I have always been into sports. I played Aussie Rules and Basketball, competed in sprinting and high jump, rode my bike, skated, all that sort of thing. My dad suggested that we start doing a martial art, and so, I picked karate. I decided it was more interesting than the others sports I was playing and dedicated more of my time to it. I studied in Goju-Ryu for around four years. I trained in a few other styles, ( freestyle kung fu, boxing, wrestling ) then I began employment with Go-Kan-Ryu Karate. I got right into it and trained a lot, read a lot of books and lifted weights. I took it about as far as I thought I could within two years. It had strengthened me, and, I was fast at distance but as soon as I came in close with an opponent I held no clear advantage. I competed regularly and won most the time, but I thought these competitions were teaching me unrealistic fighting methods as well. With these flaws in mind and looking to fill the gaps in my repertoire I researched fairly extensively into other styles. It seemed that Wing Chun's close striking semi-grappling techniques were exactly what I was missing.

My suspicions were confirmed in a match with a security guard in the car park of a local club, early one Saturday morning. We met a few more times and he beat me up some more then he recommended the Canberra Wing Chun Kung Fu Academy.

I went along to the classes and was impressed by Allan's skill and the fact that he had learnt with some of the top names in Wing Chun. The skill level amongst his students was high, and I decided it would be a good place to learn. The techniques were simple and effective, but to learn it was difficult because I was so indoctrinated from before. I learnt to not always try to use strength and size to my advantage, instead relaxing, and letting the science of Wing Chun do the work. It was like taking a few steps back but now I have taken many steps forward. I enjoy increasing my skills and this year I went with Allan to train with Wan Kam Leung in Hong Kong. It was interesting to see how they trained and what their strengths were. It also highlighted my own strengths and weaknesses and gave me more specific outcomes to aim for.

To me martial arts are more than just a hobby. It reaches into all areas of my life and encourages me to improve myself and remain healthy. It has allowed me to improve my physique, increase my coordination, improve my mind, and importantly, increase my ability to defend others and myself. I have also become a better person in general. This is why I enjoy it.