I first started the Korean Martial Art of Taekwon-Do in 1997 at Stratford Taekwon-Do Club and was and currently still am taught by Mr. Archer VI Degree and President of the TUK.
I distinctly remember my first training session at Mr Archer's club like it was yesterday, I thought that I was reasonably fit at the time and did not anticipate the extreme work out and exhaustion that went with that very first training session.  The warm up session seemed to last for hours when in reality it was probably less than thirty minutes long.

This all over body conditioning was something that I had never experienced before and I remember my disappointment at having to wait another two days until I could once more push my body to the extreme that I had during my first training session.  I recall willing the clocks to move quicker so that I could feel the adrenaline from Taekwon-Do pump through my veins once more!

Over the years I have competed in International, Six Nation and National events achieving various awards from Gold to Bronze medals including a World Silver medal in the GTF World Championships, Rimini, Italy in 2000.
I passed my black belt in 2000, my best achievements to date as an instructor has been having various South Leamington students achieving 2nd degree status and win black belt international and national medals under my instruction. I also get a great sense of pride when I witness any one of my students (white belt to black belt) successfully take another step in their Taekwon-Do journey and pass a grading or master a technique they have previously struggled with. I strongly believe that if you train more and train harder than your opponent then you have a good chance of defeating your competitor I teach my students the importance of dedication and the rewards that can be reaped through perseverance.
 
A famous Roman Philosopher Seneca once said ‘Luck is when opportunity meets chance’ and this saying is true to my ‘chance’ discovery with Taekwon-Do.  I was ‘lucky’ to of discovered this martial art and have tried my best to make the most of the ‘opportunities’ that this martial art has presented to me.  I would not of thought I would still be involved in Taekwon-Do after so many years however, still having the adrenaline pumping through my veins like I did that first training session means I keep returning week after week.

A quote I have always referred to for inspiration in Taekwon-Do and in general life.
 
“The task may be difficult and there are many despairs that will taunt you and require much patience of you, but if you are willing to make the effort and commit yourself , the rewards are limitless, more than you can really imagine.” Grand Master Hee Il Cho