On Saturday, January 14th in Phoenix, Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios of Arizona once again demonstrated why Z-Ultimate is the BEST and most EXTREME example of its kind. A group of 11 adults (all part of the Z-Family) competed in the 12.5 mile Tough Mudder challenge and contributed a total of over $1600.00 to the Wounded Warrior Project in the process. The Tough Mudder bills itself as the premier obstacle course series in the world and that isn`t an understatement. At 12.5 miles with 28 military-style obstacles, such as the 14 foot half pipe, the log carry, and the ice jacuzzi, it is designed to push you to the limits of what you think you can accomplish.

“Our Kempo training really paid off in spades for this event,” says AZ territory District Manager Casey Paiz. The course is strategically designed so that each obstacle plays a pivotal role in breaking you down but also in forcing you to continue on. According to the Tough Mudder website, “Tough Mudder events are hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. As the leading company in the booming obstacle course industry, Tough Mudder has already challenged half a million inspiring participants worldwide and raised more than $2 million dollars for the Wounded Warrior Project. But Tough Mudder is more than an event, it’s a way of thinking. By running a Tough Mudder challenge, you’ll unlock a true sense of accomplishment, have a great time, and discover a camaraderie with your fellow participants that’s experienced all too rarely these days”. Sound familiar?????

The 11 teammates of the “Z-Ultimate Mudders” were all Arizona Instructors, students, or parents of current students. “We set our goals early on and trained relentlessly for this day” says Chief Instructor Brad Bennett. “You have to have a goal-oriented mentality of complete victory and accepting anything short of that is unacceptable,” Bennett continues. That victor’s attitude came to fruition because all 11 AZ participants made it to the finish line. What was the worst part? All 11 participants agreed that the worst obstacle was the “ice jacuzzi” which was a 20 foot long by 5 foot deep container of FRIGID ice water that you had to wade across. “It was horrible,” contends Instructor Andy Swart, “Nothing can prepare you for it. It’s like taking a full body punch over and over again and then you`re cold and wet for the rest of the day.” Through all of the pain and suffering, it was important to keep in mind that the overall point of the event was the money contributed to the Wounded Warrior Project. It`s a fun way to raise money for a very noble and honorable cause. “The AZ Tribe really came through and I`m very proud of each of the `Mudders` for their contribution,” exclaims Paiz. “We are already planning our next Tough Mudder for later this year,” he adds with a devilish grin that’s hard to conceal.

The Tough Mudder motto is “probably the toughest event on the planet.” By participating in the Tough Mudder, and showcasing the core Z-Ultimate values of RESPECT, DISCIPLINE, & HUMILITY, the AZ-Ultimate Tribe has proven without a doubt that Z-Ultimate is the BEST and most EXTREME example of its kind!

For more information about participating in a Tough Mudder near you (or to make a contribution to the Wounded Warrior Project) please visit www.toughmudder.com .