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Grip Strength and Martial Arts
Across decades of research, scientists have discovered that one of the strongest predictors of health and lifespan isn’t found in blood tests or genetic data — it’s in your hands. Grip strength, once thought to measure only muscle power, has become a surprisingly accurate reflection of how efficiently your entire body organizes force, breath, and structure. At FightClub, we’ve long known this connection. In martial arts , your grip is far more than a physical act — it’s an ex

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Oct 123 min read


Most Martial Artists Forget To Breathe
Let’s start with an uncomfortable truth: most martial artists forget to breathe. Not because we’re trying to turn blue in the name of discipline, but because when someone’s swinging at your head, oxygen suddenly feels like an optional luxury. Yet breath — that invisible, always-there, taken-for-granted thing — is the most powerful tool in your martial arts arsenal. Breath work isn’t just a “zen extra” you sprinkle on top of your training like Himalayan salt. It’s the main ing

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Oct 75 min read


Stick Training for Health and Wellness in Toronto
When people in Toronto think of health and wellness, they often picture gyms, yoga studios, or running along the waterfront. Yet, there...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Sep 213 min read


Health and Wellness Classes in East York
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget that health is not just about surviving—it’s about thriving. At Fight Club in East York,...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Sep 15 min read


Fluidity and Structure: The Hidden Connection
Fluidity and Structure: The Hidden Connection in Mobility and Strength Training in Toronto When most people think of strength, they picture something hard and immovable—a weightlifter straining under a heavy bar, or a fighter standing like a stone wall. But true strength isn’t rigid. The strongest bodies are mobile, fluid, and adaptable, with a structure that supports freedom of movement rather than locking it in place. This balance between fluid mobility and solid structure

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Aug 293 min read


Toronto Summer Heat and Systema Training
Summer has officially landed in Toronto — and it’s not pulling any punches. At FightClub, we’re no strangers to training in real-life...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Jun 223 min read


Smart Tips for Outdoor Hot Weather Training
When the temperature rises and the sun is relentless, outdoor training, sports, or even simple walks can feel like you're moving through...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Jun 222 min read


The Hidden Architecture of Health and Wellness in Toronto
What if your body’s health didn’t just come from gym sessions and kale smoothies, but from the architecture of your tissues themselves?...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Jun 133 min read


The Powerful Benefits of Systema Stick Training
Stick Training: More Than Just A Martial Arts Tool If you’re into movement culture, breathwork, or just looking for a practice that...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Jun 13 min read


Reduce Tension & Improve Mobility with Wave Work
One of the most profound tools for physical and psychological health in Systema is something that looks deceptively simple: wave work . To the untrained eye, wave work might look like someone slowly undulating their body or moving in spirals. But underneath that soft motion is a powerful system for restoring health, reducing tension, improving mobility, and resetting the nervous system. Let’s explore how. What Is Wave Work for Health? Wave work involves generating and moving

Emmanuel Manolakakis
May 253 min read


Training Smart Means Save Your Joints!
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough love in your training routine: your joints. Yeah, those hardworking hinges that keep you kicking, punching, grappling, and rolling. We put them through a lot—and if you’re not careful, they’ll make sure you feel every second of it. Here’s the deal: you don’t need to train like you’re auditioning for an action movie to make progress. In fact, overdoing it (or training with bad habits) is the fastest way to end up sidel

Emmanuel Manolakakis
May 131 min read


The Timeless Benefits of Archery Training
Archery training is more than Just Hitting the target. In an age dominated by high-tech fitness routines and fast-paced sports, archery...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
May 122 min read


Breath Holds: The Hidden Power in Martial Arts
Breath is the foundation of life, yet in martial arts, it often remains an overlooked aspect of training. Breathwork is not just a tool...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Feb 223 min read


What Is Mobility?
Hello Centurions! This week we will be studying mobility in the Wednesday night class! The concept of “mobility training” has become a...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Jan 202 min read


Training with a Stick
Incorporates stick work as a versatile tool to develop key principles of movement, awareness, and adaptability. This week will be...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Jan 173 min read


Flexibility
Flexibility After 40: How Regular Stretching Unlocks Health and Longevity Are you over 40 and feeling less spry than you used to? You’re...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Jan 134 min read


Martial Arts Muscle
Muscle Pairs and Movement (Antagonistic Pairs): Muscles work in pairs. One muscle contracts (shortens) to create movement, while the...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Jan 42 min read


Healthy and One Hundred
FC Centurion Master the Art of Aging Well – A Proven Path to 100 (and Beyond) Join Us in 2025 and Start Your Journey to 100! January...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Dec 30, 20242 min read


Systema Stretching
I've been studying Systema for 30 years. In that time, I've learned much about how this dynamic art can help you become a better martial...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Sep 8, 20242 min read


Movement is Medicine
The concept of 'Movement is medicine' is not just a saying but a profound truth that underscores the transformative impact of physical...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Aug 26, 20242 min read
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