So it's a new year (well it has been for the last few months, but who's counting?) and i think it's about time to get into even better shape. What's this i see in the inbox? TWO games related martial arts/combat based events to get myself down to... should be a nice and relaxing introduction right? Erm.... no.

'Krav-ing a laugh!'

First up we had an afternoon learning the basics of Krav Maga, the close combat system i mostly remember from the Bourne series of films. Imagine that, i could take down pesky editors and obnoxious journos with a pen or rolled up magazine! I'm in for some of that... plus i get to check out the new Splinter Cell game so it's all good. Here's a bit about Krav Maga and the game... then i'll tell you all about the day itself.

Martin Strel is BIG RIVER MAN. A man who campaigns for a cleaner environment by swimming the lengths of some of the world’s largest and most polluted rivers such as the Mississippi, the Yangtze and the Amazon. His unbelievable swim across the Amazon is captured in the 2009 Sundance Award winning film available to own on DVD from 18th January 2010.

Overweight, over 50 years old and an alcoholic, Martin Strel made it to the Guinness Book of Records swimming the length of the Amazon River, while avoiding the ever present dangers of piranhas, snakes, crocodiles and sharks. The ultimate lads hero, Strel shows what can be achieved when chasing your dream, fuelled by passion, determination and, plenty of wine!

Strel proves that you do not need have to be young and slim to be an endurance swimmer and break Guinness World Records. BIG RIVER MAN tells the phenomenal story of how one man defies convention by swimming over 5,430 km of the Amazon River, to highlight pollution in the world.