How old were you when you started?
I was 10. I chose martial arts just for fun and I didn’t like any of the sports at school.
Has school work ever got in the way of your Karate training? How have you found a balance?
Sometimes homework and revision has got in the way of my training, but not often. I continue training because I was getting to know people and make friends and that really boosted my confidence. . It can be better at home to do short sessions, sometimes as little as 10 minutes, concentrating on a specific move that you may be struggling with or just wish to improve. Plan your schedule because there is time for everything
Have you ever felt like quitting?
I have never felt like quitting but there are days when I just don’t feel like going; and it can be difficult to motivate myself to get to class but once there I’m glad I have made the effort and enjoy it.
What benefits are there to training with ECKA?
Martial Arts is one of the few sports that I enjoy. It has made me healthier/fitter. It requires me to be calm and respectful of others. It has also improved my concentration levels and my confidence, as I am naturally a shy person but I now help train the younger children which is something I would have been too shy to do before.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about trying martial arts?
Whilst it is a contact sport and you might worry about getting hurt, just shrug it off because you will enjoy it.
How did you feel at your first ECKA Class?
Honestly I was scared on my first 2 or 3 classes but overall I was very keen from the start and I loved it, and still love it.
What do you enjoy most about training?
Pad work and sparring. I have constantly learnt new things and had the opportunity to show these skills in gradings and obtain new belts. There is also the opportunity to compete in competitions and fight people from other clubs, and attend training sessions.
Now I train and compete to improve my existing skills and am determined to obtain my black belt.