial arts. It is not (only) about fitness or fighting, here you can get involved in a process aimed at building something new, using everyone's interests, strenghts and curiosities.

As someone with no martial arts experience, the environment at Kaizen was something unexpected; the white mats, ambient music and smiling faces were so inviting- not what I expected an MMA gym to be. Never once have I felt intimidated, uncomfortable or out of place; it instantly became somewhere I’m excited to go each evening.

Micheal, the BJJ coach is fantastic; his previous experience as a teacher is evident during his classes. He takes the time to explain each technique clearly, backing them up strongly by the principles of BJJ that are first learned in the foundation class.

Competition class is super exciting and really well taught - all aspects of competing are learned during the competition class including how to ref. At the end of class the matches are reviewed and we come away with things to work on for next time.

If you enjoy pushing yourself and are looking to try out something both physically and mentally stimulating in a humbling environment, Kaizen is the place to go!

As an amateur martial artist, this is by far the best gym I've ever been to anywhere in the country. The owners work the front desk most days themselves. Extremely nice guys who are straight shooters. No contracts, no sign up fees, no first and last month, no bank draft. Walk in, pay your month, and do it again the next month when it's time. The ONLY gym I've ever seen that's still doing it the old school way. In addition, I've never seen a gym with so much equipment and so many toys for every type of individual. Everyone here is serious about what they're doing. Highly recommend anyone who is serious about BJJ to give this place a try. I'm hooked.

After having private with Michael once a week for over a year now and with Adam helping me in other areas, I have learned an incredible amount about BJJ.

Kaizen is one of the best atmospheres I've ever trained in and the instructors are world class.



If you want to learn martial arts or just have a hobby within a brilliant social circle then Kaizen is for you.



World class.

With very little martial arts experience Kaizen welcomed me in and taught me the ropes in a way i could learn a lot but also enjoy what i was learning at the same time. Everyone attending is super friendly and always happy to help. A brilliant way to get into a new sport or master one using the experience the club holds! Would advise anyone to give it a go and ultimately join the group!

This place is incredible. I would recommend them to anybody, they have a very diverse mix of students of all levels. After moving away I can't train here anymore but I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of training BJJ/Kickboxing.

I wish Michael, Kieran, Joe and the rest of the team success in the future.

Thanks chaps.

This gym is run on the principle of integrating and sharing knowledge from all martial arts, with instructors who are as willing to listen as to teach. It's a rare place with a fun atmosphere that makes it very approachable, no matter what your starting point.

There is no braggadocio, no patronising or belittling to be found in the minds of any at Kaizen. Nurtured through the talented coaches attentions and through the collective knowledge and experience of over a hundred martial artists, you will love all the time you can spend here. Constant improvement, one of the principles which underpin the teaching here is no less applicable to Michael, Adam, Kieran and Ze than it is to one who's interest was piqued enough to take those first steps onto the mats. They are forever building upon and refining their own strategies, techniques and principles for all disciplines and applying those to their teaching methods.



You will never regret the decision to take your first steps, or to revitalise your game at Kaizen Academy!

The only place to train in combat sports the smart way in the city, perhaps even in the whole country. A unique approach to teaching coupled with an extraordinarily friendly and open atmosphere, within a stunningly artistic space, makes Kaizen Academy the perfect place to train in combat sports. This was sorely needed in Lancaster, and I can't wait to keep training here! Best of luck to the fantastic team behind Kaizen Academy! :)

The Academy has definitely exceeded our expectations. It is run efficiently and professionally by excellent Coaches, who have really done their homework in devising the kids programme. The classes are enjoyable and well structured. Our son is thoroughly enjoying his Saturday Classes, and we would definitely be interested in more sessions for his group <3

My little boy attended the 2-4's class today, run by Emma and Joe and absolutely loved it! Both coaches are amazing with the kids and the class was really toddler friendly. Incoperating play and delivering techniques in short bursts to keep the little ones engaged :) would definitely recommend! Thank you!

I was for a few days in Lancaster, the passion in the Teachers that you can feel makes you want to start learning Martial Arts right away.



So I started my BJJ journey with them and just by taking the Foundation class, damn i think i can ERASE anyone on a White Belt competition.



The environment is really peaceful and calm, everyone just talked to me like i was a member of the Kaizen Family for years, yea Family that's what Kaizen is.

I have been looking at Kaizen website and was interesting in trying the BJJ classes. Had a trial this evening. I was greeted with a very friendly welcome, had a chat about the academy while having a tour of the facilities. The atmosphere is very friendly and the coaches are very helpful. It was an excellent experience for me and I would recommend going to the academy.

I have been attending classes at Kaizen for the best part of a year now. It is by far, in my opinion the best martial arts academy I have ever attended. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, sporting people with a huge range of different skill levels. However, what really stands out to me is their approach to teaching; the instructors tend to teach the principles behind the techniques, striping away the mystery, showing you why in addition to how. They aren’t bogged down by the dogmatism or strict hierarchy that I have experienced at other schools, making them more approachable and almost always willing to spar when asked. I believe due to this my progression in bjj has happened at a pace I would not have thought possible at another school. I have recently moved away to Stockten, where my white belt bjj training puts me on a par with black belts at the local judo club. It is only now when I’m unable to train at Kaizen that I start to realise the value of the training I received.

I had only been at Kaizen for 4 months but in that short time I've learned a vast amount about martial arts and also myself. Like many, I can imagine, I was pretty nervous about starting, but Kaizen and its great community have always been supportive and welcoming, helping me to thoroughly enjoy training and generally gain confidence in myself. If you're looking for somewhere to start training either casually or professionally I cannot recommend Kaizen enough, a wonderful academy full of wonderful people, I'll miss it!

I absolutely love this place. The people are amazing, it doesn't matter your ability or level there is a lot to learn from Kaizen. As a 40 year old, completely unfit mother of two who has done nothing remotely sporty or fitness related apart from racing (which involved sitting on my backside and only using my arms and feet 😆) let alone marital arts I was welcomed and made to feel at ease from day one. Within 3 months spending just 3 hours a week here I am fitter, more confident, developing some new skills, lower fat % already. I come here because the environment is welcoming, friendly and professional with a variety of people teaching with exceptional experience. I love it, if I could go everyday I would. If you fancy having a go my advice would be... 'if I can do it anyone can' and most importantly 'look no further this is the place to go'.

First time ever doing anything like that Part from boxing and I loved it. The lads were so welcoming and full of knowledge and showed me how to adapt what I know into what they know. Fully recommend the place and will be back there next week ��

Excellent instructors who are so passionate about what they do. They have a real gift for explaining ideas and take the time to make sure you understand.



Exercise/sports wise I have not stuck with anything for more than a couple of months but in December this year I will be celebrating two years of regular training. This is testament to the instructors (and their patience!), my fellow training partners and the all round supportive, friendly, inclusive atmosphere of the club. One very happy customer indeed! :)

Before Kaizen, I was intimidated by combat sports as a whole because of its chaotic and violent physical appearance.



I soon learned that despite its surface, martial arts are perhaps one of the most mentally engaging sports. I've lost fears of physical confrontation and found joy in the mere movement of my body. I've also learned the limits of the will (via rear naked choke) and just thoroughly enjoy my time here in Kaizen, all the time.

As soon as you step into this place you can feel it is the result of the passion and commitment of its young coaches, whose main goal is to make other people part of their unique way of conceiving and experiencing martial arts. It is not (only) about fitness or fighting, here you can get involved in a process aimed at building something new, using everyone's interests, strenghts and curiosities.

As someone with no martial arts experience, the environment at Kaizen was something unexpected; the white mats, ambient music and smiling faces were so inviting- not what I expected an MMA gym to be. Never once have I felt intimidated, uncomfortable or out of place; it instantly became somewhere I’m excited to go each evening.

Micheal, the BJJ coach is fantastic; his previous experience as a teacher is evident during his classes. He takes the time to explain each technique clearly, backing them up strongly by the principles of BJJ that are first learned in the foundation class.

Competition class is super exciting and really well taught - all aspects of competing are learned during the competition class including how to ref. At the end of class the matches are reviewed and we come away with things to work on for next time.

If you enjoy pushing yourself and are looking to try out something both physically and mentally stimulating in a humbling environment, Kaizen is the place to go!

As an amateur martial artist, this is by far the best gym I've ever been to anywhere in the country. The owners work the front desk most days themselves. Extremely nice guys who are straight shooters. No contracts, no sign up fees, no first and last month, no bank draft. Walk in, pay your month, and do it again the next month when it's time. The ONLY gym I've ever seen that's still doing it the old school way. In addition, I've never seen a gym with so much equipment and so many toys for every type of individual. Everyone here is serious about what they're doing. Highly recommend anyone who is serious about BJJ to give this place a try. I'm hooked.

After having private with Michael once a week for over a year now and with Adam helping me in other areas, I have learned an incredible amount about BJJ.

Kaizen is one of the best atmospheres I've ever trained in and the instructors are world class.



If you want to learn martial arts or just have a hobby within a brilliant social circle then Kaizen is for you.



World class.