Please join us in congratulating Paul on achieving his 1st Dan black belt in Jeet Kune Do on Saturday.
Paul, or Sifu Paul to our junior students, has been training with us for nine years.
So we sat down with him and caught up to find out a little bit more about his journey from a white belt through to his 1st degree black belt.
What made you take up martial arts?
I started boxing when I was 40. But after a few fights, I decided I would rather not be punched in the face every week, so I looked into martial arts instead!
TMA and Sifu Tony were actually the people who helped me get ready for my first fight, so I was already aware of what they offered.
I liked the sound of the Jeet Kune Do and also the Kali program, so I decided I’d sign up and give it a go.
What do you like most about being a martial artist?
I feel more equipped now to be able to defend myself should I ever need to. I also feel much fitter and much healthier than I did before.
The level of fitness I’ve achieved through martial arts is like nothing else I’ve ever done. I’m also stronger, quicker and more agile than I ever was – I dare say I would walk rings around the 25-year old version of myself!
It’s also nice sharing this journey with other people. The classmates that share your successes and drive you on at the times when perhaps you’re not exactly feeling 100% motivated to train.
Have there been times when you’ve lacked motivation?
Yes, absolutely. Like anything in life, you go through peaks and troughs when it comes to motivation.
The one thing that does help is having other people sharing your journey with you. They give you the motivation to come to class at times when perhaps you’re not feeling up to it, or when you’re not feeling energized or motivated.
But again, like anything else in life, you soon snap out of it, and then you go through a period of wanting to train every single opportunity you can.
Has this improved other aspects of your life?
I feel more confident that I can take care of myself, so I don’t find myself worrying about potential situations as perhaps I used to.
I’m also stronger in the gym, and going to martial arts has helped me be more consistent in other activities.
I’m probably also calmer than I used to be.
What were your apprehensions before joining?
That I wasn’t good enough, fit enough, strong enough, capable enough or mentally strong enough to do well at it.
I thought I’d be surrounded by big egos and a class full of ‘experts’ and I thought it would be a really intimidating environment.
How wrong was I!
The mix of students when I joined covered all levels, so I wasn’t alone. I was made to feel welcome, and the senior students at the time were more than happy to help me, guide me and train with me.
Not once did I feel intimidated.
Every week that passed, I found myself becoming more and more part of the class, and the club.
Would you recommend martial arts to others?
Yes, absolutely. if you’re looking for something that’s technical, a little bit skilful, that will get your fit and help you defend yourself in the street. I can’t recommend Jeet Kune Do enough.
And the only things you need to improve, get better, and achieve your belts in martial arts, iis consistency. That’s it, the rest will come.