Age 43.
How long have you been training in Hard Target? 1 year and 6 months.
Favourite technique and why? I don’t have a favourite technique, I love them all.
What do you enjoy most about Self Defence training? Learning new skills to protect myself and knowing how to do them confidently.
Favourite movie? Shawshank Redemption. Andy (Tim Robbins) believed he would be free one day and never gave up until he was free. He was a very clever man. I loved how he thought. He took things slowly, calmly and with a smile. This is how I think things should be done in life. No rushing when possible.
Favourite food? Italian and taco fries.
Describe yourself in 3 words? Strong, determined and disciplined in achieving my goals.
Most memorable moment in HT? My first night. I had no clue what I was getting myself into as I did no research. This was a good thing because if I did I would not have thought I would be able for the classes and wouldn’t have gone. Three days prior I thought just go, why not. I almost backed out on the night because I was nervous.
I just went to inquire about the classes and before I knew it I was on the mats doing my first self-defence class. Straight into it like I was doing it all my life. Being shown easy moves that you would never think of doing to get yourself out of difficult situations you could end up in. Well, I survived the night. I also realised everyone should be doing these classes, especially how things are nowadays. If I knew I was able for these classes I would have been doing them years ago. I loved my first night. I still love every night I go and all the lovely people I met along the way.
Favourite quote? Do what makes you happy.
If stranded on a desert island who would you choose as a companion and why?
Tarzan/MacGyver kind of guy who can fight off anything that wants to harm us. Has a fix it solution for any situation. I can learn new survival skills from and never want to leave.
If you could go back in time who would you like to meet and why? Jesus because without him I wouldn’t be as strong a person as I am today.
What type of animal would you be and why?
A bird. I can fly anywhere in the world because I love traveling. Free transport, accommodation and no hassle about the weight of my luggage being too heavy.
As the saying goes ‘free as a bird’.
How would you explain your basic life philosophy?
No matter how much life knocks you down, never give up, keep going, keep trying, stay strong, don’t worry so much, do what makes you happy, don’t be a people pleaser, always listen to your gut, don’t take anything personal, stay away from anyone who treats you badly, you will be a lot happier. Slow down. People’s opinions are just opinions. Always do what feels right for you. It’s never too late to achieve or learn new things/skills in life. Believe in yourself, love yourself, take care of yourself, you are stronger than you realise, enjoy life, be patient.
Everything works out in the end at the right time, maybe not how you thought or wanted but how it’s meant to be.