Growing up I had 3 very competitive older brothers, who were all highly into combat sports. While “playing” this competitiveness would run rampant, I’d likely get hurt, cry, and my parents would give out to us. My brothers would then say, “You can’t play with us because you not strong enough”. Instead of getting sad I joined a local Taekwon-do class and in no time, I was able to stand toe to toe with them, no tears from then on.
At the age of 14, I was diagnosed with juvenile inflammatory arthritis, which means my joints would swell up uncontrollably and because it’s an autoimmune disease I’d be sick for months on end. Don’t feel sorry for me, it’s under control now and something good did become of this. I quickly learned that things I ate affected my body and as I couldn’t train for like 2 years my diet was something I could control and help to aid my inflammation. This resulted in me doing endless research and literally trying every diet under the sun, ranging from paleo to vegetarian, right to the extremes of ketogenic.
Over the years I have competed in Taekwon-do, kickboxing, boxing, MMA and even had a pro K1 fight. As Taekwon-do is my main sport I became a two-time vice senior European champion I recently became vice World champion. I also run my own very successful Taekwon-do club with 40+ students, ranging from 5 years old through to adults.
When I was 18 I decided I wanted a gap year before college so I moved from Waterford to Dublin and got a job in my cousins business. With joining a new Taekwon-do club I knew I needed to get stronger and this is how I first met the infamous personal trainer Bryan Kavanagh. I was inspired not just by how much my performance improved but how much he was able to aid my recovery with numerous injuries that would occur.
With this new found inspiration I decided I wanted to do the same. I moved back home, studied in Cork for two years, opened my own Taekwon-do club and got a job in a local gym personal training people. Over the years I’ve trained all sorts of people, with different goals, and objectives. These people vary from athletes, people with fat loss goals, and rehab patients.
I’d say my coaching philosophy is greatly inspired by my past. I believe everyone can and should get stronger (helps if there’s a zombie apocalypse, weak ones always go first), that mobility is key to longevity, and that mental and psychological well-being are critical in achieving your goals in life.
My aim is to analyse, assess and pinpoint your weaknesses or imbalances and equip you with the knowledge necessary to maintain and look after your body turning them into your strengths.
“Mens sana in corpore sano”.
A healthy mind in a healthy body.
- Roman poet Juvenal
So take the first step, book a Free Consultation and tell us your situation.