The cat sat on the mat.
Author: demo
-
Warrior Factory Halifax Open Day — Free Trial Sessions
We’re throwing open the doors at Warrior Factory Halifax for a full Open Day. Whether you’ve been thinking about starting martial arts or you want to try a different discipline, this is your chance to train for free.
What’s On
- 10:00 AM — Kids Martial Arts (ages 5-12): A fun, structured introduction to martial arts basics
- 11:00 AM — Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Learn the fundamentals of grappling and ground work
- 12:00 PM — Muay Thai: Striking, pad work, and basic combinations
- 1:00 PM — MMA: A taster session blending striking and grappling
- 2:00 PM — Wrestling: Takedowns, control, and scrambles
Who Is It For?
Everyone. Seriously — complete beginners, people returning to training after a break, parents wanting to try alongside their kids. No experience, no equipment, no pressure. Just turn up in comfortable clothes and we’ll sort the rest.
Why an Open Day?
We know walking into a martial arts gym for the first time can feel intimidating. Open Days are designed to remove that barrier. You’ll train alongside other beginners, meet our coaching team, and see what Warrior Factory is all about — before committing to anything.
Places are limited per session so we can give everyone proper attention. Message us on social media or call the gym to reserve your spot.
Warrior Factory Halifax — Building warriors since day one.
-
How to Prepare for Your First Competition
Signing up for your first competition is a big step. Whether it’s a local BJJ tournament or an amateur MMA bout, preparation goes beyond just training hard. Here’s how our coaches recommend you get ready.
Start Training Specifically 8 Weeks Out
Competition training is different from regular class. You need to drill your A-game relentlessly — the two or three techniques you hit most reliably. This isn’t the time to experiment with flying armbars. Sharpen what works.
Get Your Cardio Right
Adrenaline will gas you faster than any training session. Add competition-pace rounds to your training — shorter, more intense, with minimal rest. Five-minute rounds at 100% effort are more useful than twenty minutes at 60%.
Sort Your Weight and Nutrition Early
Don’t leave weight management to the last week. If you need to cut, start adjusting your diet four to six weeks out. Crash-cutting weight kills your performance and your recovery. Speak to Coach about a sensible plan.
Mental Preparation Matters
Visualise your game plan. Know your first move from every position. Competition nerves are normal — the trick is having a clear plan so your body can execute even when your brain is racing.
The Night Before
- Pack your bag: gi/shorts, mouthguard, tape, water, snacks
- Check the schedule and venue directions
- Get an early night — you won’t sleep perfectly, but try
- Trust your preparation
Win or lose, competing accelerates your development like nothing else. We’re proud of every Warrior Factory athlete who steps onto the competition mat. Talk to your coach when you’re ready.
-
New Muay Thai Classes Now Live at Warrior Factory Leeds
We’re excited to announce the launch of dedicated Muay Thai classes at our Leeds academy, starting this March. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your striking, these sessions are built for all levels.
What to Expect
Each class runs for 60 minutes and covers the fundamentals of Muay Thai — the art of eight limbs. You’ll learn punches, kicks, elbows, knees, and clinch work in a structured, progressive format.
- Tuesdays 7:00 PM — Beginner Muay Thai
- Thursdays 7:00 PM — All Levels Muay Thai
- Saturdays 10:00 AM — Pad Work & Sparring (intermediate+)
Who’s Teaching?
Our Muay Thai programme is led by Coach Danny, who brings over 12 years of competitive experience including fights in Thailand. His coaching style is technical, patient, and focused on building solid fundamentals before moving to advanced techniques.
No Experience Needed
Never thrown a kick before? Perfect. Our beginner sessions on Tuesdays are designed specifically for people starting from scratch. We provide all the equipment — just bring yourself, a towel, and some water.
Spaces are limited for the first block of sessions. Drop us a message or speak to the team at reception to book your spot.
-
5 Beginner Mistakes That Stall Your BJJ Progress
Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the best decisions you can make — but the learning curve is steep. Here are five common mistakes we see beginners make at Warrior Factory, and how to fix them.
1. Going Too Hard, Too Early
New white belts often try to muscle through every roll. This burns energy fast and puts you at risk of injury. Focus on technique and positioning first — strength is a bonus, not a strategy.
2. Neglecting Defence
Everyone wants to learn submissions, but survival is the foundation. If you can’t escape mount or side control, tapping someone from guard won’t help you in a real roll. Spend time drilling escapes.
3. Skipping the Warm-Up
Those hip escapes and bridges at the start of class aren’t just filler — they’re the movements you’ll use in every single roll. Treat the warm-up as technique practice, not cardio.
4. Not Asking Questions
Your coaches are there to help. If a technique doesn’t click, ask. If you’re getting caught in the same position every round, ask. There’s no such thing as a stupid question on the mats.
5. Comparing Yourself to Others
The only person you should measure yourself against is who you were last month. Everyone progresses at different rates. Stay consistent, trust the process, and the results will come.
Whether you train at our Halifax or Leeds academy, our coaching team is here to guide you through every stage. See you on the mats.