You’re Never Too Old to Start!
I can say that with absolute conviction. I started my journey along the Wado path when I thought I was too old for anything other than golf. How wrong I was.
Karate was something I had always wanted to do, but never actually done anything about starting. However, after taking my son to the Frogmore class for about a year, Sensei Booty persuaded me to go along and give it a try. I did…… I went along to Sensei Wicks’ class at Fleet and I found that I really enjoyed it. That was the start, and 14 years on, I’m enjoying it even more.
Having progressed through the early Kyu Grades learning the basics, I tried to put those into practise through kimute (fighting). The basic techniques are taken to a different level during kimute, requiring a ‘flowing’ and responsive application, something which only happens now and again with me unfortunately. Having made a few attempts at National and Inter-Club Competitions and enjoying the events immensely, I found that age was definitely against me, that, and having a very poor left gykazuki, so I ‘retired’ gracefully form kimute.
However, the competitive drive in me is still strong, so now I compete in the much more sedate practice of Tanto Dori – Knife Defence. In July 2008 having been trained by Sensei Wicks, Gerald Taylor (my co-conspirator) and I attended the 5th Wado World Championships in Portugal and entered our first Tanto Dori competition. We exceeded our own expectations by winning the Silver Medal at the event.
I had been assisting Sensei Wicks in the Children’s class at Fleet for a couple of years when Sensei offered me the opportunity to take my own class at the Rushmoor Gymnastics Centre in Aldershot, which has been running since April 2004. I have found teaching has helped my understanding and application of Wado-ryu and I hope that I have been able to pass that on to my students.
Having attained my 1st Dan in February 2002 I said I would never grade again, but in August 2004 I found myself exhausted and a 2nd Dan........now 5 years on I am in training and trying to get my head around grading for 3rd Dan ……… so, once again,……… You’re Never Too Old.