NUSF SMCA Represented at Texas Spartan Race Beast

By: Jeff Webb

Here at steelfighting.com and New Ulster Steel Fighting School of Medieval Combat Arts, we like to promote a martial artist being a well-rounded person. We like to focus on the whole person. We strive not only to set a good example in dedicated training within our martial arts school, but also outside of it both in academics and in physical fitness.

This past December 8th, Spartan Race held a Spartan Race Beast in Glenn Rose, Texas. This race in the Spartan Race series was a 13.5 mile, 30 obstacle course on the land of the Rough Creek Lodge and Resort. The Beast is one of the most challenging races Spartan Race conducts and it can push a person to their limits both physically and mentally. I decided to take on the challenge and I have to say it was one of the toughest, yet most rewarding physical challenges that ever I have undertaken. It was incredibly rewarding and leaves one with a great feeling of accomplishment once you have crossed the finish line. One aspect of the Spartan Race that left a very positive impression on me was the teamwork that results among total strangers. When faced with any number of given obstacles, strangers will not hesitate to assist one another to overcome the obstacle. Furthermore, while calf cramps seem to be commonplace after about eight miles into the race, people assisted each other in dealing with them and aided one another so that they can continue pressing on through the course. The camaraderie and great sportsmanship displayed was alone worth the experience. I absolutely loved the experience, and while I can say that the 13.5 mile course may not be for everyone, or for that matter may not be for MOST anyone, I believe I could with great confidence recommend a smaller 3-6 mile course like the Spartan Sprint courses as a solid team building experience for martial arts school or other types of organizations.

My experience in the Texas Spartan Race Beast was one of the most rewarding of my life. After having carried heavy sand bags and gallons of gravel up mountains, swimming across a lake, fording rivers and creeks, crawling through mud and water under barbed wire for well over a hundred yards, climbing ropes, walls, and any number of assorted other obstacles, and oh yes, jumping through fire, and not to mention the distance of the course, I am left with a great feeling of reward. I want to challenge the members and officers of New Ulster Steel Fighting School of Medieval Combat Arts to become Spartan Qualified. Members who take part in and complete a Spartan Race, and bring home the Spartan medal to prove it will be allowed to wear a Spartan Race patch on their uniform and may wear their Spartan Race medal at formal events if they so choose. So, take up the challenge and you will experience one of the best, most rewarding physical and mental challenges you will ever face. And, I may just run along with you.