You would be forgiven for feeling apprehensive and even slightly intimidated on first meeting the tattooed ex-mercenary and former bodyguard Aaron Green. It only takes a few minutes in his presence though for the apprehension to disappear, and fascination and wonder to take its place.
From the moment you enter Aaron’s gym, Upstart Functional, you know there is something different about it. On the day we arrive the gym is silent and Aaron is finishing off a session with a young girl. She is blindfolded and slowly walking towards him with her arms raised. As she reaches him, he kneels, and slowly she places her hands on his head, then his chin and his eyes. When she is done, she turns and walks back in the direction she came from. It’s fascinating and even a little moving.
“Every client who enters the centre undergoes a character assessment,” he explains. “In this way I am able to identify their subconscious self and work with the person hidden in the ‘box’.”
Originally from Durban, Aaron joined the military in the 1980s. He worked around the world in war zones and as a professional bodyguard for celebrities before spending two years living and training with Tibetan monks.
As a result of his incredible life experience and background, he now offers a variety of different types of training, healing and counselling at Upstart Functional. “We are not a gym. I treat my centre as a special force unit where I train your mental and emotional strength,” says the barefoot, quietly spoken Aaron.\
He says that each stage of his life has taught him something and he uses these skills to teach and help others. “My time as a mercenary taught me respect and discipline. We were trained to never give up on ourselves. Working as a bodyguard in many very dangerous places taught me to be calm in dangerous situations and how to make life altering decisions under attack. Training in the monastery was tough, but it was a very spiritual journey. I learnt how to handle extreme forms of training and understand myself. You also learn how to listen with your eyes and speak with your mind, no words needed.”
Aaron uses unusual methods as part of his training regime and anyone who has been there will tell you this is no ordinary gym. Apart from military-style functional training, he also offers counselling where he helps people deal with anxiety, depression and a range of other trauma-related issues. Aaron is also a trained Tibetan therapist and offers healing for a number of different ailments. “My training is unique and a comprises a combination of many styles. We focus a lot on blindfolding (sensory training), where we help open up your senses, gain confidence and learn how to use your intuition better.”
One of the most popular aspects of the business is the self-defence training programme called Havoc-O, which Aaron developed himself. “This programme is very useful for civilians. The principal is basically, where there is havoc … I teach you to create order.”
Aaron used his wide range of martial arts, body guarding and mercenary skills and experience to tailor-make a system that works specifically for the South African culture.
“Part of the programme is learning about the psychology of the intruder and the possible victim. Havoc-o is designed to even be able to help a 12-year-old girl defend herself against an intruder.”
Aaron says one of the biggest mistakes we make in our society is simply being too complacent. “People are too comfortable. You need to be permanently aware of your surroundings. Always look for an emergency exit, drive like you are in a war zone and, if licensed, carry your weapon with you. We live in a dangerous environment and we need to be on full-alert. Don’t be the victim, ever.”
Aaron says the increase in personal attacks and crime means we need to be more alert than ever. “Carry pepper gel (not a spray because of the wind) or a taser and don’t be afraid to use them. Try and remain calm. Remember your scream is a very good distress alarm!”
Details: Upstart Functional training centre, Ballito, www.upstartfunctional.com,
083 720 0192 , @upstartfunctional.ballito
Text: Leah Shone | Photographs: MARY-ANN PALMER
