SBG East Coast Instructor Teaches at the Top Mixed Martial Arts Academy in England

This past week our own head coach, Stephen Whittier, accompanied Straight Blast Gym International President, Matt Thornton, on a seminar trip to the U.K. to teach at the top Mixed Martial Arts academy in England (and among the best in all of Europe), SBG Manchester.

The first part of the trip involved a two day seminar, where Matt talked about the SBG philosophy as it relates to functional efficiency and skill development in martial arts training – as well as plenty of high level training. Day one subjects included Butterfly Guard with Coach Matt, Cross-sides Top Game with Coach Steve, and Closed Guard with Coach Steve. The second day included a review and continuation of day one material, an in-depth session on Escapes from Bottom with Coach Matt, and a Q & A session.

Over the weekend they also had the pleasure of attending England’s largest MMA promotion, BAMMA, to watch two of SBG Manchester’s standout athletes, Paul Douglas and co-main event fighter Michael Stapleton, deliver brilliant performances. Both fighters won in spectacular fashion with first round finishes by submission.

Then Coach Steve finished up the trip by teaching a special striking class to the SBG Manchester pro team members, where he introduced some next level striking concepts to the team.

SBG Manchester Black Belt Glyn Powdritch wrote: “Thanks to Karl Tanswell for bringing over Matt Thornton and Stephen Whittier in what must be a crazy busy weekend for Karl & the guys. It was a great session as always. I picked up a to of new information – can’t wait for tomorrow’s session!”

The coaches were also joined on Sunday by head coach of SBG Ireland (one of the top MMA teams in the world), John Kavanagh.

Coach Steve said of the trip: “I’m very lucky that my job allows me to travel all over the country and internationally to teach these great arts to such great groups of honest, talented and authentic people. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

Spreading the highest level of martial arts training all over the world is what we do!

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