I first trained in 1979 with an Instructor from South Africa named James Rousseau. He was a large and powerful man, both physically and mentally. He played a big part in my development and as well as building my self-belief he built a strong foundation for my future karate.

I have trained in many countries around the world including Okinawa with World Chief Instructor – Sensei Morio Higaonna, whose ability can only be described as sublime.

Karate, for me, is a way of life. It has given me belief, strength and confidence. It has impacted my life positively, in so many ways, that I couldn’t possibly list them all. I love Karate, but by far the most satisfying aspect, is seeing the students we teach grow in confidence and stature as they strive for and achieve their belts.

Sensei Ffil is one of the founding members at Muscliffe. His first lesson was on our opening night in January 1995. His enthusiasm and support for the Academy over the years has been immense.  

He took his 1st Dan in 1998 and has continued through the ranks, passing his 5th Dan in 2012. He is an extremely valued member of our Instructor team.

My first interest in sport was rugby. I had 14 seasons playing for Bournemouth 1st XV. A chance meeting with Sensei Gary at work led me to start a beginner’s class in September 1997. Sensei Gary sold the concept of Karate to me by saying that is one of the few sports you get better at as you get older, which was not the case for my rugby!

Injury forced me to quit rugby, so I decided to concentrate on Karate as it had a lot to offer me. The discipline of rugby training 3 or 4 times a week was easily transferred to karate and the regular lessons has no doubt helped me achieve what I have so far.

I can now look forward to many more years training and enjoyment.

I started training in 1998 when I was just 4 years old, after having begged my parents to let me start.  I was lucky enough to pass my 1st Dan Black Belt when I was 10 years old, and my 2nd Dan at 12.  

Karate has given me so many opportunities and different experiences that I never would have had.  It has given me so much confidence and self-belief, I couldn’t be more grateful.  One of my favourite aspects of training at this Academy is seeing so many different children grow. learn and develop.  I have been teaching here since I was 13, so to see students work all the way up to Black Belt and even 2nd Dan has been incredibly rewarding.

Karate has truly been my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I have been involved in the administration of our Academy since the beginning back in 1995 with my Instructor/Husband Sensei Gary.

Having supported both of our Children through to Black Belt I then had the opportunity to start training myself in 2009. I progressed through the belt system and was awarded with my 1st Dan Black belt in 2015, an amazing day, one which I will never forget. I have since moved on to complete my 2nd Dan in 2017.

I absolutely love Karate, it’s a huge part of our lives as a family. I find the training immensely challenging both physically and mentally and incredibly rewarding.

We have also been lucky enough to witness the impact the training has on the families of our Students at our Academy. Karate has tremendous benefits for every aspect of your life and is a gift for life!