Unified Fighting Systems

25/10/2026

Remember the clocks went back last night.
See you at 6pm for the juniors and 6.40pm for the adults.

22/10/2026

This is a group shot from the latest juniors gradings.
Children train from age 5 years to 11 years.
At 12 years they move to the adult classes.
Juniors train from 6pm to 6.30pm.
Fees range from £25 a month to£30 a month.

22/10/2026

Longer nights and colder times mean more training. The colder months are when we see the most people starting, so that's why we have a constant beginners programme running. New people need simple methods to improve fast.

12/10/2026

In the summer of 2026, I became aware of the White Ribbon Campaign and I’ll be honest I was shocked that it even exists. The purpose of the White Ribbon Campaign is ‘to prevent violence against women and girls by engaging men and boys.’ In other words, to teach men and boys that violence against women and girls is a bad thing. Why does that need to be taught?
It has existed since 1991 and I wasn’t aware of it until this year. So, what have I done about it? In July I joined thirteen other crazy people and took part in the Fan Dance. A part of the SAS selection process hiking 15 miles in the Brecon Beacons and taking on Pen-y-fan (886m) twice while carrying a 35lb weighted rucksack. Together we raised £1645 for the White Ribbon Campaign.
I have also become an Ambassador for White Ribbon and that’s part of what this post is about. The campaign is so close to my heart because of what happened to my wife and others I know. Kirsty and I were together less than two years and in that time, we were married and living our life when she passed away suddenly. It seemed particularly cruel when she had endured years of mental torture and violence in a number of abusive relationships. Just when she had found happiness, it was all over.
As a martial arts instructor I have met many women who have been r***d, abused and had their confidence shattered in every area. In each case it was one relationship, or like Kirsty, a series of relationships, that took their lives from them. In many cases, the women and girls escaped or found a way to survive, but it also took years for some to find their way back.
It was always men and boys who did this. And they believed that it is acceptable.
This is me taking a stand against this. With the philosophy of the White Ribbon Campaign, I am saying that I am against every form of coercive behaviour, every act of violence and every word uttered that does not bring a happier time to the people in your life.
It truly does amaze me that this needs to be said, but in the 21st Century it appears that many males need this education. Through my classes, through my videos and in the written word I will pushing this agenda. Love and not hate, joy and not misery and safety, not fear is the way to build a better world. One person at a time.
The White Ribbon Day is on Wednesday 25th November and the theme is ‘It takes all of us.’ I’ll be talking about it more in the next few weeks.

Our mission is to end men's violence against women, once and for all. We work with men and boys to challenge cultures that lead to harassment, abuse and violence.

06/10/2026

Many people live their lives in a constant state of ‘What if?’ And usually ‘What if it goes wrong?’ So how does anyone achieve success and by that, I mean in anything. Many people see success as riches and things. That is things to own. Some see it as being a champion. Everyone has their own definition.
Over these next couple of days, I’ll be outlining the four elements that make up the ultimate route to success. I’ll be talking mostly about martial arts, but you can relate them to many phases of life.
Here we go. Element number one: enthusiasm.
When students begin their journey in martial arts they always begin with tons of enthusiasm. It’s a new activity; they have got past the feeling of being scared of being beaten up and they are meeting new people. As they continue on their journey, so enthusiasm can wane when they realise that one of the other keys to getting good at something is the desire to keep improving.
The way to keep that enthusiasm is to keep seeking marginal gains. That’s the small incremental improvements that comes from regular attendance. Yes, there are some people who don’t understand that to improve in anything requires regular (I would recommend) daily practice. That doesn’t mean going to classes every day, but it does mean practising on the days when you don’t attend. Even short workouts can bring about significant improvements.
Enthusiasm also shows up in the way you feel about training. You should look forward to training on most occasions. I think it’s unrealistic to look forward to every session and I’ve often found the classes I almost avoided have turned out to be the best classes. You are constantly reminded that this training lark is fun.
Also, the environment can affect your enthusiasm. If you train with a bunch of grumpy buggers, you’ll be looking for somewhere else pretty quick. Fortunately, UFS is full of the happiest souls around. Or as we like to say, we have our fair share of nutters.
Mostly though, you are the architect of your enthusiasm. Keep that fascination with learning and with the practice that helps you improve.
Look out for the next key in ultimate success. Can you guess what it is?
Clue. You always have enough time if you have enough of this …
See you in class.
Andy

01/10/2026

One of the many things I love about UFS is the diversity and mix of the students. We have them all. Some can even read and write! All have their own crayons.
Some great training in store tonight.

29/09/2026

It's grading results night.
Plus, a few changes to the syllabus to share. Simple stuff.
If you want to get good at anything (martial arts, playing an instrument, learning a language), obsess over the basics.
You'll see what I mean tonight.

20/09/2026

Train like a white belt.

This all started back in February, I suppose. A desire to improve. To become fitter. To lead more from the front. I had decided to do the Fan Dance before Christmas, when Mo Teague first mentioned it and to get fit enough needed a lot of work. Not enough as it turned out, but come the end of July, mission accomplished. But it set in motion other thoughts.

Could I rise further up the ranks of Doce Pares? My last grading (6th Grade Black Belt) was in March 2001, under Cacoy Canete. I called my teacher, Danny Guba, and he was very happy to have me back on board. Training commenced and I took part in his June seminar. My next one with him is booked for 11th October. If you’d like to come with me, let me know.
July was the Fan Dance and a month later, Mo Teague rocked up at AG’s to run the TRDG Camp. It hadn’t been my intention to physically take part, but I did and completed both days. A bit battered, but happy with my effort. Especially his version of the SOE’s Mad Minute. That means obstacles and more than four people battering you. Plus, a rough two-minute time limit, not one minute.

And last weekend I took part in Tommy Joe Moore’s Project Victory, covering the armed and unarmed methods taught to special agents in World War II. I had always thought this a historical curiosity. How wrong was I? It’s effective, at times terrifying and brilliant. Somehow, I finished the course with a World War II Combatives instructor certificate. I love it and it has encouraged me to study more.

What I hope this tale has achieved is that we are all white belts, no matter what colour is around your waist. White belt means open-minded, curious, inquisitive and hungry for more.

With the gradings coming up next week I encourage you to continue training as a white belt. It’s good for the soul and dampens the ego.

See you in class.
Andy

15/09/2026

I've been on an adventure.
This past weekend I took part in the Project Victory seminar in Essex. After 3 days, I have qualified as an instructor in WWII Combatives under Tommy Joe Moore.
Learning doesn't stop when you reach black belt. If anything, it helps you to realise how much more there is to learn.
The course was great. The information is amazing and it will be included in the next seminar on Saturday 24th October.
I may drop a few cupcakes of info after the gradings are completed.