Originally from South Africa, Neil moved to London , England in 1996 and began martial arts training in 2000 receiving his black belt in Goju Ryu in 2005, Neil has also trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu where he has attained a brown belt as well as being trained by Steve Gladstone in Muay Thai since 2008 .
Neil's professional mixed martial arts career began in 2006 where Neil went on to win the heavyweight championship with Ultimate Challenge Mixed Martial Arts (UCMMA) in 2008 and the interim heavyweight championship with Ultimate Challenge Mixed Martial Arts (UCMMA) in 2012, as well as competing for the Bellator Mixed Martial Arts Heavyweight title in 2010, Neil has also fought in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Fighting For Autism asked some of our Junior Ambassadors and Coach Ambassadors if they had any questions for Neil.
Please carry on reading to see the questions and Neil's replies.
Junior Ambassador, Lorcan Lacey asked: You have trained in multiple martial arts, which ones are essential to get to the top in Mixed Martial Arts competition.
"Hey Lorcan!
I trained in Goju Ryu. It’s an old Okinawan style karate. It’s full contact and all round with striking, submissions and throws... it gave me a great foundation in all round fighting.
I love striking, and my training in Muay Thai helped too!"
Junior Ambassador, Leo Curtis asked: What advice would you give on nutrition and what does your daily food diary look like and do you follow a strict food plan?
"Leo, calorie counting is key! I follow eating a healthy and balanced diet of home cooked food. I also use supplements. Herbalife Nutrition shakes as it helps cut my calories".
Junior Ambassador Adam Mumin asked: What is your favourite food to eat?
"Adam, I love red meat, but stay away from it when I’m cutting weight!! (And cheesecake!😂😂)
If I go out it’s Wagamama or Nandos!!"
Junior Ambassador Ethan Foreman asked: What fight did you like the most, and what is your greatest achievement?
"Ethan, my fight versus Zak Jenson in Bellator!
My greatest achievement, is my kids! I’ve a boy of 12, his name is Ethan too! And a little girl, 8 years old, Calesi".
Voices For The Voiceless Ambassador Archie Blakemore asked: Do you get nervous before an event, because he gets very nervous before practice and wants to know if fighters feel the same?
"Archie, it’s natural to get nervous before a fight! Anyone who says they don’t get nervous is lying! It is however how you channel those nerves that matter! Believe in yourself. See yourself winning and the rest will fall in place!"
Junior Ambassador Maximus Jolly asked:
1.What have been your favourite striking combinations to use in competition?
2.What is your favourite grappling/submission technique?
3.How do you celebrate after every victory?
"Maximus,
1. Jab, cross thigh kick!
2. Rear naked choke
3. I jump and sit on the edge of the fence/ wall in the cage!"
Junior Ambassador Tonio Quiroz asked: Who has been your toughest opponent?
"Tonio, Stav Economu... because he is also a close friend!"
Coach Ambassador Martin Ridley asked: How different do you think your life would have been if you started training martial arts at school?
"Martin, I wish I had, I started karate at 29 years of age and lived it!
I think by starting earlier, your ability only improves with age. But starting late, getting slower is a problem. And recovery takes longer!
Only since I’ve done martial arts, have I learnt to ‘complete/ finish’ what I’ve started. It takes discipline. I was a wild child. Came from a broken home, so discipline was an issue...
Saying that, my mum and eventually my step dad did a fantastic job raising me".
We would like to say a massive Thank You to Neil "Goliath" Grove for taking part in this interview, you can follow Neil on Twitter www.twitter.com/goliathgrove or on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/goliathgrove
Todays blog is dedicated to the memory of our friend Tony "Pillagius" Pillage.
