Our second fit adventure and we decided to take each other on (literally!) in MMA (Mixed Martial arts) style.

Our aim was to see what happens when you get a couple to fight for fitness in a real clash of love and to confirm who was the toughest and roughest; who packed the biggest punch and who would win this week’s Famously Fit Couple Challenge.

We met up with Graham, owner of The MMA Clinic in Angel, Islington, London. (www.themmaclinic.com). Graham was very excited to let us know that MMA is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK. In just 6 months the MMA Clinic is now fully booked.

Pre-fight conceptions

Jenny

Having kick boxed for a few years and wrestled previously with Wayne (in and out of the dojo!) I was really looking forward to the challenge. The MMA Clinic was a great facility, complete with cage. Graham was very friendly but seemed to have the wild look in his eyes that most fighters seem to possess. I was looking forward to taking Wayne on and demonstrating my Girl Power.

Wayne

On my frustrated traffic riddled journey through North West London I could only think that this was going to be another testosterone filled centre, with everyone wanting to be the alpha male (what me?) or female. Surprisingly the MMA Clinic was far from what I imagined. It was clean, bright, inviting and welcoming. By the time I got there, I was ready to put Jenny in her place!

The Octagon

As explained by Graham, MMA is a sport that evaluates a fighter’s all round skill. Fighters compete in cage over three rounds, usually lasting 5 minutes. If a fight goes the full distance, the judges have to decide who the winner is based on octagon (the cage) control.

Graham (grinning) decided to put us through a typical MMA conditioning session. A rigorous warm up of sprint shuttles and bear crawls got our heart rates up and sweat flowing.

We started off by learning the basic moves such as how to Pummel, Shrimping and Ground Position. We then reviewed the Full mount, Side Control & Guard. The whole session lasted an hour and a half and that was enough! Our last ten minutes focusing on continuous punching, kicking, bear crawls, shrimping, sprawling and more punching and kicking. Do you get the idea!

Graham seemed to really enjoy trying to kill us off! he barked orders of encouragement while we were battling it out in the cage. We finished off the session by beating up a tractor tyre for several minutes with large hammers, a form of conditioning most fighters enjoy doing alongside kettle bell and weight training.

Fighting Talk

Jenny

I really enjoyed the fight training. It was very physically challenging – even for me - and I really ached the following day! The atmosphere was fierce, yet friendly and professional; and I had great fun getting close and sweaty with Wayne.

Wayne

The session was great fun. At the same time, if you feel you are ready for an argument, I recommend an MMA Class to get rid of that pent up energy and get any disputes out of your system. You are sure to walk away smiling and feeling close again. This is why I allowed Jenny to dominate the points during the session!

Jenny

Really Wayne…!!! I think you are obviously still recovering from the arse kicking I gave you! The fight training is very empowering for women. Not only do you learn defensive moves, it’s a fantastic feeling to put your man in a lock…he just cant escape from!

Wayne

This style of fitness training can be intimidated for women and some couples. To see another man wrapping his legs around your partner or even trying to strangle her is a little strange!

Jenny

I did have Wayne’s and Grahams butt and crotch in my face at points, and your personal space is totally invaded once you step on the mat. However you do not experience this type of raw, adrenaline filled activity in a normal gym; and I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and unique method of training. I recommend it to both men and women. Go with an open mind and get stuck in!

Wayne

MMA training is a great way to exercise, boost your confidence and can bring you closer together. However, be prepared to get very close, very sweaty and work very hard.

Challenge Winner: Jenny!

Graham’s Verdict

“Taking the size difference of Jenny and Wayne into consideration I think Jenny had full Octagon control over Wayne. The ultimate fighter on this occasion would have to go to Jenny for the control of a man of Wayne's size. She managed to control him for 30 seconds.

This is what I saw, but if you ask me what I think, then I think Wayne enjoyed being controlled by Jenny and didn’t seem too bothered about putting up a fight”

As Jenny and Wayne recover from their battle, and Wayne soothe his bruised ego, we are one challenge all. They now look forward to their next Fit adventure to decide the winner!…..