an interview with MARK WHITE
NAS Champion of Champions
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How did you first get into martial arts?
I first got started into martial arts at 16 years of age when I experienced bullying at school. I decided to take up kickboxing as I felt this was a great all round martial art and believed it would be a good art to use if I needed to defend myself. At school I was a bit soft spoken and often the bullies would have a go at me, so my passion for martial arts was a necessity. Kickboxing is full contact and tough and by starting with kickboxing it will get me tougher and for this reason I started my martial arts with kick boxing.
18 years on I have tried many other types of martial art, I currently hold the rank of Shodan in Shotokan karate. Obtaining the grade of Shodan was one of the most remarkable achievements of my life and one I will always cherish and never forget. The blend of both Kickboxing and Karate is contrasting to say the least but equally gratifying in confidence building. Learning another form of martial arts adds to my knowledge and to me, as a martial artist, participating in Shotkan gave me structure.
What are your most effective scoring techniques?
I find the main scoring technique within semi-contact competitions is undoubtedly the reverse punch. For me it gives that added quickness I need to deliver my scoring punch and also it works well for a competitor of my height and physical reach. The other favorite technique of mine is the roundhouse kick and punch. Over the years these two winning techniques always prevailed. I use other techniques but when I need to score quickly, I return to my bread and butter techniques.
Do your tactics change with each match?
Yes of course, it is very stimulating to say the least when competing in NAS tournaments because your opponent for each bout will come from a different martial art style to yours and it’s important to carefully observe them and, most importantly, you do not want your opponent to knowingly anticipate your next move. I use various punches, kicks and stances, in general I try to change my attacking techniques each time I am competing in the ring.
Why NAS?
The Falcons Kickboxing Club first competed in NAS in November 2006 and found it very well run and extremely professional. The National All-Styles tournament organisation was chosen for its wide range of styles, variety of ages and grades, and it provided a non-political ground where artists from all styles can come together to compete in a friendly, unbiased and mutually respectful environment, it was an ideal fit for our club and me. I wanted to test my fighting style against other styles. I believe my training and my techniques would be a force to be reckoned with when matched against different styles. When I discovered NAS tournaments I felt it necessary to test myself and members of my club to also be tested. NAS is an ideal fit for my organisation and I will continue to compete for years to come.
What do you believe readers can get out of competing?
In order to truly test your ability as a martial artist it is essential to test out what you have learnt by competing. NAS is a great organisation to do this with as they operate a non-contact policy, which is fantastic for beginners as well as testing the accuracy and the ability to control the techniques of the more senior martial artists. Readers will be able to see, Kung Fu, Karate, Kickboxing, Tae Kwan Do, Mixed Martial Arts competing in one arena on a non-contact platform and most importantly seeing the kids perform is a spectacle for all martial arts lovers to observe.
Personal profile of Mark White winner of
Champion of Champions 2007.
I started training in Kick Boxing at the age of 16, in which I competed in many full contact competitions. Two years on I also trained in Shotkan Karate in which I competed in many semi contact competitions. I had a small break of 4 years from martial arts when I joined the armed forces. This was also a great mental toughness experience for me and I often realized that my martial arts training would play a great part in staying extremely focused However, within my time in the forces I continued to do as much as I could by practicing boxing.
After leaving the armed forces I re-joined my previous club where I stayed until I set up my own club, known as The Falcons Kickboxing Club at the beginning of 2006.
I teach Kickboxing as a hobby on a part time basis. My love for martial art will never die and also my passion for competition is very strong. My full time career is as a Contracts Director within the construction industry.
Away from both Kickboxing and my full time career, in my spare time, apart from training, I enjoy films, action packed thrillers, socialising with friends and eating (all healthy, of course!) Nothing is better than well-cooked healthy foods.
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