Profile (recorded Dec 2007):

Sensei: James Xuereb

Grade: 2nd Dan Black Belt

Favourite Kata: Kanku-Dai

Favourite Technique: Round Elbow Strike

Dojo: Minchinbury Primary School "Monday nights" (6-7pm & 730-9pm)

Memorable Moment: After training for the past 11 years I have had a lot of memorable moments in GKR such as achieving my Black belt then grading to 2nd Dan one of the hardest things I have ever done. Winning State titles in N.A.S. has also been icing on the cake.

Words of Wisdom: When I teach a class I always ask my students to challenge themselves.
The Dojo is a sanctuary where students can develop there skills, openly attempt new things, break habits and meet our fears. Think of your instructor and fellow students as partners who can help even speedup you progress in your journey of learning the martial arts.
Always be open to change ”You can always learn something from anyone.” The discipline and focus you practise in training can help you outside of the dojo aswell. In which ever way you may need be it stronger confidence in school or a will to succeed in a test or sport! I remind my students that as long as they try one hundred percent they will succeed. I have learnt that no matter how hard a task may seem there is always an end result. The main determining factor in this result is the amount of effort you put into it.
Never be fearful of seeing what you are capable of! You may just surprise yourself.

Cirle Of Training
Karate is an awesome sport we all know this, that is why we all train. It takes 3 primary elements
dedication, focus and discipline. We have all heard this before but what does this really mean?
Breaking down each element:
Dedication is to attend your weekly classes and practise in your own time.
Focus is when you are training and practising thinking about everything within your techniques;
breathing, stance, timing, power, footwork & targeting.
Discipline is to do your best of what your instructor asks of you; holding your stance, utilising your discipline to maintain your focus.
Now can you see the circle of training? Without one Element the others are unable to be function. It’s Important when you are training to remember all of these things and develop each element equally, building up each one every training session. Use your time in “Mokuso”(start & end of each class) to teach your thoughts to remember each element and how each can help your circle grow during your time in training.
Build on your circle every class.
Sensei James