Reason for starting Blaze
A friend and I were looking for a new sport to try out. I’d done judo before and so when my friend suggested kick boxing, I was all for it. After one lesson I was hooked – that was about four years ago!

My goals and objectives
My short term goals are to keep training, keep fit, continue teaching kickboxing and to continue having fun whilst training and ensuring all the students from the ninjas through to the adults enjoy the classes and go away with a smile on their faces (and sweaty t-shirts!). My long term goal is to get my second Dan in 2009. Following on from work I have done before with footballers with cerebral palsy, I am hoping to work with people with disabilities, training them in martial arts.

Why I became a coach

I started helping out with the classes at Blaze in 2005. I enjoyed it a lot and it became a more permanent arrangement about two years ago. I love working with kids who are like sponges and you can really see how much enjoyment they get out of it. For adults, it’s great to see people getting fit, flexible, enjoying their progression through the grades and persisting in reaching a goal. It’s a great way to meet new people, make friends and share a passion. I love seeing people achieve something they never thought they could do.