ABOUT ME
Coach Nicholas Santangeli has been in the British Army since the age of 17. A Staff Sergeant in the Royal Army Physical Training Corps (RAPTC), Nicholas has worked with various Regiments throughout the army over his 13+ years within the military from the Royal Signals, Medic Regiments, Household Regiments to Infantry Regiments. Nic’s role as a Royal Army Physical Training Corps Instructor sees him oversee the physical development and physical performance of the soldiers within his Battalion. Within this role, a key element of his responsibilities is monitoring and mentoring the All Arms Physical Training Instructors (AAPTIs), the guys and girls who deliver the physical training to the soldiers. This has helped Nic develop, not only as a strength and conditioning coach, but also a mentor and develop skills from a managerial standpoint.
KEY EXPERIENCE
● 13 Years British Army
Currently Serving
● 9 Years Combat Sports
MMA, BJJ, Boxing & Grappling
● 6 Years Royal Army Physical
Training Corps
● MSc Strength & Conditioning
St. Mary’s University
● BJJ Purple Belt
Nic has trained within mixed martial arts (MMA) and grappling for the last 10 years. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple belt under Jason Tan at the MMA Academy Liverpool. He has competed as an amateur within MMA and continues to compete within grappling. This experience within combat sports is what has driven the desire to improve the S&C that is delivered to combat athletes. Taking a scientific, evidence-based approach backed up with sound experience within the field, Nic aims to improve the longevity of the athletes and also improve their sporting performance.
The athletes Nic coaches compete within MMA, Grappling, BJJ, Boxing and Rowing. His athletes and clients are all at different levels from professionals, BJJ Black belts, amateurs, hobbyist and also include general population looking to live a healthier lifestyle.
More recently Nic has spent the last 2-3 years studying a Masters (MSc) in S&C at St. Marys University as continued professional development. This has helped shape him as a coach, mentor and also a RAPTCI. To finish the MSc, Nic has conducted an academic study looking at how military PT is delivered. Completing the full Ministry of Defence Research Ethics Committee process. The study looked to access the effects of in person coaching and coaching delivered via a mobile app on solider conditioning review (SCR) scores. The findings shown that a higher level of adaptation was achieved by in person coaching. The study also highlighted the importance of adherence when conducting physical training. The findings shown that individuals who had poor adherence shown little improvements over the 5-week period regardless of delivery.
Looking to the future, Nic plans to leave the military and work as full time S&C coach. Predominately working with combat athletes, general population and also youth athlete development. The ultimate aim is to create a studio in which high level physical training can be delivered for athletes and sports teams. Nic’s approach to strength and conditioning goes beyond just physical training. He aims to improve psychological and physical stress management, sleep quality habits and also nutritional habits.