Richie Griffin

MMA and Muay Thai Coach, Richie Griffin

“Hello everyone, I’m Richard.

As a young child I was always told that I had too much energy. I always had to run, jump or climb. Throughout school I tried all the usual sports – football, rugby, athletics and basketball to name a few.

Although I enjoyed some of them, none were the perfect fit for me (there was always something lacking). In my 4th year of secondary school a friend introduced me to kick boxing/Muay Thai.

From that first session something just clicked and although some may consider this a violent pass time I had never felt more at peace with myself. All my negative emotions finally had a focused outlet. Since that day martial arts have been a part of my life in one form or another.

After a session I would always feel relaxed, revitalised and have a new found sense of confidence (these are the things that I would love to impart to others).

As I was learning I had the desire to try out my skills and had a few inter-club bouts. The early bouts made me really appreciate the physical demands placed on the body in a highly stressed/pressurised situation and I then really began to focus on my own strength and conditioning”.

“I love to see the growth in individuals and see them reach new targets/goals”.

“My career path has been a little erratic to say the least from studying graphic design to working in admin to store management, fitness has been at the forefront of my mind. In 2002 I decided that my working life needed to reflect my passion and I made the transition to the fitness industry.

I have worked as a fitness instructor, kickboxing instructor, personal trainer, GP referral facilitator and now a rehabilitation practitioner at well known London hospital.

I have worked with some really diverse clients/ patients through out my time and whether the goal is high level or simply managing to walk to the local shops I have always built good working relationships to get the best out of people”.

Experience

• Kickboxing Blackbelt (practicing since 1995)
• Kickboxing coach since 2005
• Former strength & conditioning coach for Pound for Pound MMA
• Pro MMA fighter (8 years)
• Fitness industry (14 years)
• GP referral
• Rehabilitation work (8 years)

Qualifications

• REPs level 4
• Loughborough College: chronic respiratory disease exercise instructor
• CYQ: Exercise referral for clients with specific controlled conditions
• Future Fit: Personal training & advanced instructor
• Future Fit: Torso training & core stability
• CYQ: Level 2 circuit training
• CYQ: Level 2 fitness instructor

Industry training & certificates

• MMA/combat instructor certificate
• Weight management
• Functional Fitness
• Power Plate Training Advanced
• Motivational interviewing advanced & intermediate