I WAS LUCKY...
It did not take me long to realise what I wanted to do. I remember it like it was only yesterday and in some respects, it was.
​
When I was a small child about the age of 6 or 7, I went on holiday to Spain with my parents; we loved Spain, lots of sun and lots of things to do. On this particular day the sun was blazing hot and we decided to go to the beach. As we made our way down the path towards the ever popular golden sands we passed the numerous shops and bars.
​
I watched intently, I was astonished, I was mesmerised - I was hooked!
​
What got me was not only the amazing tools he used but the incredible ability he possessed with his hands and feet. Right there and then I knew I wanted to do. I wanted to do 'that'... whatever 'that' was.
Back then, no one really knew of all the numerous martial arts, I just wanted to be able to use my arms and legs like Bruce. My parents were amazing, when we got back home they asked around and found a club - I attended the next session and enjoyed it but soon realised that it was more throwing people around and not what I had imagined, even then I knew it wasn't for me - it didn't meet my needs. My mum was then pointed in the direction of another club, this time she asked 'do they kick and punch?' She was assured they did and so she arranged a visit.
​
As I excitedly 'lead' my mum and dad towards the sand where I could build my castles, in one of the bars I spotted a large tv screen showing what I would later know to be one of the most iconic moments in martial arts film history - it was Bruce Lee in 'Enter the Dragon' and the scene was the legendary part of the film where he fights many security guards after setting off an alarm; upgrading the weapons he uses as he goes until he finally shows off his skills with the nunchucks - the two small sticks connected by a length of chain in the middle.
​
Upon arriving at the club I could see all these people in white suits - punching, kicking, jumping...this was more like it. I was introduced to the instructor who greeted me with an awesome smile, very friendly, warm and welcoming. That instructor was then the wonderful Isaac Harry, who is now Grand Master Harry and who is still my instructor today.
​
That was well over 30 years ago, since then I have gained national and international success and helped fellow students also achieve their goals. So why do I say in many ways I started yesterday? Well, what I didn't know then but soon learned is that for many of us who start on this journey, martial arts is not only a way of life but is also for life. What you experience in martial arts runs parallel to what you experience in life. The two become intrinsically linked. And so in many ways I have not been training very long at all. In fact, compared to some, I started only yesterday.
​
I honestly believe learning martial arts can be the greatest gift you could ever give to others or yourself - it is truly an incredible journey - I look forward to helping you start yours today.