Looking back, I first got interested in martial arts as a teenager when I joined a local Shotokan Karate club near to home. I did this for a couple of years until I was 17 when work, boys and night school got in the way J I didn’t really think about it much afterwards until around 12 years later in 1999, when I was living in Kidderminster and noticed an advert in the local paper for a beginners class in Tae Kwon Do. I was looking for a new shared interest with my partner and decided to give it a go. I didn’t really know what to expect, but I went along to the first session and I absolutely loved it! I continued to train there 2-3 times a week until I achieved my black belt in 2004. Life circumstances subsequently changed and I gave up training and eventually moved away from the area.
Fast forward 13 years and now living in Hereford, I again noticed an advert in the local paper for a beginners Tigers class! I thought this would be perfect for my 6 year old son to try as he was having some issues with coordination and concentration, Obviously I went along too and thought I’d give it a go J I remember kicking a pad that Ben Hargreaves was holding and found that I was really enjoying it and I was thankful that I remembered at least how to do a front snap kick!
My son attended on and off for a while and so did I, although I had completely forgotten everything that I learnt before (for example set-sparring and patterns) I was enjoying the challenge physically and mentally.
I love that the club has an inclusive approach to people of all ages with a wide range of abilities; I can appreciate this as I have a hearing impairment which affects my balance and I am not as flexible as I was 20 years ago (I will never light any fires sparring). I am now a qualified assistant instructor and relish helping other people overcome any difficulties when learning something new.
Why do I enjoy Tae Kwon Do? Well there is always something new to learn! I enjoy learning the Korean words, alongside the challenge of new pattern movements and overall well-being that I feel after a session.
I was recently awarded my 2nd Dan, a full 18 years after my 1st (probably the longest grading interval in the history of TKD!) and have umpires and referee qualifications, which I like to put to good use at competitions- the excitement is still as good from the other side J
