Steve Jowett - 4th Dan

How long have you been training?

Since 1974

When did you get your black belt?

1st Dan 9 April 2006, 2nd Dan 30 March 2008, 3rd Dan 1 May 2011 and 4th Dan 29 March 2015

Who was your first instructor?

Mick Blackwell and Billy Brennan

Why did you start training?

After watching Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon when I was 15 years old and thought “I’ve got to learn that!”

Who inspires you?

Within the EKKA my instructor Billy Brennan, because of his vast martial arts knowledge and positive mental strength and also those others who I started training with all those years ago – who still train today. Many other people inspire me including successful business figures, sports men and woman and especially people who achieve great things in the face adversity. In martial arts generally Bruce Lee was my main inspiration and you may wish to read one of his poems below:

A Message for life

If you think you are beaten, you are

If you think you dare not, you don’t

If you like to win, but think you can’t

It is almost certain that you won’t

If you think you will lose, you are lost

For out of this world we find

Success begins with a fellows will

It’s all a state of mind

If you think you are outclassed, you are

You’ve got to think high, to rise

You’ve got to be sure of yourself before

You can ever win a prize

Life’s battles don’t always go to

The stronger or faster man

But sooner or later the man

Who wins, is the man

Who thinks he can

What drives you to keep training?

The desire to be the best I can be

What other sports do you do/have you done?

I have tried other sports including fly fishing, shooting and ten-pin bowling but never really got hooked on them like martial arts.

Who do you know that is still training from when you started?

Mick Blackwell, Billy Brennan, Lenny Austin, Lee Brade, Paul Mortimer, Jan Strezelec, Alan Johnson

What advice would you give to someone who wishes to start karate now?

Stop thinking about it and get to a class, with the best instructor you can find, who has been recommended by people whose advice you can trust.

What age did you start karate?

15 years old.

What are your future goals & hopes?

I have many future goals but in terms of karate it is to achieve the highest Dan grade and competence level I can, before I check out of Earth’s Hotel!

How often do you train?

Normally 6 days a week, either karate, gym work, running or a mixture of all.

What challenges have you overcome?

Like many of us I have overcome numerous life challenges and continue to deal with them as they arise –with the support of my lovely wife Wendy. One in particular was when we built our own home whilst living in a caravan on site (very cosy)! After 30 years I’m nearly finished!

What is your favourite kick?

My favourite is the one that scores for me! But if I have to choose it would be a round kick.

What is your favourite kata?

Palgue Chil Jang.

What is your favourite fighting move or technique?

Fake reverse punch followed by a back leg round kick. Also leg sweeps, take-downs and throws.

What is your top tip for others?

When your mind says “Give up”, don’t listen!

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

If you think you can, you probably will, and if you think you can’t, you probably won’t.