How old were you when you started training?
I was 5 years old. My dad thought it would be a good idea to start to build fitness and stop me from having to stay at home and do nothing!
Have you ever felt like quitting?
Because the club is usually always fun and welcoming I have never thought of quiting. I also always remember that it keeps me feeling fit, so this helps! There was a point where I had scouts on a Thursday at the same time as class so I wasn’t able to come on certain days. Also I can’t attend as many classes as I’d like but I go to as many as I can. Other than that, doing homework has been ok because I can do it at different points in time!
What benefits have you felt from training?
Martial Arts have helped me outside of class with my physical fitness but also with discipline.
Do you remember how you felt at your first class?
Not from my first class as I was so young but I do remember is the classes were always enjoyable and welcoming.
What do you enjoy in your training?
I most enjoy sparing in training because I like fighting.
What have you achieved in martial arts and do you have anything else you would like to do?
I am very proud of achieving my black belt at age 13! I definitely have achieved more than I thought I would, when I started, like discipline, by which I mean being calm enough to make the right decisions and confident enough not to react in bad situations, which happens quite alot being a 14 year old boy. It has also helped with my fitness a lot. I want to continue to improve my fighting ability and to see how far I can push myself!
What is your advice for anyone thinking of trying martial arts?
Go for it because it is a great way to express yourself through sparring and many more things.
Sonny Blades
Age 14
1st Dan Black Belt