He’s helped clear minefields in Iraq, trained army recruits on the infamous Krypton Factor obstacle course and faced the fearsome millionaire investors on Dragons’ Den.
And now 32-year-old Mike Hamilton from Newton Heath is undertaking yet another gruelling challenge – putting students across the country through their paces with his military-style activities concept Commando Joes’ Fun & Fitness.
Former Commando and British Army personal trainer Mike, along with his 30-strong staff, provide schools with a different approach to learning beyond the classroom by instilling the idea of a supportive environment based on mutual respect.
“Every child is different, so we deliver different programs to cater to their needs, but it’s about boosting self-esteem, good behaviour, respect, health and fitness,” he said.
But this is certainly no boot camp as students undertake activities in a positive and supportive environment.
Mike explained: “It’s physically challenging but our motto is ‘no child is left behind’ regardless of physical or educational ability.”
“I focused on personal training in the army and I was in a bomb disposal team for two and a half years in Iraq and Aghanistan.
“We cleared a minefield in a village in Iraq – it was so rewarding seeing the impact this had on really deprived areas.
“I then had the chance to do army recruitment in schools and at the Krypton Factor obstacle course in Ramsbottom.
“Everyone loved the activities but I didn’t agree with promoting the army in that way.”
So after serving Queen and country for eight years he took the decision to leave the army, but continued to pursue the activities side of things.
“I studied at college and lectured for a while before doing Commando Joe’s full time.
“I still do the teamwork and activities but have taken out the recruitment aspect and now focus on teamwork, communication and healthy lifestyle,” he explained.
This summer Commando Joe’s will be working a little closer to its Manchester roots when it marches into Imperial War Museum North as part of its Fit For Action summer programme.
Visitors young and old will get the opportunity to commando crawl their way through an inflatable assault course, build a giant jenga tower and learn how to build a shelter with just the bare essentials.
Mike explained: “We’re keeping it military with the inflatable obstacle course which both kids and parents will love!
“You don’t have to be amazing at sport to get involved, just taking your family into local parks, moving around and having fun is what it’s all about.”
Established in 2009, Commando Joe’s has bases across the country including Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and London.
It was his constant promotional work, driving around Manchester in the company’s only van that caught the attention of a researcher from the BBC hit show The Apprentice.
One phone call and a piece to camera later, Mike entered the lair of the dragons and faced James Caan, Duncan Bannatyne, Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis.
He caught the attention of business mogul Peter Jones who pitched to him while Mike sat in his chair.
Mike said: “During his pitch Peter told me that the only thing commando about him was the fact he didn’t wear any boxers!”
Although he didn’t accept Peter’s investment offer it hasn’t stopped him from establishing bases across the country including Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and London.
The scheme is now funded by the Department for Education who recognised the positive impact the team was having not only on behaviour, but also attendance, in schools.
The IWM workshops will be on Sunday 4, 11, 18 and 25 August.
For more information about Commando Joe’s visit http://www.commandojoes.co.uk/
To see the full range of IWM activities this summer at Fit For Action visit http://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-north
Picture courtesy of IWM North, with thanks
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