CrossFit One World: A BRIEF ONE WORLD HISTORY LESSON

February 09, 2012

A BRIEF ONE WORLD HISTORY LESSON

When I look back over the last six plus years since One World first opened the doors, it’s hard to imagine that we didn’t start out as a CrossFit gym. Back in 2005, Brad, Zvi, and James were all brown or black belt Krav Maga instructors (they are all black belts now) at Self Defense Institute in Fremont, CA. Along with another partner who is no longer a member of the ownership group, they decided to start their own Krav Maga studio. At the time, I was training under James and Brad and got invited to the party. After we decided to open our own gym, it took us nearly a year to find the current location. Well, it didn’t actually take us a year to find it. It was one of the first places we found, but we were hesitant to rent the space because it was “too big.”

After we signed the lease, Mike Prudencio wandered into the building one night while we were installing mats. We hired him as our BJJ instructor (he is a black belt under Dave Camarillo). One day, I was rolling with him, and asked him what he did for his strength and conditioning. Mike tells me, “I do CrossFit.” I asked him, “What the hell is CrossFit????” Mike simply answers, "Go check out crossfit.com."

I spent a few weeks browsing through crossfit.com. I was already coaching a “Fit to Fight” conditioning class. I figured this CrossFit thing would be good to incorporate into the Fit to Fight sessions. Within a few months, I got certified as a CrossFit instructor, and then I proposed to the other owners that we become an affiliated CrossFit gym. I remember the owner who is no longer with us said, "Let me get this straight...... You want to charge people to do workouts that are over in 10-15 minutes and leave them rolling around on the floor in misery afterward??? It will NEVER work.”

In July of 2006, One World became the 89th CrossFit affiliate. (There are over 3000 affiliates now.) It totally took over the gym. We ended up expanding....twice! Our facility is now 10,000sf, and half that space is dedicated to the CrossFit program. You crazy CrossFitters at One World account for about 66% of our total membership!

The tide is turning... Our Krav Maga program is really starting to pick up. Our Kid’s Jiujitsu program is growing every day. The adult BJJ crew is solid and since One World is a Camarillo affiliate, some of the AKA guys are dropping in on Friday nights and running an MMA class. I know I speak for all the owners when I say that I am excited to see what the future brings for One World Self Defense & Fitness.

I actually had a point to this whole post...... It came from this picture of Brad coaching his Thursday night 5:15 Krav Maga Level I session:
Brad is an amazing Krav Maga instructor. He is a black belt in multiple arts, and in my opinion, he throws the most technical, powerful punch I’ve ever seen (or been hit with....lol). If you get a chance, ask Brad to show you his fights that were broadcast on ESPN. We can dig up a VCR so you can watch them.....lol.

Besides the Thursday Level I session, Brad also teaches a “Fundamentals” session on Tuesdays at 5:15 pm. The Fundamentals is just what is says: the basics of punches, elbows, knees, kicks, and how to move on your feet. I am really stoked to start taking this class and get back into my self defense roots. If you are interested in becoming more athletic, the Fundamentals session is what you need.

I have always said every human being should know how to throw a good punch. It is a “functional movement” and could very well safe your life. When it comes time to defend yourself, a bad guy intent on hurting you doesn’t give a flying fuck what your “Fran” time is. A brutal fact of life: you should know how to knock the shit out of another human being if you find yourself in a situation that calls for it.

I would encourage all of you CrossFitters to try the Fundamentals class. If you like it, we can add a very small amount to your membership fee for you to take it regularly. As owners, our big goal is to grow our Krav Maga program. I love Krav Maga. I fought in the ring in three different styles using only Krav Maga as my training. I think if you try it, you will like it too.

If you have questions about the Krav Maga program, hit up me or Brad. =)

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Due to some scheduling conflicts, the 9 am session this Saturday (2/11) is cancelled. There will be an open gym session from 9 am to 12 pm. The workout posted will be simple so you won't need a coach. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Also, mark your calenders..... All sessions on February 20th are cancelled, but we will have an open gym session early in the day. Stay tuned for times.....

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WORKOUT 2/10/2012

Complete the following for time:

1000m row
15 clean and jerks (115/75
20 pull-ups
500m row
20 pull-ups
15 clean and jerks
1000m row

POWER HOUR 2/10/2012

2 power cleans on the minute for 10 minutes (as heavy as possible)
2 push jerks on the minute for 10 minutes (as heavy as possible)
500m row for time

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Posted by freddy c. on February 09, 2012 at 19:39 | Permalink

Comments

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Brad is the best! I love that man! (not in a gay way) :)

Posted by: Eric | February 09, 2012 at 20:46

Brad Medeiros...one of the best men I know. Laid back and humble but a fierce heart of an athlete inside. He's also a gourmet chef and loves to clean too! What more could you ask for???

Thank you Brad for always being an inspiration!

p.s. Eric really isn't gay when he says he loves you.. just sometimes sounds like it! hahahaha.. jk

Posted by: cheryl | February 09, 2012 at 20:55

Thank's for that clarification, Cheryl :)

wait! didnt you think I was gay a some point in the past ? ;)

Yes, Brad is awesome! he even has 18 year old girls falling for him! that's talent!

Ok J-Ro, it's your turn for some Brad love.

Posted by: Eric | February 09, 2012 at 20:59

Brad is the man. He taught me double-unders, the overhead squat, and how to row efficiently. He also instructed the first Krav Maga class I took at SDI in 2002. He is my Mr. Miyagi. A true Bradass.

Posted by: Ben Brown | February 09, 2012 at 21:24

Brad is the man. He taught me double-unders, the overhead squat, and how to row efficiently. He also instructed the first Krav Maga class I took at SDI in 2002. He is my Mr. Miyagi. A true Bradass.

Posted by: Ben Brown | February 09, 2012 at 21:26

Brad@$$!!! I want to be like you when I grow up!

Posted by: Jerry L. | February 09, 2012 at 21:29

Freddy- amazing post and spot on. Ive been taking Brads class (and some with James) for the past month. Its a new dynamic added to the great x fit program already offered at the gym. It may seem intimidating at first but it's really fun and I highly suggest it (it's really fun to punch Hunter).

Brad- you're awesome on every level. Great teacher, humble, and overall a good human being. Let it shine brother!

Posted by: Radler | February 09, 2012 at 21:37

I love this post. Yes, I stalk the OneWorld website still! ;) I think my boyfriend will agree, I impressed him (when we met at a bar, haha) knowing what Krav was because of OneWorld. And I have Brad to thank since he likes to explain Crossfit movements through Krav speak. My boyfriend has been training in Krav Maga for over 3 years. Now he has begun Crossfit (because of ME) and is hooked!!! And I have begun to take basic classes in Krav and Jiujitsu and I am hooked! So thank you Brad and thank you OneWorld. I am proud to have been a member and think you're doing an amazing job. Since we are moving to the Walnut Creek area, unfortunately OneWorld isn't an option but plan to make occasional appearances! If we were closer there would be no question about where to train and I hope more boxes become more well-rounded like OW. I hope everyone is well! Miss you guys.

Posted by: Kelly Stap (Lulu) | February 09, 2012 at 22:00

Brad is not only a bad-ass, he is a very caring, sincere, warm person. Plus, he's an awesome artist!

Thanks for the hugs, Brad! We needed it!!

Posted by: maria | February 09, 2012 at 22:26

Yes, I started Krav classes and womens self defense classes about 6 weeks ago. A couple times a week. When I see the really fit chicks and even about my self, I always think, yeah, they can crossfit but could they throw a punch or defend themselves when needed???...
Think about it ladies...Its good to be strong but what does it matter if you cant defend yourself or get out of a bad situation??? Rojo and Brad taught me you cant always muscle your way out.Its part of TRAINING NOT TO SUCK AT LIFE And you surely couldn't power clean or squat your way out :) There should be alot more than Three women at that class!!!

Posted by: Annie | February 09, 2012 at 22:37

I'll take the Fundamentals Class all day long! Ok Annie I'll join the Women's Self Defense Class.. I'll add to the number of women ...Sheesh =)

Posted by: Lancaster | February 09, 2012 at 23:12

cool story bro

Posted by: Jahed | February 10, 2012 at 02:41

Today's "crossfit is for retards" photo is the best yet. Too funny. You have to look close to see it but that's what makes it so good.

bravo!

Posted by: WIPPER | February 10, 2012 at 06:03

I've been lurking on this site for a while and love the daily posts. Being from Massachusetts, the chance of me ever stopping by is pretty slim, but damn, I wish I could!

One World sounds so badass. Keep up the great work, it's very inspirational!

Posted by: Joe Black | February 10, 2012 at 06:53

Okay, Eric. You got me. My turn to give some Bradley love!

Dang, this post brings me back to those old days at SDI, the opening of One World when there was no floor, and the 6am Breakfast Club, which did Fit-to-Fight, which eventually turned into CrossFit. Ah, memories....

Brad is beyond awesome, and I love that guy to death! He packs a power punch and bakes a mean chocolate chip cookie. Now that's BADASS!

Posted by: j-ro | February 10, 2012 at 08:47

I love OW! Freddy, Brad and the others, you show discipline when needed, make things fun and exciting which is much needed for the WODs cause they always kick my ass, and also showing the love and dedication you have for all of us. I'm not trying to get too sapping but it's true and that's greatly express in your business. It's one of the reasons why I travel from Daly City just to workout over there when I can. Besides begging for an ass whooping WOD, it's nice to be around people that won't let you give up.

Posted by: Joe Nepo | February 10, 2012 at 09:11