Is there any Martial Arts literature or video productions that you would recommend?

Yes, students can contact me in regard to these. However, as a purist, I cannot reinforce enough the importance of training regularly. You can learn some concepts from books & videos, but real effective learning comes from training in the dojo. The most effective learning comes from private lessons & practising regularly. “By working closely with an established teacher you obtain more guidance, understanding, inspiration, authenticity & support. It is through these forms of participation & experience that you are more likely to find fulfilment in Martial Arts.”

So we've obviously gathered that you far above the rank of Black Belt. Firstly, what is it like to attain your first Black Belt, and how is Martial Arts training different over the rank of 1st Kyu?

Obtaining your Black Belt is only the first step in following your karate path. Attaining my ‘Sho-dan ho’ required much dedication. Sensei Oakley was very strict & his standards & expectations were very high. Training consistently and obtaining private lessons helped me get there. A student needed to show total commitment especially in Kumite. In those days if you did not block you usually got hit. One learnt how to fight & defend themselves effectively. Also, one needed to work on their fitness outside of the Dojo.

To prepare myself I arranged private lessons each week. I trained 4 times a week in the Dojo. I would run 10 kilometres 4 times a week. I would do 200 push-ups everyday (4-sets of 50) and 400 sit ups daily. And practise my Karate every day.

Martial Arts training is different over 1st Kyu because it is more

My W.S.D. courses are practical & have been used in real life situations. Women realise they all have the potential to defend themselves effectively. I approach the classes in a friendly & helpful manner, and work mutually with Women’s Self-Defence Students to development a positive mindset and preventative attitude to dangerous situations. Women develop the confidence to cope in many situations, not only in a self-defence situation, but also their approach at work and in many other areas of their lives. It gives them the medium of empowerment.

Much of the W.S.D courses involve practical components, for example: how to hit an attacker without hurting yourself. Women learn how to punch, kick, and use their limbs more powerfully and effectively. We provide training equipment in class where women can get right into hands on practice and experience. It has been really great to see women --from a spread of different ages-- really enjoy this part of our course.