I started training in Qi Kwan Do when I was a kid. From the very first class, I was hooked. I loved the energy, the focus and the challenge of learning something new. It wasn’t just about punches and kicks, it was about building confidence, getting fit and learning discipline in a way that actually felt fun.
As I worked my way through the belts, I realized it wasn’t just the physical side that mattered. Every class taught me something about patience, respect and pushing myself to keep improving. Eventually, all that effort paid off when I earned my black belt, a moment I’ll never forget.
Getting my black belt also made me want to give back, so I became an instructor. Sharing what I’d learned and seeing other people grow has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey. Along the way, my younger brother saw what I was doing, joined in and now he’s also a qualified instructor. Watching him find the same joy and confidence in martial arts has been amazing.
Martial arts is one of the things that has shaped who I am and it continues to teach me something new every day. It’s about more than just moves, it’s about growth, energy and the confidence to take on new challenges, on and off the mat.