A true story about the courage to stand up, keep going and never give in!
Bullied at school, Simon Gray set off on a journey to avenge his demons.
From the Muay Thai ring to the traditional Japanese dojo his journey of self-discovery is packed full of humour, inspiration and lessons to live a better and more fulfilling life.
Approaching his mid-thirties, he stepped away from the corporate rat race. Having sold his house, car and other worldly possessions he travelled to Tokyo, Japan where he enrolled on one of the toughest martial arts courses in the world.
For 11 months he trained with the Tokyo Riot Police on the bruising and often brutal course that changed his life.
In Suck It Up Or Go Home he shares his story of training, torment and ultimate triumph.
In a world where challenges are ever-present, Suck It Up Or Go Home is about the courage to stand up, keep going and never give in!
This book is about stepping out of your comfort zone to embrace new opportunities and challenges.
While a book with martial arts at its core, it's much more than a book on martial arts.
It's a true story of resilience, discipline and succeeding against the odds.
It charts the author's life from a tough boarding school to the present day.
It's a tale of self-discovery, self-awareness and is packed full of humour alongside serious observations on life.
It details what happened on the Yoshinkan Aikido 16th international Senshusei course in Tokyo Japan, and brings to life the craziness of everyday life on one of the toughest martial arts courses in the world.If you have an interest in the martial arts, Japanese culture, or what it takes to keep going during difficult times, you'll definitely enjoy this book.
Industry Reviews
'As someone who completed the course 12 years prior to Simon's, I was very interested to delve into another Senshusei experience. Suck It Up Or Go Home is a fantastic read and an authentic account of the emotional, physical and spiritual rollercoaster that creates a Senshusei. Through Simon's eyes you are immersed in all aspects of traditional Budo training in Japan. The life lessons and character development that traditional martial arts develop are evident throughout. A captivating, informative and enjoyable read for both martial artists and normal people, too!'
- Nic Mills Dojocho Sendokan Dojo, 7th Dan Aikido Yoshinkai & 'Mad Dog' from Angry White Pyjamas
'Simon's story is remarkable. Set on the unforgiving Aikido mats of Tokyo it is a wider story of how we face adversity, discipline ourselves and win the inner game. How we find the courage and resilience to live out our passions, so that ultimately we can truly find the best in ourselves. If the martial arts had a Special Forces, the Senshusei course would be it. A great read that I couldn't put down.'
- Richard Mann, Ex UK Special Forces (SBS) & Host of the Mann on a Mission Podcast
'Having trained in Shotokan Karate for over 30 years I found this a fascinating read. Simon's personal memoirs give a comprehensive insight into the unique world of traditional Japanese martial arts, which very few Westerners have experienced. Simon's detailed account shows what it takes to complete the gruelling Senshusei course and earn a black belt in Yoshinkan Aikido. His story is proof that through grit and determination you can achieve whatever you set out to do in life.'
- Danielle Asano, 5th Dan, Former British Kata and Kumite Champion & European Gold Medallist
'I was excited to read Suck It Up Or Go Home. It is a fascinating book and will be of interest to anyone. The strong message to keep going, even when times get tough, really hit home. Highly recommended.'
- Dan Holloway, The Martial View & Empower Martial Arts Academy
