ABSOLUTE ASCENDANCY

Commencing operation . . .

Overview

Last week our dojo had the pleasure of hosting Nathan ‘Carnage’ Corbett for a couple of elbow seminars on his 2020 European Tour. For those who do not know, the ‘Carnage’ is an 11-times world champion in Muay Thai, with a fight record of 59 wins (of which 44 were knockouts), 5 losses, and 1 No Contest. He has won Four Fight Organisation Belts across Three Weight Divisions in his fight career. To say the least, Nathan ‘Carnage’ Corbett is a champion of the highest calibre, and having the opportunity to train with such a legend is truly a great privilege. This entry marks my 100th post, and I cannot think of much else which would be worthy of claiming such a milestone.

Seminars

Day 1

I picked Nathan ‘Carnage’ Corbett up to take him to the venue, and we had a good catch up in the car. We caught up on his life since we last met in 2018, how the ‘Carnage’ is on the recovery end from double hit surgery. He had been unable to teach many seminars for six months post-surgery but is now up and running again. We discussed the video course Nathan ‘Carnage’ Corbett is planning on filming, once he returns to the land down under.

I talked about updates on my end as well, how I used to be a data analyst, but now aim to build Absolute Ascendancy into the greatest digital empire for health and wellness. Lofty, I know, but I’d rather set my sights high and shoot for the stars, than settle for an easily attainable goal.

Anyway, this workshop consisted of a multitude of elbow combinations. Nathan ‘Carnage’ Corbett focused most of the work ‘upstairs,’ so most attack patterns targeted the facial area and body. As usual, the ‘Carnage’ demonstrated the combinations on various victims; I mean individuals throughout the day.

My instructor, Shihan Ciaran Mitchell, tells me to take centre stage as the ‘Carnage’ introduces the axe elbow strike. Now, all elbow strikes are devastating in their own right. Any of them can put an opponent down on the mat, and end the match. Of all the elbow techniques available, however, I would have to say that the axe elbow is the most lethal of them all.

One elbow strike to rule them all.

The axe elbow strike is performed by slightly raising the attacking arm, then sending it crashing down against the opponent’s face. Just my luck, why did I have to become an elbow bag for the most destructive of elbow strikes!

Nathan ‘Carnage’ Corbett demonstrates the combination, and I am doing everything in my power to keep my guard firm and raised high to protect my face.

Because the ‘Carnage’ held nothing back on the axe elbow strikes.

I kept thinking to myself, do not drop your guard, even as I took a gut punch that penetrated quite deep, and a damaging low kick. For me, this was an excellent fight training opportunity to defend myself against a flurry of attacks.

Unfortunately, I did not get a video of it, but our dojo managed to take a few other videos, which you can view below.

The seminar concluded with an opportunity for each participant to let loose a little and freestyle with all of the combinations and techniques covered in the session.

Day 2

Much the same as previous, but with a greater emphasis on knee strikes and clinch work.

At the end of the day, there was a short Q and A session. One question, in particular, struck out to me.

“What do you do to prepare yourself while you are in the changing room before the fight?”

A young kick-boxer posed the question, following a fight where he had to wait four hours before stepping into the ring. I know first-hand how daunting it can be to wait around for what feels like an eternity before it is fight time. The waves of panic, anxiety, and nausea that flood the body can prove overwhelming, should you lack mental fortitude.

Carnage recalled a time when he had to wait eighteen hours before he stepped into the ring! He had to be at the venue from 6 am, and the fight kicked off at midnight. He explained to the class that no matter how short or long the wait, you have to develop the ability to flick the switch from chill time to kill time.

He recommended trying not to think about the fight. To keep yourself distracted and nourished through the consumption of foods that are easy on the stomach. But when it is go time, unleash the beast!

Conclusion

It is always an excellent opportunity to train with Nathan ‘Carnage’ Corbett, a champion in his chosen sport. I wish I had more time to speak with him, though. A fifteen-minute chat in the car was not enough to satisfy my thirst for knowledge. Such is life.

The Masters

If you ever have the chance to train with Nathan ‘Carnage’ Corbett, you would be foolish not to take full advantage of the opportunity! Fighters of his calibre are far and few between, and by learning from the best, you will accelerate your development tenfold.

Mission complete – Overlord Drakow signing out.