Instructor Interview

How did you first get into Karate? At What age did you start training?
When I was 10 years old my Mum and Dad bought a sweet shop in Rushgreen and the local Karate Instructor (John Walton) was a customer. He and my Dad did a deal - Karate lessons for me in exchange for newspapers. I passed my first (red belt) grading when I was 10 years old.


Who do you look up to in Karate today? Who do you think sets a good example of what a true Karateka should be?
Everybody who trains hard in karate gets my respect. However my utmost respect goes to my club Sensei Lee Smith and to Sensei Ticky Donovan and to Sensei Dave Hazard.


What do you consider your main achievements in your Karate career so far?
My main achievement is that I am still training


What about the future? What karate ambitions do you have moving forward?
The future is bright at the moment - I am training hard as well as teaching loads. Working my way to becoming a senior Ishinryu Instructor.


What is your attitude to teaching? What teaching techniques do you think work best? How do you aim to get the best out of your students?
Make the students feel good about themselves - keep up good spirit and teach what works for them.


You have done a lot of security work. Do you find your karate has helped you in this?
Well - I am still alive aren't I? (only joking).
I found that working security, whether it be personal security or club security, is all about massive awareness - this is what keeps you (and your client) healthy. This awareness combined with good karate skills provides an excellent recipe for security work.


Who is the most famous person you have looked after?
This would have to be Usher - that was a pretty hectic experience.


What made you stop working security?
I started a company and was lucky in that this business took off. I had to make a choice, and like you know, you go where the money is.


Would you ever go back to security work?
Only for the right money and for the right opportunity - it would have to be very good to bring me back.


What has been your best time in Karate?
Competing and using Jodan Mawashi geri to knock opponents down and score Ippon - these were the good old days. The Old School will know exactly what I'm talking about.