John Kavanagh SBG Training Review

I just had the pleasure of having a one on one lesson with John Kavanagh from Straight Blast Gym.

As a martial artist with almost 20 years experience in different styles and methods, I was curious to see what John taught at Straight Blast Gym . Naturally I expected to learn something new, maybe 1 or 2 moves or tricks, after all I am a 4th degree black belt, a kick boxer, and currently train in Reality Based Self Defence, and I know my stuff…or so I though!

To say the least, I had a very rude awakening! Within 2 seconds, I was on my back and basically, my arms were tied in a knot with no means of escape! After this John, kindly, ran me through a preview of the basics covering clinch and BJJ on the ground. Also I had the opportunity to experience some chokes, and I found the idea of “pain compliance” to be very interesting and most applicable to street self defence, which is my area of interest.

To bottom line the experience. If anyone is serious about their martial arts training, I think it is essential that they speak to John and experience his training or concepts on some level, be it through the workshops he conducts, or training in his facility.


I have certainly identified a gap in my training, and I look forward to going back to John to learn more.

Other than that, I found John to be professional, courteous, and excellent at communicating his training ideals, in a top class training facility.

Thank you John for taking time out of your busy schedule to give me a preview of the basics.

Best Regards

Gerry