Blog
Welcome to the Zen Combat Academy Martial Arts & Fitness blog! Here you will find Zen Combat Academy updates, free resources, training tips and the latest updates within Martial Arts and Fitness.
Whether you’re an experienced Martial Artist, enjoy fitness and weight lifting or just getting started, we’ve got something for everyone. Our blogs are packed with free tips and advice from Norm Willis (The Founder of Zen Combat Academy) the latest updates to keep you informed and motivated.
We’d love for you to be part of our community. Dive into our posts, share your thoughts and connect with other like-minded individuals looking to train their mind, body and spirit.
Martial Arts – A lifestyle
There’s a big difference between calling something a hobby and living as a way of life…
When you walk into Zen Combat Academy to train in Jeet Kune Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Judo, or Krav Maga, you start to understand that Martial Arts isn’t just something you do — it’s something you become.
Jeet Kune Do Seminar 2025 – Day 2!
Read all about our day 2 of the annual JPJKD seminar…
After an incredible first day, everyone arrived energised and ready to go again. The enthusiasm in the room was positive — it was clear that everyone was hungry to build on what they’d learned on Day 1…
Teaching you discipline & focus
We all think that most people sign up to Martial Arts for self-defence reasons, learn how to fight or to get in shape. This may be true however for the ones who stick around, the ones who get good, realise that it’s not just about throwing punches. It’s about control over your body, your time and most importantly your mind.
Martial Arts is built on discipline. Not the kind that is forced on you, but the kind you built yourself…
Jeet Kune Do Seminar 2025 – Day 1!
We welcome back Sifu Fran Poteet Joseph for another Annual UK JKD seminar…
This weekend bought a lot of hard work, joy and respect for our students, getting to train with the wonderful Sifu Fran Poteet-Joseph from Jerry Poteet’s Jeet Kune Do association…
Origins of Jeet Kune Do…
This year, we are proud to once again host a very special event; the return of Fran Poteet-Joseph to the UK for our annual Jeet Kune Do seminar in Bury St. Edmunds.
But first, what is Jeet Kune Do and why is it so important?
Women’s self-defense
We often hear that women should ”stay safe” or ”be careful” – but how often do we talk about how?
The reality is that self-defence isn’t just about throwing a punch. It’s a mindset, a skill set and most importantly a practise. One that can build strength, confidence clarity and calm.
Sparring tips all around…!
Sparring should always be taken seriously as this is an essential tool for developing your skills…
Under the guidance of Head Coach Norm Willis, who has completed both The Fundamentals and Elite Hatton Boxing courses…
Certified in Hatton Boxing!
No matter how long you have been training, you can always learn something new.
That’s why I took on and successfully passed both the fundamentals and advanced Hatton Boxing courses and soon to pass The Elite Course.
Having a background in different Martial Arts, including Boxing and holding pads for years…
Living with Celiac Disease?
Let’s talk about something that’s pretty personal to myself & many of us: Living with Celiac Disease.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed, you already understand that it can be tough, especially when it comes to food. I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2009. But I was feeling physically unwell…
Improve your striking power!
Raw strength alone won’t give you knockout power – proper technique is crucial…
Read our tips on improving your striking, kicking power and overall strength to make your punches and kicks more powerful!
Jeet Kune Do Grading
Zen Combat Academy’s Jeet Kune Do Grading day. Highlights and hard-earned progress.
Today at Zen Combat Academy, we held a JKD grading, and it was nothing short of intense. Three solid hours of training, focus and technique – all towards achieving well-deserved JKD Certifications…
Why repetition is key…!
”The most advanced thing you can do, are the basics consistently…”
Learn the importance of repetition, when it comes to Martial Arts. Know that to become good, you need to be skilled in everything – from grappling to striking, weapon disarms to takedowns…
Zen Combat Academy…rebrand!
We are excited to announce that Zen Combat Fitness will now be known as Zen Combat Academy!
Why the rebrand? It is so much more than just a change of the logo. 2024 is a big year for many reasons! Read about the meaning, reasoning and inspiration behind the rebrand.
Jeet Kune Do – Seminar 2024 – Part 2
Highlights and experiences from JPJKD seminar 2024
Over the course of 4-days, our students experienced the teachings of Bruce Lee’s very own Jeet Kune Do (JKD), demonstrated by Sifu Fran Poteet-Joseph, president of Jerry Poteet Jeet Kune Do Association (JPJKD) with a direct lineage to the legend himself, Bruce Lee.…
Mastering the Art of Jeet Kune Do – Part 1
Extremely special weekend at Zen Combat Academy…
World-class Martial Artist Sifu Fran Poteet-Joseph, President of Jerry Poteet Jeet Kune Association (JPJKD) visited Zen Combat Academy, to share her knowledge and demonstrate her incredible skills of Bruce Lee’s very own Jeet Kune Do (JKD)…..
Coaching qualifications all around
Great weekend at Zen Combat Academy…!
John Clarke, Colin Carrott and Lewis Clarke from British Sambo Federation visited Zen Combat Academy for a grading seminar weekend. 5-6 hours of rigorous training including throws and being thrown in every way possible…
Martial Arts – Lifestyle for everyone
Am I too old for Martial Arts? A question often asked by our members…
Here at Zen Combat Academy we have trained individuals of all ages, from teenagers to seniors. Regardless of your age, martial arts offer numerous benefits, both physical and mental….
Start your fitness journey
Looking to improve your overall health and fitness…?
Personal training isn’t just about lifting weights or running; it’s a customised journey designed to help you achieve your unique fitness goals. These goals can include weight loss, muscle gain, improved cardiovascular health….
Journey of Zen Combat Academy
Get to know where and how it all started…
Zen Combat Academy (previously known as Zen Combat Fitness) first opened its doors in 2019. The name combines both ‘Zen’ emphasizing the value of meditation, intuition & self-control and ‘Combat’ unleashing the fighter within whilst learning to endures….