Why Did You Start?

Karate was a part of my life for a couple of years until I was about 10, and my husband had joined his university team some years ago. We didn't see it coming back into our lives until a fateful knock on the door. We signed up our then five-year-old, I joined a few months later, and our eldest joined not long after that. For us "Withington girls," it was something to do together and a way of channelling some energy. When my husband joined two years after the rest of us, we were well and truly hooked. Then came an Assistant Instructor position, followed by an Instructor role nearly 14 years ago. Teaching a class – at one point with both of my daughters in assisting roles – has been a wonderful challenge, and I love to find new ways of helping others learn.

What Keeps Me Training?

Life changes over time, and now I'm the only one still training. However, each of us has taken something valuable away from our time in the club, be it friendship, the ability to defend yourself when needed, or simply the knowledge that you can achieve something despite restrictions or disabilities. I know when my daughters are home and meet up with fellow Red Tigers, they are welcomed like family, and that's the thing that keeps me going. I’ve had my ups and downs with injuries that continue to interrupt my training, and work has been incredibly stressful at times, yet that friendship and laughter are what keep me going.

Job in the Real World

I'm a Data Analyst for a media company. What can I say? I’m a geek who loves Excel and formulae!

Favourite Part of Karate

Kata, kata, and more kata. A one-to-one training session highlighted how much I love it. As I get older, I swear I forget one for every new one I learn; however, I’m persevering, and the support from others is always there to push me along. While injury has held back my kumite – something I need to overcome – I just love the technicality of kata, what it means, and what it does. It’s not just about making pretty positions; it has meaning, and I love that.

Hobbies Other Than Karate

I've dabbled in many exercise-related activities, and Pilates is becoming a must-have. I also love a good book and quizzes or puzzles. You may occasionally find me doing karaoke, though the less said about that, the better!