Matt entered the career of coaching at the age of 17. At this time, he was playing rugby with the Sale Sharks and later with Leicester Tigers. An injury forced him to take a break from rugby and consider whether this was his chosen path. Following surgery, he explored the art of natural bodybuilding for a year whilst completing a mathematics degree. On completion of this chapter of his life, he set himself a goal to become a Royal Marines officer. An eleven-year career as a Royal Marines Commando Officer, saw him serve and command on active service operations.

Aside from operational roles Matt worked in a teaching, coaching and mentoring capacity at the Commando Training Centre. There he qualified as a Royal Marines Physical Training and Sports Officer (PT&SO). This role required him to qualify the Royal Marines’ Physical Training Instructors (PTI) for service.

In addition to this busy role, he explored various fighting arts before coming back to a childhood sport of Judo. One year later saw him enter the British Military Judo Squad. In this capacity, he was fortunate to compete internationally. Whilst instructing Royal Marines unarmed combat, completely out of the blue he ruptured his knee. Despite prolonged rehabilitation and two operations, it never returned to normal.

Countless consultations and meetings, all resulting in negative outcomes drove him to pursue answers. This very accident started him on a journey to discover the very best research and training techniques to make him ‘pain free‘ again.

Matt Barlow -  Athes  www.athes.co.uk

Julien Pineau - http://www.strongfit.com

The Four Hour Workweek - Tim Ferriss

Author - Louie Simmons

Firesled - http://firesledfitness.com/