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Lesley Deans
I was a member of a very
well known health and sports club which I had joined because of its
really good spa and pool facilities and although there was a gym I
only used it a few times, preferring the gentler spa pursuits. Then
in the Spring of 2005, all members received a flyer saying that Tai
Chi Classes and Karate Classes were coming to the Club as six week
trial cours es
for anyone who was interested. I’m still surprised even now,
because I called the club the same day and put my name down for both
classes! I think I was lured more by the potential for improving
body tone and flexibility than learning self-defence but was
intrigued enough to give it a try.
The course began in June
taken by Sensei Corin Pegden with the help of John Ward, who was
both a club member and one of Sensei’s students. It all seemed very
strange and I found I’d got two left feet and a memory like a sieve
which meant I would often forget what I’d done the previous week!
The teaching was good though - a mix of fun, discipline and hard
work together with loads and loads of patience for all of us
novices. All too soon the course ended with the promise of
recommencing in the Autumn but by now
I’d got the bug and wanted to continue. Any of us who felt we might
want to further our training were invited by Sensei to go along and
try one of his clubs at either Haslemere or Farnham. I didn’t
continue the Tai Chi as I found it too slow and, to be honest, quite
boring but took up Pilates as an extra activity and continued my
regular swimming with another member and friend.
I’ve heard it said several
times now that “the hardest thing to do is walk through the (dojo)
door”. This is very true. ‘Having a go’ at the sports club is one
thing, but turning up at a Dojo for real is quite another. To say I
was anxious that first night is an understatement, but turn up I
did! That was a little over two years ago now…………
 I
started training once a week at Haslemere and was quite relieved to
find that I wasn’t the only female there but one of several, some of
whom came with their children who were of qualifying adult class age
and beyond, and all of varying grade levels right down to almost
beginner like me. The Health club karate started again later that
year but was only for a 3 month period, so in order to keep up my
now twice weekly sessions I started training at Farnham in January
2006. Getting up early on a Sunday morning is never easy but the
hardship (or hangover!) is usually soon forgotten as the warm-ups
take over. In due course, I learned of Sensei Graham Hopkins’ club
in Aldershot and started training there as well, progressing from
occasional to regular visits
I can honestly say that
Karate is something I have done purely for myself and stuck at
without giving up, despite the rough patches where nothing seems to
go right and you feel like a beginner again. There are fun bits
too, the camaraderie is good
and new friends have been made along the way. I know I’ve got lots
of hard work ahead, with Kumite (fighting) a definite challenge, I
still prefer other aspects such as Kata and pair-work, but at 6th
Kyu now and hopefully 5th Kyu not too far away, I feel
happy with the progress I’m making. Who knows how far up the grades
I will get – the important thing for me is that I enjoy what I’m
doing. I like the fact that the learning process is never ending,
no matter how high a grade you are and I feel very fortunate to be
able to receive such excellent standards of teaching at the three
clubs I attend. Getting to grips with the Japanese and the
etiquette is also an enjoyable challenge. So is the feeling of
getting a technique right. I have to confess I’ve always struggled
with the turns and this is something I’m working hard to rectify.
My proudest moment in karate was at last years
inter-club tournament when I was named competitor of the day for my
spirit in overcoming my fears of entering! This was great boost for
me.
Lesley was chosen for her outstanding training
record, willingness to learn and first class attitude to training. |
