Rank: 2nd Degree Black Belt

A friend introduced me to martial arts when I was 13 years old, at the time I was
overweight had no confidence and getting bullied at school. My first instructor was
Mr Andrew Murray, he encouraged me to take part in classes and helped me start on my martial arts journey.

At first Taekwondo was just a hobby that I did once or twice a week, however after my first couple of gradings I began training up to 6 times a week, entering my first competition as a yellow belt in 1995.

In 1997 my outlook on martial arts was changed dramatically by meeting Master Phillip Ameris, Technical Director for AIMAA. Master Ameris introduced me to the principal of cross training, in particular Taekwondo and Jui – Jitsu and the benefits of knowing not only how to fight standing but also how to fight from the ground.

From that moment I went searching for new knowledge which led me to training with various instructors in Thai boxing, Aikido, Karate and Jui-Jitsu.

In 1998 I became part of the AIMAA England Team and competed in the Heavy weight division in England, Ireland, Wales and Germany. In 2000 I was also part of the AIMAA England Grappling team against Ireland.

I gained my black belt whilst training under Mr Andrew Chambers. I now teach Taekwondo and enjoy passing on the knowledge to others that I have gained over the years, however I still train in WTF, ITF and Jui-Jitsu as I believe there is always something out there to learn.

Achievements:

• 1998 AIMAA British Championships 2nd

• 1998 AIMAA North of England Championships 3rd

• 1999 West Yorkshire Championships 1st

• 1999 AIMAA British Championships 2nd

• 1999 ACTS Competition Grappling 2nd

• 2002 AIMAA British Championships Grappling 2nd