Student of the Month - Nick Mogridge 3rd Dan
Nick many congratulations on being student of the month and agreeing to answer a few questions. Can I start by asking when did you begin your training in karate?
It was in September 1976 as I recall.
That is a long time ago. You must have many happy memories of karate, what is your favourite?
Passing my 1st Dan black belt grading on the summer course in July 1990. Over 20 years ago now!
Having trained for that length of time you must have had the opportunity to train with many of the top Japanese Wado instructors. Can you name some of them for us?
Yes, my present Sensei is M. Shiomitsu Hanshi and every two years from the early 1990s, I have also trained with Grand Master Ohtsuka 2nd and more recently his son Kazutaka Ohtsuka.
I have also in the past trained regularly under Tatsuo Suzuki Hanshi, who sadly passed away earlier this year, Kobyashi Sensei, Sakagami Sensei, Sugasawa Sensei, Iwasaki Sensei and the late Takamazawa Sensei.
I have been very lucky to have had the opportunity to train with these great teachers and very honoured. In 1992 I also had the privilege of going to Japan and training at Nihon University which was a great experience and one I will never forget.
Have you trained in any other Martial Art?
Yes, I hold a Brown Belt in Jujutsu and have done a little Aikido, Judo and Iaido, but karate really is my main discipline.
What is your favourite technique?
Leading hand snap punch.
I think most of us already knew that Nick having been on the wrong end of it more than once!
Thank you Nick, is there anything else that you would like to add?
Yes, karate has been a large part of my life over the years and through it I have made many wonderful friends. They have supported me through some recent difficult times, with the death of my mother and father and also my recent surgery for my knee and hip injuries. I would like to thank them all.
One last question; when are you going to be able to return to training following your recent surgery?
Now that I’m allowed to drive, I am already going back to the dojo, just to be at the side answering any of the junior belts questions. I should return to full training in late November.
Thank you Nick
(This interview was conducted by Sensei Graham Hopkins 5th Dan in October 2011.)
