Back in 1974 Enter the Dragon was headline news and everyone wanted to be Bruce Lee, like many others at the time I started my life and love with Martial Arts. Over the next few years training in 2 different Kung Fu styles and then Karate.
Life has a way of preventing you doing the things you love and so I had a break from Martial Arts. In 1996 at the age of 40 I tried to join Jaguar Thai Boxing but the chief instructor at the time Kru Shaun did not want me to train. He thought I was too old and I had to get a get doctor’s note to prove I was fit enough to train. Training in those days was brutal. 3 sets of 50 was the norm for a warm up.
I loved the training and the life style that developed from being part of the Jaguar Club. As each grading came round, I really wanted to not just to pass, but to excel. Eventually I became a Kru.
The Jaguar Thai Boxing Club had a number of Satellite clubs, one of which was the Tyldesley Club. In 1996 I joined the Tyldesley Club and when the Tyldesley instructor moved away, taking over and running Tyldesley for 7 years.
I’m 68 now and well past my sell by date but still training to the level my body will let me. I like to pass on my experience through coaching and hopefully inspire others. There is no reason why anyone can’t train. Jaguar Thai Boxing welcomes everyone no matter how unfit you may be or disabilities you have. All we ask is that you are prepared mentally to try to improve yourself.
I do believe that any form of dedicated training improves you physically and mentally. Thai Boxing in particular changes your life style and enables you defend yourself on the street. This includes everyone young, old, men, women and children. You never know when it will happen, but it will to everyone at some point in their life. Being physically able to defend yourself and being mentally ready so you don’t panic is crucial.
Having practiced other Martial Arts Muay Thai is the one I have enjoyed the most. Training at Jaguar Thai Boxing has shaped and changed my life for the better.
