About
What’s up Bodyweight Warriors? My name is Tom Merrick and for the last decade of I’ve dedicated myself to becoming stronger, fitter and more flexible.
I’ve not taken this path alone, I wanted to share this experience, what I learnt, the mistakes I made, with you. This has now grown far beyond myself, with over 1 million in the tribe, working to become better.
From balancing a handstand to sliding into splits, my mission is to help you discover what your body is capable of.
Why Bodyweight?
I started out like many others, unhappy with my body as an insecure 18 year old. I knew what would fix it, bigger biceps! I spent the next couple years training bodybuilding, powerlifting and chasing aesthetics.
However, it wasn’t until 2014 that I discovered bodyweight training and started taking a more holistic approach to nutrition and life. I stumbled across people like FitnessFAQs, Ido Portal and many others. I’d try to emulate the moves and exercises but was quickly humbled by seemingly simple drills.
I was hooked, a problem that needed to be solved. I’ve never viewed any goal as impossible to reach but rather a lack of understanding of how the path looks. I immersed myself in research papers, books, podcasts and sought out teachers through seminars and courses. Most importantly, I put these things into practice and tried them in training.
I’d create myself a program, train, rewrite it, train, amend, train; hoping to perfect the formula to fix my faults and achieve my goals. Through the process of working on myself, with clients and sharing on YouTube, it’s grown and sculpted into my approach to training today.
I believe that a foundation of bodyweight training is essential. Learning to control and move your own body efficiently and effectively without restriction. Giving you physical freedom to chase your goals whatever they are.
Why Warrior?
The Bodyweight Warrior is a combination of two key influences in my life, “Bodyweight” from the strength & flexibility requirements that have shaped my body and the “Warrior” from the book “King, Warrior, Magician, Lover” which shaped my psychology when I first read it at 19. This book discusses character archetypes inspired by the work of Carl Jung, the Warrior being the most crucial for training success.
The warrior archetype is a pattern of behaviour and thought that provides energy to complete goals, fight and achieve greatness. It is aggressive, purposeful, mindful and disciplined. Picture the Samurai warrior. They are dedicated to their craft, skillful and deadly but not reckless. “Bushido” or “the way of the warrior” represents the other side of the coin. A unique philosophy to promote self discipline, respect and ethical behaviour. These qualities provide the effort (what) and awareness (why) to effectively achieve the goals of training but also extended life.
I thought a lot about how I can give back to the vast movement community that taught me so much. I started with a YouTube channel to share my experiences. I aim to provide guidance and a starting point for anyone to achieve their goals. All you need to do is harness the warrior energy and get started.
