40 rounds for 40

40 Years, 40 Rounds: The "I’m Not Dead Yet" Tour 🥋

They say life begins at 40. Personally, I suspect "life" might actually be replaced by "joint inflammation" and "unexplained grunting when I stand up." 👴
To celebrate this milestone and convince myself that I’m not officially "over the hill," I’ve decided to do something reasonably sensible: 40 rounds of combat sports in a single day. That’s 40 rounds of BJJ and Judo randori, spread across three sessions. By the end of it, I expect to have the mobility of a Lego man and the complexion of a beetroot. 🏃‍♂️💨

The Schedule of Suffering (You’re Invited!)

If you want to come and watch me get folded like a piece of origami, here is where the carnage is happening:

• Session 1 (11:00 – 12:30): No-Gi BJJ at 10th Planet Banbury. Expect lots of sweating and me wondering where my sleeves went. 🤼‍♂️
• Session 2 (14:00 – 16:00): Judo Randori at Hosaka Judo. This is where gravity becomes my primary enemy. 📉
• Session 3 (18:00 – 19:30): More Judo Randori at Banbury Judo Club. At this stage, I will likely be more "human punching bag" than "athlete." 🤕

Note: You are more than welcome to come down and support/laugh! Please be aware that standard mat fees may apply if you're joining in.

Why Am I Doing This? (Besides a Mid-Life Crisis)

While I’m poking fun at my age, the reasons behind this challenge are deeply personal. I am raising money for three incredible causes that have touched my life and the lives of those around me:
The Stroke Association. This hits closest to home. I lost my mother to a stroke in 2011, and I’ve seen firsthand how devastating a stroke can be for both the individual and their family. It is a cause I will always champion in her memory.
Worldwide Cancer Research Cancer is a thief that has stolen too many great people from us. This includes the mentor of the Hosaka head coach, who sadly passed away from stomach cancer. We fight so that one day, no one has to lose a mentor, a friend, or a parent to this disease.
The Brodey Centre (via Oxfordshire Hospital Charities). The Brodey Centre is a local hero right here in Banbury. They provide incredible care and support for people in our community battling cancer, making a terrifying time just a little bit easier to navigate.

How You Can Help 👊

I’m putting my joints on the line so you don’t have to! If you can spare a few pounds to support these three charities, it would mean the world to me. Every donation acts as a little bit of extra "fuel" when I’m hitting round 39 and questioning all my life choices. ⛽️
Thank you for the support, the laughs, and for helping me prove that 40 is just a number (even if it’s a number that really hurts the lower back).
Let’s do this! 🥋🔥