Zoe was a young teenager when she first walked into our dojo and discovered karate. It soon became her passion and she excelled, both as a student and teacher. Her profound understanding, powerful physical prowess, playful nature and gentle femininity was an awesome mix. Not surprisingly she became a highly sought after instructor and role model to other young women in our club.
In 2012 love of a good man took her to Calgary, Canada where she now lives with her husband and baby daughter.
Despite being so far from her home and karate family, she has continued her martial arts journey encountering a range of difficulties along the way.
She has kindly agreed to share her thoughts in this candid and honest interview.
When did you start practising karate and why?
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| Funakoshi's grave. |
I was 17 years old, so that's, 1997 I think! Growing up as a
teenager in Bristol made me realize that as a woman I needed to protect myself.
I would often go down town with my friends, we would see fighting and the male
attention was sometimes quite intimidating. Little did I know that Shotokai
Karate would become so much more than a system of self defense.
Describe your karate journey so far. What have been the
highs & lows?
I've seen associations split, egos clash and Karate reveal
people for who they really are good and bad.
But mostly I have had a marvellous time meeting some of the
most incredible and inspirational people in different countries around the
world.
Highlights being -
practicing with the Japanese Masters (The Yutenkai) in Japan and in
Pisa, Italy. Also practicing with the warm and exuberant Italians on the hot
sand in Pisa. Sharing great friendships. Watching people grow and seeing them
progress is the most satisfying and amazing thing.
Low point: Is probably right now actually. Trying to find my
way in North America and find people who understand what I am trying to teach.
Trying to get past the people who want instant gratification of just punching
and kicking. Its a long journey with many twists and turns. Sometimes you want
to just give up but something always calls me in my heart just to keep going.
Has karate informed your private life? If so, in what way?
Its made me the person I am today. I seek to be a better
person because of it. It turned my life around as a teenager and has constantly
kept the demons in my head that say 'you are not good enough' at bay. It's a
constant test of resilience and determination, this helps relationships and
goals in all areas of life. It has kept me humble, patient and generous.
How did having a family and moving away from Bristol affect
your karate aspirations?
Its tough, I miss helping dedicated people learn Shotokai
Karate. It will come. As I said above its another twist in my journey that is
testing my commitment. I have explored other martial arts and enjoyed what they
have to offer but I am always drawn back to passing on my experience. I love to
teach and I need to do what I love. I know that I have to have huge patience to
build a club and balance that with finding something new that fits with my
beliefs. Also having a child means she will always come first, she is my first
priority and any parent will know that it takes some time to adapt to this new
role and responsibility.
What qualities do you hope to find in a karate instructor?
HUMILITY!! Kindness and a genuine spirit for wanting to help
people become their best. An understanding of connection, long term progression
and the art of martial arts.
What would be your ideal practice environment? In other
words, what do you look for when assessing whether or not to visit / join, a
new club?
HUMILITY!! Kindness and a genuine spirit for wanting to help
people become their best! Not trying to
suffocate my previous experience. Openness and respect. FUN people, who don't
take themselves too seriously and who want to help others.
What has been your biggest martial arts challenge to date?
Canada!
What advice would you give to someone starting out on their
karate journey?
Persevere, stay open and try to leave your baggage at the
door of the dojo at each practice. Enjoy the journey, don't rush, be very
patient and kind to yourself and others.
Have you ever studied any other martial art apart from
karate and, if so, how do they compare?
Aikido, Kickboxing, Wing Chun Kung Fu. Each style has great
things to offer. Aikido for it flow and lack of violence toward your partner
(neutralize the attack). Kickboxing for its fast pace, great kicks, learning to
get in do the damage and then get out. Wing Chun for its fast compact
techniques that constantly stick to their attacker, a great system for street
self defence and as I like to call it, Telephone box fighting. Wing chun is a
great influence right now to me as it was designed by a small woman and
understands how to use the energy of a large male against them. I see a lot of
similarities between Wing Chun and Shotokai Karate.
What would you have written on your karate headstone?
Stay Humble. Be kind. Keep an open heart.
