What were you fighting for? What was your ‘why’?

"My journey was mainly to get me training again, but as the journey started I realised I was there for other reasons that I wasn’t even aware of. I was stressed in work, over eating, making excuses not to train. I found it very hard to mix in social circles as my weight was out of control. I was starting to get social anxiety, but I only realised all this as the program was progressing. My class was full of all different types of people. I found out very early that this was going to be a tough journey. But week by week, I found myself breaking all sorts of barriers. I was able to talk to people without starting to get anxious, wondering where the judging me because of my weight. That was only one part, the confidence it gave me outside the gym and in the cage is something that I definitely did not expect to get."

What did you get out of the program physically?

"Physically it was unreal. I lost over 15kg, I was able to do things I couldn't do for the last 5 or 6years. The freedom and head space I gained also was something I did not expect. I trained at 5.15am so I got out of bed at 4.15am, and I had so much more energy in the afternoon than I’ve ever had. I was even able to go and train after work."

What were some of the mental and emotional outcomes you experienced?

"The confidence I gained was also something that surprised me. I never would of thought that I would stand face to face with someone in a locked cage, touch gloves and fight. But the confidence I gained outside of the gym is more satisfying. Being able to stand in a group of people and not feel like you shouldn’t be there. I can look at any person now and say, have you made the walk I made. Most will say no. That in itself gives me a boost if I’m ever feeling I’m not worthy to be in someone’s company."

What did you learn about yourself?

"I learned that I can now do anything I put my mind to. 20 weeks from having never stood in an MMA gym or and combat sports gym to making the walk. The body can do whatever the mind tells it to do. Just get the correct people around you, and you can do anything."

Did Warrior Training lead to any long term changes in your life, and if so what were they?

"It’s definitely changed my opinion of MMA fighters. I will be continuing my journey as an MMA athlete, but at 38, I may not fight again, but I will be advising anyone younger than me to give it a go."

What would you say to someone thinking about starting the Warrior Training Program?

"DO IT….. it’s such a rewarding thing to do. To look back at your first day when you have completed the journey is the cherry on top. Day one vs Fight Night…. It’s the stuff dreams are made of. Making the walk in front of a packed audience…. Just do it….."