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New for 2008 - An interview with Kevin O'Hagan - Part 2
Q. What DVD's did you actually do for New Approach Publishing? K. I done a 2 disc set entitled, 'Kevin O' Hagan's joint breaking secrets.' These discs covered a multitude of joint locks, immobilisations, submissions and breaks. I recently completed a 6 disc box set called, 'Special Forces hand to hand close quarter combat system.' Over the years I have been fortunate to train with many instructors from different Special Forces across the world. In this box set, I 'pooled' together all the knowledge I had from these guys and completed the best set of DVD's I have done to date. They are packed with practical information and technique. I also had my two sons star on them with me. (Sorry for the stick I dished out lads!)
Q. So what's this exercise class you started called the 'Gladiator Total Body Workout?' K. It was an idea I had for some time. I wanted to offer a high paced conditioning class to the public, based on exercise routines I have used myself and also taught to fighters and the forces. I put together the 'Gladiator' class and pitched it to my local sports centre. They went for it and it has been a huge success.
Q. What sort of people do you get in the class? K. It is varied. I have some Martial Artists. A lot are runners and triathlon competitors. There are also skiers, rugby players and track athletes. It's a great mix. It's a tough workout but good fun. I lead it each week and still keep everybody on their toes. Full details of the class are on my site.
Q. I hear you recently graded the first lady in your combat Ju Jutsu class to 1 st Dan black belt and three of your long term students to their 3 rd Dan? K. Yes. Corine Hines is the first female black belt in my class. No mean achievement. She showed great spirit and commitment. Pete Dunn, Tony Watt and Paul Hirst achieved their 3 rd Dans. Only two other people over the 20 years I have run clubs have reached this level under me. It was a hell of a thing to do. Congratulations to them all. Tony and Pete now run two of my Combat Ju Jutsu classes in their own right and are both doing well.
Q. Do you still keep in touch with any of your 'old mates' from the reality based Martial Arts now that you spend a lot of your time involved in MMA? K. Yes, I still keep contact with Pete Consterdine, Geoff Thompson and Jamie O' Keefe. They are all busy men in their own field but they will always find time to have a chat with me or write an email. They are people that I still greatly respect and am proud to call my friends. I have also met many top notch people in my MMA travels.
Q. How is the MMA scene in the South West at present? K. It is doing really well and has been developing steadily over the last few years. With good solid fight shows like 'Angerr Management' 'Fightclub' and 'Grapple and Strike' Fight nights regularly on in the area things are looking good. It provides a great platform for established and up and coming MMA fighters. I can only see MMA getting bigger and bigger. With the TV coverage it is also getting now, top shows such as Cage Rage and UFC will attract a bigger and bigger audience without a doubt.
Q. For you personally, is there any chance of you slowing down and putting your feet up? K. Believe it or not, I don't train as relentlessly as I used to 5 or 10 years ago. But I am still in good shape and regularly on the mats. It's in my blood. In the last few years I have learned to balance out my training more and train smarter. When it's your living you cannot afford to be out with injuries.
Q. What does the short term future hold for you? K. As I mentioned, there are some plans in the pipeline that if they come about, will be great but we will have to wait and see. I do still want to give my knowledge in all areas to those who train with me: whether it be MMA, Ju Jutsu or Self Protection. I want to continue to expand here in Bristol and eventually if I call it a day, I want to feel that I have made my mark in the Martial Arts World. It would be great if my sons carried on my clubs and established themselves in the future. Thanks for your time. Article by Dave Tanner For more details and information check out the rest of ou website www.kevinohagan.com You can email Kevin at - kevinohagansas@yahoo.co.uk.
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