I started training with Sutton Schools of Tae Kwon-Do at the Walmley Club In September 2007 after reading a leaflet advertising classes for beginners.

I still considered myself to be reasonably fit having retired from the Police Force in 2001 so decided to go along with my son in law despite my mature years (58) to see if my physical fitness was still good enough to take up the training regime.

On my first visit I was impressed by the friendly atmosphere and professional level of training offered and pleasantly surprised at what was required physically to become involved. There was no pressure on anyone to try to do anything that they were not physically capable of. The main emphasis being to work at your own pace with no pressure on anyone to cover the required syllabus for the various grading levels.

Over the years while a serving police officer I had received basic training in a variety of self defence techniques for use on the streets in confrontational situations but after taking those first tentative steps at Tae Kwon- Do I was well and truly hooked.

Over the past 4 years I have seen my physical fitness and flexibility of movement increase and surprised myself regarding what I was capable of achieving as I progressed through the grading belt system.

Tae Kwon–Do for me has now become a clear lifestyle in itself and I now train twice a week. I enjoy the friendly family and socially orientated atmosphere that takes place across a wide range of age groups proving that age is no barrier to taking part and enjoying Tae Kwon-Do.

My 6 year old grandson has now also become an enthusiastic member of the club.  I intend to practice Tae Kwon-Do for as long as I can and progress as far as I am capable of. I have taken many things from the club and I believe that it is important to now return something of this back by encouraging and assisting other students whenever possible during training sessions.

If nothing more I am happy for others to take encouragement by looking at me and considering, ‘’If he can achieve it. Then I most certainly can!’’           
      
Technical Gradings: Black Belt 1st Dan achieved December 2011
Black Belt 2nd Dan achieved December 2013
Awards: – Oldest Student 2009 
Student of the Year 2010, 2011 Walmley Club
Demonstrations: I have taken part Charity events at  Erdington Carnival (2008);
The Deanery School Summer Fayre (2009).

My Strategies learning Korean: Daily Studying Korean terminology listed in manual and trying to commit to memory.  As well as physically going through each pattern learned on a daily basis. While out and about walking during the day I try going through each pattern movement in my head counting each movement as I visualize the pattern. Then reciting the interpretation of each individual pattern.