How to get from your desk in the City to the mats at St Mary Cray without the stress.
For many of our members, the battle isn't just on the mats. It is the battle to leave the office on time. If you work near London Bridge, the 6 PM start time might seem tight. But with the right train strategy and a 'better late than never' mindset, the commute from the City to St Mary Cray is actually the perfect decompression zone.
The London Bridge Escape
The connection between London Bridge and St Mary Cray is surprisingly efficient. The fast trains take just over 20 minutes. If you can catch the 17:04 or the 17:08, you land at St Mary Cray around 17:40. That puts you in the prime window.
Even if you get stuck at work and catch the 17:34, do not go home. You will arrive at the gym around 18:15. That is absolutely fine. We would rather see you for 45 minutes than not at all.
The Station Sprint: Walk or Bus?
Once you tap out at St Mary Cray, you have options. Google Maps claims the walk to Cotmandene Crescent takes 17 minutes. In our experience, a motivated grappler walks faster than that. It is a straight shot and a great way to clear your head of office politics before you start rolling.
If the weather is terrible or you are cutting it fine, look for the B1, B14 or R11 buses. They pick up right outside the station and drop you at Goose Green Close in about 3 minutes. It is arguably the most efficient gym commute in Greater London.
The Late Arrival Policy
Let’s be clear about our culture. We do not lock the doors at 18:01. If you rush from the station and walk in 15 minutes late, you will not get scolded. Just change quickly and get to work.
Many of our commuters use the tail end of the 6 PM class to drill and flow, then use the 7 PM class to go hard. Do not let a train delay become an excuse to skip training. Get on the train. We will be here.