I was born in Luton on the 13th of August 2010. I began getting Interested in Karate at a young age. However, I lacked the confidence to actually start. Finally in 2019 I worked up the courage to start taking lessons.
I joined the Zanchin Black Belt Academy in Letchworth, Hertfordshire.
For the next four years I trained under Instructor Sensei Sandra Ingham 4th Dan.
Sensei Ingham helped me to become more confident and she also helped me improve my karate techniques. However, I lacked in confidence when it came to practicing Kumite Drills I was concerned about getting hurt.
In 2023 my family relocated to Chesterfield, Derbyshire. I joined a new karate organisation, the KUGB and began training at the Chesterfield Shotokan Karate Club (CSKC). Its chief Instructor is Sensei Phillip Gandy 7th Dan. At first i was quite apprehensive but thanks to Sensei Gandy and the other Senior Instructors guidance, my confidence improved hugely. I was now able to fight without the fear of being injured.
Over a period of time and with regular training I was able to improve my Karate techniques. As a result I was given permission to take my 1st kyu exam under World renown Sensei Frank Brennan 8th Dan. I passed.
After a year of training Sensei Gandy told me that I was now ready to take my 1st Dan black belt exam.
I took the grading on the 8th of June 2025. I passed the basics and the Kata but fell just short in the kumite..
Failing this exam caused me to lose confidence,. However, thanks to the support and encouragement from my family and club members, I pushed through and started training harder than ever.
After a further 3 months I retook my kumite exam and passed. I was now a KUGB 1st Dan black belt.
Karate has given me so much. My confidence, fitness and mental ability have all improved hugely.
The journey from beginner to black belt is a very long difficult road, but the benefits are worth it.
I have now began the 2 year syllabus for taking my 2nd Dan. For the future, I intend to train on lots of KUGB courses and to enter competitions .
