Profile (recorded August 2008):

Sensei: Robbie Peters

Grade: Shodan-Ho (Black belt)

Favourite Kata: Sepai - My gold medal winning kata

Favourite Technique: Kumite combinations

Dojo: Regentville & Mt Pleasant tournament class

Memorable Moments: There is nothing to describe the feeling you get when you finally receive your black belt. Happiness, pride and many other emotions come with it. I recommend everyone experience it..

Words of Wisdom: Victory. Many people will go to tournaments, a lot more will be too scared. Of those who compete, most will return again and
again. Those who don’t may be disappointed because they didn’t win a medal. I can tell you from experience, to win first time out is possible, with the right training (not just what your instructor teaches, but what you strive to be taught). It has a lot to do with attitude. Some people want it all and hope to get it. Others realise it is there for the taking, and grab on with both hands. Allow yourself the leniency to lose (don’t expect to always win). To learn by involvement is what we are all hear to do, whether you concentrate on gradings or tournaments. This is what builds character. Having a goal to reach gives you direction. Building on the skills you already have and learning new skills will get you to your goal in the right direction. But the level of competition is getting better all the time. You need to be committed to gaining experience, be prepared to loose gracefully, and take kowledge from your experience, along with some determination to beat those who beat you. A champion becomes so because of those he/she competes against. Never lose sight of your goal. Doing so might result in an unexpected loss. You always need to improve to stay on top of your game once you get there. I am proud to say that my sons are champions, but they are also humble, and realize that every time they win, they need to gain new and better technique for the next tournament, because those around them also want to win.

I recommend: Go to tournaments, you don’t have to enter, but at least watch. I guarantee you will be inspired by what you see. Maybe enough to want to compete.

My heroes: Sensei Daniel, without whom I would not be where I am. My son’s, I could not be more proud of their achievements. Sensei’s Todd, Wally and Colin, I want to be better than them. Sensei’s Antony, Simon, Natasha and Mark. We are on a journey together. Doug Hill and Heather Brownett. Inspirational family. All my students new and old: I love to teach.