 |
 |
||
 |
 |
||
 |
|
||
 |
|||
| . | |||
| . |  |
Instructor Profiles Mr Paul O'Connor, 3rd Degree, has been studying the martial arts since 1980. His first encounter was at the Wellington Samurais Judo Club, where he trained for 3 years. He also tried various styles of Karate, culminating in 1985 when he started training in Kenpo. Achieving 1st degree in May of 1994, his 3rd degree was awarded in September of 1998. Paul has also trained in many other systems including Ki Aikido, Tai Chi, Tae Kwon Do, Mushindo Kempo and Wing Chun among others. He enjoys weapons, which adds another dimension to his training; the Nunchaku, Escrima, knife and Three Sectional Staff being his favourites. Paul also explores the weaknesses of the human body, part of which is the study of cavity presses. The TKTA opened an adult class in November of 2000 which Paul Instructs. Paul took the Red Cross certification in Basic First Aid which includes sports injuries in April 2002. This will need to be renewed every 3 years. February 2003, following an amazing seminar on knife fighting by Professor Tom Sotis, Paul joined the International Blade Fighters Guild "IBFG". This will help to further expand his knowledge and ability in both combative and martial arts fields. For the last few years Paul has concentrated on training for reality as opposed competitive training. Kenpo and the study of the blade is a very good foundation for this. The study of the blade has also regenerated Pauls interest in making knives. He now makes a few stock removal blades of varied design and dabbles in forged blades. Mrs Jo O'Connor, 2nd Degree, has trained in the martial arts since 1985. Jo has predominately studied Kenpo with several years in Tae Kwon Do. She was awarded her 1st degree in February of 1995, 2nd degree in November of 1997. Jo's experience of regular teaching started in 1996 and since 1997 she has been concentrating on junior grades. She has established the specific methods required for training the young martial artist. In addition to these fine qualities Jo has an awesome reputation with senior grades. Often to be found in the thick of a technique line up, bringing opponents twice her size to their knees. It is this confidence and passion for teaching that makes the TKTA one of the UK's leading clubs. With Jo's guidance several of her students have made National Champions in 1997 and 1998 (1998 being the last TKTA attended Nationals). Jo took the Red Cross certification in Basic First Aid which includes sports injuries in April 2002. This will need to be renewed every 3 years. Mr Mark Cowling is a guest instructor, with many years of experience. He studied Wado Ryu Karate for several years before starting his Kenpo studies. Mark was awarded his Kenpo 1st Degree in September of 1998. It was exceptionally tough, as he was unwell. The grading panel were unaware of this fact especially as his performance showed no sign of weakness. Mark further contributes to the TKTA as a member of the grading committee and actively attends other club events. |
. |
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
| . | |||
 |
|||
| . | |||
 |
|||