It was the early millennium and Rachael Newsham was a young fitness instructor in Preston, England. She went along to a fitness convention, excited to learn about the newest workout programs … but the workshop was hijacked. Instead of doing a barbell workout, a group of trainers (including Dan Cohen and the legendary Pete Manuel) took to the stage and started throwing punches. They were meant to be teaching BODYPUMP™, but instead introduced BODYCOMBAT™ #1, which kicked off with a titanic warmup.
Rach was instantly smitten. “Back then I loved teaching BODYPUMP, but even after just one track, I knew I REALLY loved BODYCOMBAT!”
A few weeks later, Dan Cohen, who was a UK Master Trainer at the time, traveled north to debut BODYCOMBAT at a local leisure center and Rach went along. She wasn't an Instructor at that club, but as soon as she got a whiff of the opportunity to teach BODYCOMBAT, she was in. Dan trained Rach as an Instructor on BODYCOMBAT #6. “I was obsessed. Every night I would stand in the kitchen working on my technique, I spent hours learning the choreo thinking about how I would coach different elements, and each night I would fall asleep listening to the music.” Despite being incredibly nervous, Rach jumped in headfirst and began teaching each week. “We team taught our classes for several weeks while we sharpened our skills. Learning from each other was magic. Each one of us had something cool to offer so the Instructors and the members benefited. There was so much support and experience – our GFM, Dawn McLean, had a huge part to play in bringing it all together.”
She went from shadowboxing in her kitchen to smashing out workouts with thousands of movers all over the planet.
It wasn't long before Rach became part of the UK trainer team, joining Dan to arm other upcoming Instructors with the skills they need to teach BODYCOMBAT workouts of their own.
Like Rach, Dan had also started as a BODYPUMP Instructor. He was invited to attend the first ever BODYCOMBAT Trainer Bootcamp in 1998 and straight away fell in love. “Taking a lead role educating new trainers, I was able to combine my love of music and background in martial arts to deliver a program I was incredibly attached to,” he explains. “We were traveling all over Europe and Asia training Instructors, upskilling trainers and selling the program. Every week and all weekend we were showcasing BODYCOMBAT in gyms, shopping malls, at events … it was hard work!” People had never seen anything like it, but thanks to the team’s passion and perseverance, it wasn't long before the popularity of BODYCOMBAT began to snowball.
A special energy
“I knew early on that we were on to a good thing because I saw the groundswell,” says Rach, who believes the diversity and energy of Instructors and fans is what helped the popularity of BODYCOMBAT quickly grow. “Back when I first got involved, I was teaching alongside this lady called Julie, who was an absolute pro at teaching aerobics. She had all these teaching skills … the confidence, the knowledge, she could communicate with members, she knew how to run the show.” Rach explains that Julie’s expertise gave the whole team so much energy and confidence. “I was the baby of the Instructor team, but I didn't let being young and inexperienced hold me back, I just thought … I really want BODYCOMBAT in my life, so I’m going to make it happen.”
Rach has since had the pleasure of seeing people of all ages fall in love with BODYCOMBAT, and for most, it's a relationship that lasts many years. "BODYCOMBAT is the safe, warm and consistent friend you can rely on – the one who will always show up, fists raised, ready to fight for you and make you feel better. It's a friendship that can’t be beaten.”
“I am constantly reminded by people of all ages, just how much this program means to them. I’m pretty sure when most instructors start with BODYCOMBAT they don't expect to be still going strong years down the track – but combatters stay with the fight, and it gives them so much longevity in life.”
From the UK to NZ
In 2004 Dan and Rach traveled to New Zealand to take on the role of BODYCOMBAT Program Directors, where they were charged with shaping and filming new workouts every three months. “The original plan was to travel from the UK every 12 weeks to create the new releases, but it was clear that would be too disruptive,” explains Dan. “Moving to New Zealand was a big decision, but it resonated with my love for adventure – and it changed the course of our lives forever.”
Evolving with the people – for the people
BODYCOMBAT #21 was the first release Dan and Rach created as Program Directors, and in those early years, they came in hot with some new innovations. “There was a song called She Bangs by Ricky Martin and we used it for the boxing power track in release 24, where mid-way through we dropped to the floor for mountain climbers. We knew that type of integrated core training was great, but back then people were not ready for it. That was okay, we simply moved away from that type of groundwork for a number of years. But now things have evolved and groundwork has become a massive – and much loved – part of the program.”
Rach says they’ve always been mindful to never force change and innovation, instead choosing a process of trialing, testing, refining and taking people on the journey.
This approach has allowed for constant evolution, while ensuring authentic martial arts consistently come to life in the program. “We’ve added capoeira and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, extended the karate element, and incorporated lots of specialist moves,” adds Dan. “We also trialed a structure change, bringing a strength and conditioning block in the middle to create more of a full-body workout.”
Over the years there have been lots of new strikes, kicks and moves to keep the workout fresh and engaging. Each addition was powered by the music. “We love it when we test a different sound we've not previously used and it goes down really well. Equally, when we test a track and it doesn't fly, it teaches us where the customer palette is,” says Rach.
Throughout it all, Dan believes the most crucial part of BODYCOMBAT’s success has been the development of a unique coaching model that’s helped thousands of Instructors to inspire and motivate movers all over the planet.
The power of a team
Dan says working so closely with Rach has been a privilege. Rach believes a big part of the program’s long-term success comes down to the fact that they have always been answerable to each other. “Together we’ve had two hands steering the ship, so we’ve never veered too far off course. We constantly challenge each other and hold each other accountable. Whatever one of us is thinking or wanting to do, has to pass the test of getting past the other, so we can make sure that it fulfils its promise to all of the people – participants, trainers, Instructors, clubs, everybody.”
She adds that they haven’t ever sat in an ivory tower dreaming up the workouts. Having taught BODYCOMBAT from the beginning and still teaching weekly, they have a very hands-on approach. “Not only are we always teaching our own classes, we’ve spent years visiting clubs all over the world. We’re always talking to the people, listening, watching and paying attention to how BODYCOMBAT is going down – and that’s been a big factor in its success.”
“We’ve never felt a sense of power creating BODYCOMBAT, more a sense of responsibility. We consider ourselves guardians, ensuring we grow the program in a safe, smart and healthy way – while taking care of what makes BODYCOMBAT so uniquely addictive and special.”
Now, the BODYCOMBAT creative team has expanded, so there are even more people informing and testing the shape of each release. “Having a team has brought extra work, and it will pay off. There is energy in youth, new ways of thinking, new ways to motivate. It’s lovely to hear others come in with fresh ways to inspire.” Dan adds how rewarding it is to see others shine and enjoy life-changing moments working at the heart of BODYCOMBAT.
Together the creative team is honoring the changing world and bringing different approaches. “This will help BODYCOMBAT move towards a bright future where the younger generations can experience the joy, excitement, euphoria and escapism the program’s renowned for.”
