I started training when I was 13 years old in Tae Kwon Do for about a year or two. Then at 17 and started training once again, this time in karate. Again for a year or two. At 22 years old I decided to train again, this time I had the bug and I was hooked, I knew then I would never leave. Three years later I started training in martial arts full time. I have been a full time instructor/student ever since. I love what I do, and would never consider ever doing another thing. I started in order to get fitter, be able to defend myself, and become a black belt. All of which I have achieved, and more.

What made you choose the style you’re in, and have you ever tried any other styles?

Primarily I am a karate-ka, but initially my main focus was in Maui Thai kickboxing and karate. Recently for the past few years I have been concentrating on Ju-Jitsu groundwork and weapons. What I have tried to do is to take the best bits from these four systems and incorporate them into one dynamic and exciting style of martial art.

How and why did you first get involved in NAS?

I had heard of the NAS tournament circuit in Australia, it was highly regarded and to win there was a real achievement. One of my black belts saw the advert in the Traditional Karate magazine and contacted me. In turn I rang James and asked if my school and I were allowed to enter and the next weekend I turned up and competed in Crawley. Since then I have been back to win the Champion of Champions. In 2007 I plan to take a strong tournament squad to these events, as I believe they are well run, the judging is not bias, and it gives all of us a chance to test out our skills against other martial arts styles and schools.

What life lessons have you learnt through martial arts and NAS competition?

The biggest lessons I have learnt are the lessons about me. What I am prepared to put myself through. How much can I endure? How must I change to become a better me. Martial Arts is you. Its your battle, your journey, how far you go is up to you, what you get out of life is up to you, and martial arts training will enhance this self belief that will help you achieve what you want in your life. Competition helps with recognition for the hard effort and time you have spent on yourself and your training. You never know, through competition you might actually find that you are better or worse than you think you are.

How much do you use your NAS performance as an overall gauge of your martial arts development?

It helps having lots of various styles competing against one another, so you can see what you are learning could work in given situations. My NAS victory for me is a culmination of 15 years of training, I am now 36 years old, so me to achieve this at my age against the young thin guys is a testament that experience can go in your favour.

Tell us about your weekly training schedule leading up to the NAS National Championships.

Luckily for me I train every day anyway, so I did not need to change a thing. I did work a little more on my speed work for about two weeks prior, but generally teaching and training every day keeps me in shape and on the edge anyway. In tournaments speed is crucial, so I recommend adopting some form of speed training into your schedule if you are serious. For kata, practice technique, technique, technique and yes technique. Speed and power comes from good technique, so focus on this and the rest will come.

Do you also follow a special diet?

I do not follow any special diets I just eat healthily. I have the occasional binge, splurge on sweets and even a beer or two, but everything in moderation is a must. Training every day you have got to watch your diet, if you do not fuel the tank, the engine will eventually break down. For me its lots of fruit and water. I also eat small and often, I graze rather than have massive meals. This I believe is crucial in keeping the weight down and the body in shape.

What is your favourite technique and the one you score with the most?

Without a doubt, a reverse punch. If you have trained with me and sparred me you will agree. This is the quickest and strongest technique most people have, including myself, and will always score my points than any other technique. My other favourite technique is a front kick. This is a devastating and fast kick and can win you many points.

How do you approach the mental side of competition?

I must stay positive and talk positively to myself at all times, even if I feel I do not have a chance. A positive mental attitude is essential if you want to be at the top. You muse believe in your mind and heart that you can win at whatever you are attempting. Another part of the mental game I believe is being nice to all of your other competitors and having a good time on competition day. I like to know people who I am competing against, and see that they are improving also. This shows respect and common courtesy, which is what I feel the martial arts are all about.

Any advice for those wanting to make the National Finals next year?

Just to train more often, 2-4 times a week is where it’s at. Make sure you put some speed training into your regime for sparring. Have and use a small variety of techniques and combinations that work for you, and then hone them so they are razor sharp. Try not to over complicate it, but remember have back up plans and techniques ready just in case. For kata, work lots on each individual technique and above all solidify your stances, kata needs a strong base to work from.