INSTRUCTOR
SHAUN
Q1: How long have you been training in martial arts and which ones have you done?
I have been practising martial arts since I was 8 years old, for a total of about 10-years. Karate has been my main martial art, and I have also practised Muay Thai (Thai boxing) for a year.
Q2: What made you start martial arts?
My Dad loves martial art films and he wanted me to learn self defence, so he was eager to get me into a club. I loved fighting video games as a child and was probably watching too much Dragon Ball Z, so I really wanted to learn all the cool and flashy techniques!
Q3: Why did you become an Instructor / Sempai? (What made you want to or agree to when asked.)
Practising martial arts gave me a lot of confidence and discipline as a child growing up, and I still remember some of my old instructors’ teachings till this day. I became an instructor to give back this same feeling to others – it’s fulfilling helping students build their confidence and abilities. Being an instructor gives me a sense of responsibility for EMAA which I enjoy. I love the instructor team, it’s like a family.
Q4: What’s the best thing about being an Instructor / Sempai?
Helping and seeing students achieve their next goal, that could be getting better at a technique or getting their next grade.
Q5: What other experience do you have?
I had practised Shotokan Karate for about 8 years in total.
I had practised Muay Thai (Thai boxing) for about 1-year, focusing on clinch techniques and strike techniques using hands, feet, knees, and elbows.
Communication skills gained through presenting to various audiences at work is transferable as an instructor – having the ability to communicate expectations, standards, feelings, and feedback to students.
Q6: What do you do outside the dojo … what are your hobbies and interests?
I do marketing analytics at a media agency for my day job.
I love watching anime; my favourite is Naruto Shippuden. I also love going to the cinema – I’m a big fan of Marvel films.
I listen to a lot of music, so I often go to concerts and festivals. I once attended a 3-day festival, and holding Sumo Stance for multiple minutes in the dojo made my legs strong for that.
I like to play video games, so if you play Super Smash Brothers, get at me.
Q7: Favourite technique:
My favourite technique is front kick. So simple, so effective, and oh-so deadly when it connects.
Q8: Favourite food:
It’s difficult trying to pick a favourite food, but my favourite cuisines are Caribbean, Chinese, and Indian. The real question is though, are you going to cook it for me?
Q9: One interesting fact that people might not know about you:
You have to find out?