Safeguarding Lead Officer
Teaches at our Borehamwood and Leighton Buzzard After School Clubs
My journey into martial arts began back in 2002 when I was just 8 years old. As a kid full of energy, I was constantly on the move, and martial arts seemed like the perfect outlet for all that bouncing off the walls! I still remember my first lesson vividly, with Renshi Mark leading the charge. We were all swinging around wooden nunchaku, having a blast. I was a bit nervous at first, but within minutes, Renshi Mark had me right in the thick of it, throwing me around on the mat and loving every minute.
From that day forward, I was hooked. As I grew up in the club, I found myself drawn to helping with coaching whenever I could. Before I knew it, I was assisting with the kids training sessions six times a week. It was incredibly rewarding to pass on what I’d learned over the years and see other students blossom into talented martial artists.
Then, in December 2020, we lost Renshi Mark. It hit me hard, and it was a loss felt deeply across all the clubs. But I’m so grateful for the time I had with him. To this day, I still teach classes the way he taught me, carrying on his legacy.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the support and guidance of Soke Kevin Pell, the club’s founder. He’s been a constant source of inspiration and wisdom, helping me navigate my journey in martial arts. With his mentorship, I’ve climbed the ranks to Shodan Ho and now teach regularly. I continue to train under his watchful eye, always striving to improve.
My approach to martial arts is all about humility, resilience, and continuous learning. I believe in staying grounded, remaining open to new perspectives, and honouring the traditions of our ancient art. Soke Kevin Pell’s influence has been invaluable, and I’m deeply grateful for his guidance as I continue to grow on this path.
My Shodan grading in September 2024 was a pivotal moment in my martial arts journey. As only the sixth person in Ishin Ryu history to pass this rigorous two-day test, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and accomplishment. Standing alongside esteemed martial artists like Soke Kevin Pell, Sensei Sam Gladdy, and Sensei Del Shannon was an honour I’ll never forget.