Joe Coules
3rd Dan

"I started training in Yoseikan karate nine years ago when I was seven, starting at white belt and working my way through the grades to at present being a 3rd Dan Black belt and Shodan in Bojitsu. Over the last nine years I have gained many achievements in Yoseikan karate but my biggest honour is to hold the title of the 'youngest junior black belt in the Yoseikan form of Karate' which I achieved when I was only thirteen. I first became interested because a couple of my friends went to the classes in old Woodham and I wanted to start some form of exercise, it has now become part of my life and my ultimate goal is to take over from Shihan Clarry when he retires. I train four evening a week, in each of the training session I also help teach the junior members of the classes which I really enjoy. I also enjoy the black belt class on Tuesday as these are specialist classes for only the senior grades. My favourite parts of the training is kata and sparring and in 2007 I won the 'Junior Sparring Contest' held at the Woodham Dojo. Over the nine years I have been training I have learned a lot of physical and mental disciplines, Yoseikan has built up my fitness and taught me respect. The training has also helped my overall ability to do well in other sports. Karate is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable arts there is and I always look forward to each lesson as there is so much to learn both practically and mentally, everyone no matter what their age should consider taking up the art".