Mel James
CURRENT GRADE - 1st Dan
STATUS - Assistant Instructor
WHEN I STARTED TANG SOO DO - I started Tang Soo Do in the summer of 1994. My brother was also training at the time (Master James) and was studying for his 1st Dan. It was my brother and my family that encouraged me to take up Tang Soo Do as I was being bullied in school.
WHAT DO I GAIN FROM MY TRAINING?- I have the best friends anyone could ever have. that is enough for me to want to do this for as long as I possibly can. I have also gained confidence and knowledge within the art of Tang Soo Do. I also believe that we have a great fitness level which is important to me.
WHAT ARE MY GOALS?- The main one is to be part of a very successful academy, which looks like it could happen any day, we seem to be moving forward quite well! I want to reach my 2nd Dan. And I would like to combine my Fitness Instructing with my Martial Arts Instructing (teaching Martial Arts to music etc...)
FAVOURITE TRAINING DRILLS- I like to work hard and this is sometimes encouraged within teamwork. But i mostly enjoy forms in training as I feel this is my strongest area.
FAVOURITE TECHNIQUES - I love windmill kicks and roundhouse kicks.
AWARDS GAINED - Best Student certificate for grading white belt - purple belt. Best Student certificate for grading Purple belt - Green belt. Bronze Medal in the Euro Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan Fed, Girls Fighting. 1st Place Pirate Sport Karate (tournament winner) womens fighting, Sept 2004. 1st Dan Grading taken in summer 2005.
PROUDEST MOMENTS IN MY TRAINING - Being presented with my Dan Grade by my own martial arts hero is my proudest moment.