Martial Arts Secrets Launch Blog

Welcome to the 'Martial Arts Secrets' Blog!

This blog has been created to bring together resources, information, practitioners, or even those who merely have an interest in the Martial Arts.

Whether looking for self defence, competition glory, philosphical answers or enlightened wisdom, I hope to cover it all!

Ok, let's get down to business!

Firstly, who am I and what 'qualifies' me to set up a blog about Martial Arts?

Well, I would summarise by saying that I am a a keen sportsman with a keen interest in fitness, health, nutrition, and many other related subjects - I also happen to have a 3rd Dan Karate Black Belt! I have just over 20 years' experience (my first grading was in June 1985), and it was probably 3 months prior to that I first walked into a dojo with a scruffy t-shirt and track suit bottoms that reached just above my ankles!

How did I get started in the Martial Arts?

Difficult one. Well, like any young boy, I watched countless Bruce Lee films and learnt the moves (and the dialogue!) off by heart....and wanted to do spinning jumping back kicks just like in the movies! My parents thought it would provide good discipline for the future, and give me self defence skills that would allow me to defend myself...and I guess keep me out of trouble!

Why a Martial Arts Blog and not a Karate one?

Having gained my Karate Black Belt, and having an ever-increasing number of friends who were practicing various martial arts (such as Wing Chun Kung Fu, Lau Gar Chinese Boxing, Jiu-jitsu, Aikido, Judo, Taekwondo, Grappling, Kendo, etc), this provided a great opportunity to learn about other martial arts, their relative merits, and their most effective applications.

Not being a subscriber to the 'my martial art is better than yours' camp, I believe that there is something to be learnt from all arts - one of Bruce Lee's philosophies was to 'take what works for you, internalise it, and leave the rest' - and formed the foundation for his own martial art, Jeet Kune Do.

Any Achievements worthy of note?

The highlight of my competition days was becoming the British student karate champion whilst at university - in addition to serving on the British Karate Squad for a year, which was a fantastic experience.....I was also Richmond Borough karate champion for several years. Then, after the 10th friend asked my to help them get into shape/get fitter/ lose weight/ teach them self defence, I decided to become a qualified personal trainer, taught ciruits, Boxercise and general 'keep fit'...

What do I hope to achieve with this Blog?

I would ideally like to create a community of fellow martial artists (of all disciplines), that can serve as a platform for sharing of information, ideas, discussion, films, history, you name it!

Let's see where it goes from here...

Ok, that's enough about me (for now)! Looking forward to receiving some interesting Blog comments...in any case, I will be posting from time to time, so keep coming back!

Sensei G