In this episode of the Elite Podcast, we interview Ben Nicholson, a serving member of two Para and the Army Muay Thai head coach. Ben shares his journey of spending 12 years in the army, his efforts to get Muay Thai recognised as an army sport, and his experiences during 'Op Pitting' in Kabul. He talks about the challenges of getting a new sport accepted by the military, the surprising collaboration with French, Germans, and Polish forces, and the highs and lows of his deployment in Kabul. Additionally, Ben discusses his future plans post-military service and offers insights into the evolving training and fitness regimes within the parachute regiment.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:18 Recognition of Muay Thai in the Army
03:03 Challenges and Achievements in Army Sports
07:41 Starting Muay Thai Classes in Colchester
09:11 Navigating Army Regulations and Setting Up a Civilian Club
13:14 Future Plans and Career Transition
19:47 Reflections on Military Service and Documentary Experience
25:17 Boxing Tournament Progress
26:01 Parachute Regiment's Boxing Legacy
26:57 Training and Coaching Improvements
30:41 Life in the Battalion
44:05 Operation Pitting Experience
51:38 Conclusion and Farewell

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

In this episode of the Elite Podcast, Lee sits down with Fin Heesom, a decorated kickboxing champion who has now set his sights on the world of boxing. Fin shares his incredible journey as a multiple WACKO World, British, and European Champion, detailing his greatest achievements and most challenging moments, including fighting and winning with a fractured spine. They delve into the critical role of mindset, the transition from kickboxing to boxing, and the strategic planning involved in building a personal brand in the boxing world. Learn how Fin's unique style, competitive spirit, and unwavering determination continue to drive his success in a new arena.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Achievements
00:47 Podcast Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:50 Specialisation in Martial Arts
02:14 The Importance of Continuous Fighting
02:58 Contact Rules and Their Impact
04:47 Disqualification and Redemption
11:23 Winning the World Title
21:12 The Role of Coaches and Training
31:47 The Importance of Fitness in Fighting
32:56 Transitioning to Boxing
36:49 The Journey to Professional Boxing
42:33 Training and Sparring
56:39 Building a Personal Brand
01:01:51 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios

In this episode of The Elite Podcast, we speak with Bianca Cook, a three-time world champion and double Olympic medalist in Taekwondo. Bianca shares her journey from starting Taekwondo at age 11 to her rise through the ranks, discussing the challenges she faced, including multiple knee surgeries, and her mindset that helped her stay on top. She also talks about her upbringing in Liverpool, the influence of her family, and her plans the future including media presenting and opening a multi-combat gym. Tune in to hear Bianca's insights on resilience, competition, and staying motivated.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:29 Life in Liverpool
04:49 Joining the National Team
07:58 Overcoming Injuries
16:30 Achievements and Championships
22:45 Olympic Selection Disappointment
27:41 The Unpredictability of the Olympics
29:04 The Prestige of the Olympics vs. World Championships
30:38 The Mental and Physical Challenges of Competition
31:10 The Importance of a Positive Mindset
32:11 Overcoming Injuries and Adversities
32:47 The Rigors of Taekwondo Training
37:26 The Role of Competitiveness in Training
41:04 The Influence of a Training Partner
44:07 Future Plans
49:36 Conclusion

The Elite Podcast is a brand-new show where host Lee Matthews speaks to individuals who are at the top of their industry and profession. The guests will be from different backgrounds including combat sports, military, and business to coaching. Lee will be finding out along with you why they have become the best in their fields and enjoyed acclaimed success and what they all share – their determination to become ELITE in their field.

Lee Matthews is a former paratrooper, kickboxing world champion and now entrepreneur. He is the owner of the UK's biggest chain of martial arts centres.

Follow Lee on social media for more:
▶︎ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lee.matthewsbmma
▶︎ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leematthewsofficial/
▶︎ Lee’s Book - https://shorturl.at/fyGI7

Recorded and Produced by Liverpool Podcast Studios
▶︎ Web - http://www.liverpoolpodcaststudios.com
▶︎ Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/liverpoolpodcaststudios
▶︎ LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/liverpool-podcast-studios