When did you first start training in Kyokushin Karate ?

I first started when I was 11 Years old.

What made you choose Kyokushin Karate ?

Well, my mother wanted me to have a hobby (personally I think she just wanted me out from under her feet) and rattled off a few sports that I could do such as ballet and netball but for some reason they didn’t really sound like my cup of tea. She then picked up the paper and showed me an advert for karate. My first thought was “she wants me to get beaten up”, but never the less I went along to have a look. Before I knew it I was in the line looking quite nervous when Sensei walked in. Surprisingly I picked things up quite easily, it’s not an easy style to do but if your determined like I was then you can go far.

To this day how long have you been part of the Kyokushin family ?

Well, I started when I was 11 so that was 1989, I then had to stop in 1994 due to being 16 and having to get a job and my job was working evenings so I kept missing karate lessons. When I turned 20 I said to myself that I should get back and train again, but I became a father in that year so going back was not an option. When my daughter was a bit older and my finances would allow me I started back again in 2005. Even though I had been out of training for over 10 years I never forgot anything, going back was like riding a bike. But there is one thing I did forget and that was how much I had enjoyed it, so I have been part of the Kyokushin family for 8 years.

 

What’s been the highlight of your career so far ?

So far the highlight of my career would have to be split between wining the British Junior Individual Championships in 1993 and also wining British Junior Team Championships in the same day and smashing 100 roof tiles for charity.

Do you have any future ambitions in kyokushin karate ?

Yeah , I have a few ambitions I would like to achieve:

1. I want to achieve my black belt 1st dan ACHIEVED
2. I’m currently studying the Bo staff (6ft pole) but would like to be as good as Sensei Richard someday. He has taught me to use Nunchucku to quite a high level.
3. I would also like to become an Instructor along side Sensei Richard Males, once I have achieved my black belt. ACHIEVED
4. REVIEW OF ABOVE... I now want to achieve my 2nd Dan

What do you think the benefits are of learning kyokushin karate?

Its hard. This is not the style of karate that just gives grades, students are made to work very hard for their grades. You get out of kyokushin karate what you put into it. Through all the years in school when i was bullied, my confidence was non existant, i was simply one of those people you didn't notice, nor cared about. Now, i have masses of confidence. I have made loads of new friends who show respect for me as i do for them. It has simply changed my life for the better and i have NEVER looked back.

 

 

 

Senpai Phill Breaking tiles for Cancer Research UK