When did you get your black belt?
I got my black belt at the end of the summer course in
August 2011
Who was your first instructor?
My first instructor was Andy Cornish at the Tattingstone
Club, part of the Arena Academy
Why did you start training?
As, I believe, with a lot of late starters, like myself, it
all began with children. I used to take my stepchildren to class, thought I’d
“give it a go” and got hooked
Who inspires you?
I don’t know that anyone actually inspires me. Of course, I
watch martial arts films and think “I wish I could do that” but ultimately I
motivate myself to try to be the best I can be
What drives you to keep training?
There are lots more Dan grades to be achieved and lots more
techniques to learn. I also enjoy helping the kyu grades and, I don’t know if
this makes sense but, some people smoke, some people drink – I do Karate
What other sports do you do/have you done?
In the past I have played many sports e.g. football, tennis,
squash, badminton, cricket, snooker and pool. I liked to try most sports and
still do but the only other sport in which I currently participate is Ju Jitsu,
in which I achieved my 1st Dan black belt last year
Who do you know that is still training from when you started?
Some of the people still training from when I began are Ben
Cornish, Stef Doran, Beth Taylor and Emma Plumbley
What advice would you give to someone who wishes to start karate now?
You will need to be hard working, dedicated, self-motivated,
willing to listen and accept that you will not be able to do everything in a
week. The rewards will come
What age did you start karate?
I started Karate at the tender age of 46. (You are never too
old)
What are your future goals & hopes?
My next goal is 2nd Dan in 2013
How often do you train?
On Tuesdays I train with Andy Cornish at Tattingstone,
Wednesdays with Billy Brennan at Needham Market and Fridays & Sundays with
Jan Strzelec at Harkstead and Tattingstone respectively
What challenges have you overcome?
At 25 years of age I achieved my Duke of Edinburgh Gold
Award, I have done a parachute jump, scuba dived and flown an aeroplane
What is your favourite kick?
My favourite kick is turn heel kick (Pandae Kolchyo Chagi)
What is your favourite hyung / kata?
My favourite Kata is Palgue Chil Jang
What is your favourite fighting move or technique?
My favourite fighting technique is snap punch, reverse
punch, round kick off the back leg
What is your top tip for others?
My top tip has to be train hard, grade easy
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Be confident, believe in yourself and always do your very
best in whatever you do
