jonbey

Hello

I only just spotted the intro section, so here is my intro.

I started martial arts at 18 when I went to Preston Uni. Learnt Hung Kuen Shaolin 5 pattern kung-fu. That was in 1992. I failed my Uni course (astrophysics) so had to leave, and pretty much spent the next 10 years looking for a club I liked. 1993 I went to Coventry Uni, where I tried Jujitsu, Ninjitsu, Aijkido, fencing, Wushu, Lau Gar, White Tiger Kung-fu, and Lee family Tai Chi (1993-1997). I also spent a year in Farnham (1995) where I did Yang Tai Chi for the first time, plus some kick boxing. One summer I found a really good Yang tai chi club in Colchester too.

In 1997 I came home and did some more Jujitsu and Aikido (but did not get on with the classes). Also did some Taoist Tai Chi (which I also did not enjoy - it was not martial). Then in 1998 I went to London, tried some Wing Chun (did not like the instructor). Gave up looking for clubs in London (annoying now, as I lived in Walthamstow, which is close to some very good Mantis (Master Paul Whitrod) and Tai Chi (master Jim Uglow) clubs - but I had other things on my mind then.

In 2001 I moved back to Chelmsford (UK) and did some more Wing Chun, then found a good Yang Tai Chi club (a student of Jim Uglow taught it). But it closed. Then found the Chow Gar praying mantis that I am still doing now. I think I started Mantis in around 2002 - I cannot actually remember what year I started it!

I am still overweight, as I have not been training hard enough. Also my first child was born 2 weeks ago, which takes up all of my time! I have 3 weeks off work for paternity leave, and I planned to start exercising harder by running every morning, and weight lifting 3 times a week - but I am totally knackered the whole time! Every morning I wake up feeling like I spent the previous day in the ring. Sleep deprivation is a killer.

Well, Beni is sleeping, so time for bed. nice to meet you all!

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Health and Fitness