About four years ago I started a journey, one that would bring me great highs and lows, cause me pain and yet bring immense pleasure. During these years I made some wonderful, caring, thoughtful friends, friends that will stay with me for the rest of my life. These friends I’ve made have picked me up when I’m down, knocked me down when I’m up, and most of all saved my life when it felt all but over.

So what was this journey that has had such a profound effect on my life, has shown me that I can achieve anything, and that I can overcome all that I put my mind too? . . . Well it’s the National Korean Martial art, Kuk Sool Won.

And later this week I’ll be taking my final test for my Black Belt, my ultimate aim over the past four years. I’ve been thinking about what to write when this moment comes for some time now, and yet I’m still struggling. There is much to say, so many people to thank, and I just can’t seem to find the right words to express just how I feel, but I’ll try.

Kuk Sool Won has been good for me (understatement). OK, there have been times that I could have given up, and I looked for any reason to quit. But, and it’s a huge but, the realisation that, even during the bad times, I loved the challenges, being forced to confront myself, by myself. The exhilaration, the friendship, there was no way that it was going to walk away.

Over the years I’ve learnt much: kicking techniques, hand striking, forms, techniques, falling principles, sparring, breathing exercises, and etiquette. OK, I’m never going to be the stereotypical “ninja” you see in the movies, but I am the best, or very close to being ,the best that I can be, and that makes me very, very proud.

I can do things that I never thought possible, I have confidence, determination and passion for my martial art. At last count I’ve taken twenty testing’s, nine of which have been as a brown belt, and that’s over 50 hours of pain, passion and commitment.

So without further ado, here are some quick thank you’s, just a few of the many I have to say:

JIKJN Martin Ducker:

Your passion, drive and understanding have been an inspiration to me, without which I could not have achieved as much as I have. You have welcomed me into your school, your family, and had faith in me. Thank you Sir.

SBN Rob Poll:

Even when I tried to hide at the back of the class, you never let me take it easy, pushing further and harder, teaching me I can always do more. You have been my role model, my goal, my friend. Thank you Sir

SBN David Ellis:

You’ve never given up on me, even when I wanted too. You’ve encouraged me continually. I’ve enjoyed our classes and your great sense of humour enormously. Thank you Sir.

PSBN Jon Denny

What can I say, words are simply not enough. You saved my life and gave me my future. You have been and always will be my friend. You said to me a long time ago, “Which is worse, failing or not trying?” I now know the answer. Thank you Sir

JKN Helen Collis.

Without you none of this would have been possible. You have been my conscience, my instructor, and my healer. Through thick and thin, you’ve been by my side, even when it would have been easy to step back. You let me believe I was right, even when I was wrong, helping me to restore my crushed ego when things went bad . I dedicate my Black Belt to you. Thank you Mam.

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