I started karate when I was the age of 9 and graded for the first time in December 1999. I started Karate because I wanted to be stronger and build self-confidence.  I found the CFTS karate club through my friend Andrew Simmonds who went to Bletchley club. I have been taught by Sensei Andy Kidby for all of my time in Karate.

I think Karate is a great sport for me to do because of my height and body size and its useful as I was a timid and did not have a strong character, but six years into my Karate life I have become stronger and less timid than before I started. My favourite line in the Dojo kun is the third line “hitotsu! Doryoku No Seishin O Yashinau koto” which means One! To Foster The Spirit of Effort because I try to do my best and give full effort into my karate in the Dojo and at home at all times.

Not long ago my sister started Karate because of seeing me doing karate and she always watched me at gradings. Now in October 2005 she is a 8th kyu INT and she double graded in her first grading. At home I like to play on the playstation, play football and cricket with my mates. I am also doing well at school as I am into my first year of GCSE’S in year 10 at Lord Grey School.

I think my best day in my life is the 8th October 2005 when I became Shodan, it is also a sad day as it was the first anniversary of my Grandad’s death and I would like to think that he was watching over me that day. The other people who passed with me as well were Lesley, Josh, Charlotte, Neil, Matthew and Val. So now I will keep training hard and be a good Dan grade and keep following the morals of the Dojo, OSS !!

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