Here's how my trip to LA came about.
I had a slow start to 2015, coming off surgery I was limited to the training I could do, I certainly couldn’t prepare for any competitions and meanwhile everyone around me was. I was given the all clear to get back to it in April but my confidence was low, this had been the longest lay off I’d ever had with my last competition (grappling) being July 2014 and my last MMA fight February 2014.
As well as running the gym which was really picking up in the run up to Summer I’d waitress at a restaurant in Darlington, trying to work my training in around my clients, classes and shifts at the restaurant and spend time with those close to me I hate to admit but it was getting too much, I was feeling unorganised, getting easily annoyed by people and starting to feel lost, I needed something to focus on.
I made a decision to act on the things that make me happy, the things I live and breathe for; training, improving, learning and fighting.
I decided I needed a fresh challenge in a new environment bringing unique experiences such as; travelling alone, America had been on my ‘list’ since I was a kid.
I decided where I wanted to train; Glendale Fight Club in LA – the gym that is home to the most dominant and inspiring female athlete (to me) Ronda Rousey.
I made a decision to act with conviction and chase a dream, explore my passion in life and train to develop my skills, and when given the choice of any gym in the world, it had to be the home to the UFC women’s bantamweight champ. My journey, my destiny, no longer a dream was fast becoming a reality and I was ready.
I emailed the gym, but no one replied. I rang the gym, but no one answered.
I booked my plane tickets and accommodation anyway and checked out some other gyms in the area that I could train at. Wild Card boxing gym was a mile away from my digs...perfect.
I was excited again; I had focus, determination and drive. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when I got there but I just knew I had to be on form, as fit as I could get in 6 weeks and just get up to speed with grappling, wrestling and striking again.
Enjoying experimenting and throwing Wil...
Hitting up one of my sessions with my strength coach Barry Gibson...
Was I a little nervous? Yep, I’m nervous whenever I set foot in a new gym, train/spar with new people but that’s also pretty exciting, new people, new ideas, new experiences I can’t stand plodding on doing the same thing day in day out, I crave happiness, excitement, positive energy and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with training/fighting, through its highs and lows you develop, grow and find out what you are truly capable of.
I guess I didn’t really know what was to come from my trip, but I knew there would be something...and I had to go venture and find out.
My Thai Boxing buddy Hayleigh dropping me off at Heathrow
With the help of so many people I was off and embarked on the trip of a lifetime.
Thank you to my sponsors:
Richard Gates at Ugly Duck Clothing
Tim Fong at XTAL
Samantha Leighton at SL Sports Massage
Steffan H. Abel Chiropractor in Chester-le-street
Paul Million at Brinkburn Apartments, Darlington
Rob Dawson at Mindsport Consulting who has had such a positive impact on my life.
My coaches Martin Wilby, Barry Gibson, my original coach Paul Hamilton who I wouldnt even be in martial arts if it weren't for him.
Everyone who donated raffle prizes, bought tickets, made donations and helped coach me and train with me in preparation for my trip...you are all amazing.
Stay tuned for part 2...