I started to train in martial arts as a child for the sole purpose of a social activity and a bit of exercise. Very quickly I realised I was going to get a lot more out of it. From the start I have found the challenge of learning something that is both physical and mental incredibly fulfilling. I feed off the challenge of pushing myself to learn something new and taking the time to work on it, and grow as much as I can. I also always ask ‘why’. I want to know every detail, and why we do things a certain way, and have the technical understanding to develop all the skills of being a martial artist.
My training as a black belt versus when I was a beginner looks very different. It’s not always about learning something new and collecting new sets or techniques. It’s often about understanding something in a new and deeper way. Every time I train, I try my best to go in with an open mind; martial arts is about forever learning, and I think that can be done from everyone, students and instructors alike. I try to maintain that perspective constantly, but even more so with things I have known for a long time.
I love teaching martial arts for the connection I get to develop with students and being able to share my love of martial arts. I strongly value taking the time to get to know all my students, so I can always support them in their learning and time on the mats as best I can. I make an effort to be very approachable, so that all students can ask me any questions about their learning. I want their class to be as productive as possible for them, and I want to help them the best I can. I try to have 100 different ways to explain everything so I can always help the best I can.
I love teaching our kids programs. It’s so much fun and incredibly fulfilling to teach children, and contribute to the smiles on their faces as they feel pride for the new skills they have learnt. It’s known amongst instructors that I affectionately call the junior Brazilian Jiu jitsu program, ‘little Jiu Jitsu’; it’s normal Jiu Jitsu, just smaller. Teaching adult programs brings a different type of fulfilment. I have gone from telling, to creating a dynamic and detailed conversation about martial arts. I love knowing that students feel safe and comfortable approaching me, for any and all questions.
Training and teaching in martial arts also brought me into the friendliest and most welcoming community. I love coming to teach or train, knowing I will be surrounded by a group of the most warm hearted, encouraging and friendly people. All of my closest friends, who have now become my second family, have been found through martial arts.