I started training martial arts in Tae Kwon Do back in the 1990's, I was never very interested in grading, just fighting and kicking, however this training was a fantastic foundation for learning discipline, stamina and courage, something I feel has only been elevated since being part of the Hara Shotokan Karate Academy.

I stopped training Tae Kwon Do for about 3 years, as I had injured my ankles badly, it was Austen, my eldest son, who got me involved in karate, he started training with Ken at Barrow with a few of his friends; I don't do sitting around very well and it wasn't long before I wanted to join in, as did my other son Elliot.

I always remember the first time at Barrow; Ken had lined us up facing partners, he wanted us to do a quick kumite, something I felt quite confident at! The only thing was I was used to kicking! not punching, you never really do much punching in Tae Kwon Do...

I prepared myself.. and bang.. A lovely zuki in the face by Ana Burns! That was my learning curve to use both my feet and hands!

Many people can't understand why we enjoy pushing ourselves to the limit, the sweating, the discipline, the bruises, but I believe that you are a special kind of person to continue to push yourself to do better in something you enjoy, rather than simply continuing at the same level.

I feel immense satisfaction from the challenge that karate offers and the challenge and inspiration that everyone at the academy offers to each other.

I've trained at a number of different clubs over the years, but have never felt more welcome than at the Hara Shotokan Karate Academy, and I feel great honor in the immense respect and support that has been shown to me by everyone in the academy.

It's always a karateka's main objective to become a black belt and is something I feel very, very proud of, I feel that Ken [Button] shows me a great level of respect and I only hope that I continue to display an equal level, if not greater, in the karate I do.