WuChildNZ

My Sensei is in a wheelchair and he is frecken tank! here's a wee bit about him, I hope this is inspiration to those who are in a wheelchair and are seeking to do Martial Arts : Sensei John Marrable, Godan (5th Dan) John became interested in martial arts in the early 1970’s due to the Bruce Lee movies and “Kung Fu” series. As a paraplegic, since the age of 11 due to a fall while climbing, he felt vulnerable in various altercations whilst growing up so he was keen to learn some form of unarmed combat. He approached various martial art clubs in his area of North London, England but was told that beacuse he was in a wheelchair he “couldn’t” do it. This made John more determined and he taught himself from books and trained with friends who did kung fu. In December 1974 John emigrated to NZ and in January 1976 he started formal training in Kyukoshinkai karate. The Club was a member of “The Rembuden Institute of Martial Arts” whose chief instructor was Sensei Jarvis. John held the rank of 3rd kyu in Kyukoshinkai when Sensei Jarvis invited Higaonna Sensei to New Zealand which resulted in “The Rembuden Institute of Martial Arts” being accepted into IOGKF. One of the biggest highlights in John’s karate training was when Higaonna Sensei presented his own black belt to John at his first training visit to New Zealand. Higaonna Sensei told John that it was not a grading but an acknowledgement of John’s training spirit and determination and that he was to put the belt on his wall and look at it each day. John was graded to Shodan in July 1980 by Higaonna Sensei at which time he told John that he could now wear “his" belt. John still has the belt and wears it on special occasions. Higaonna Sensei has graded John at each of his gradings: Shodan: 1980 - Dunedin, NZ Nidan: 1983 - Spokane, USA Sandan: 1989 - New Plymouth, NZ Yondan: 1995 - Wellington, NZ Godan: 2008 - Okinawa, Japan John has been to Okinawa three times and at each occasion has been personally asked by Higaonna Sensei to do a demonstration. John’s other sporting achievements are: 1st paraplegic in NZ to complete a full marathon. Represented NZ and Otago in paraplegic sport and is still active in wheelchair basketball.

I think what makes a great Martial Artist was said my jet Li himself in the movie Fearless. I am paraphrasing here, but he said that "Every martial artist needs to analyze while he/she fights and also adapt to your opponents fighting stance while only using the style you have learnt"

When I reach 4th Dan, that's when i want to start up a dojo but under my affiliation (IOGKF). I just want to teach because I love it so much, I would also charge very cheaply like $100 NZD a year.

Hey I have been of karate for 2 years now after a solid year of practicing it, and Im looking to get back into after watching Ip-Man and Fearless again. Fearless was the one which inspired me to take up a Martial Art no matter what other people think about it. I have always somewhat however struggled with my kicks. i can always kick up to the waistline and sometimes if I try i can reach the upper torso. What are your tips and suggestionabout getting better with kicks?

Goju-Ryu 1 Year 7th kyu (Yellow)

I pay $130 NZD a year to train under a 5th dan teacher lol.

This is one of my favorite WuShu movies. I have never seen karate in a way that Ip-man shows it and makes it seem great. I love the Wing-Chun punches which are superb!

Just a quick question, you mean the founder of your association? or the founder of Goju-Ryu Karate? It is the family crest of the founder of Go-Ju Ryu - Miyagi Chojun

In my karate we have a organization patch which is the family crest of one of the founders of my style and that its. I like patches, it would be cool if everyone had a flag on their right shoulder to show what country you are from.

Although push ups are not needed in a grading, they do however test your arm and core strength and endurance. But in my gradings there is no certain number of pushusp you have to meet, you just have do as much as you can.

Just go for a Martial Art, that appeals to you.

In my opinion, when I recommend a Martial Art to a friend I don't. I recommend them to take up a Martial Art and tell them to choose one that appeals to them. I like it when my friends do different ones, so you and them can teach and compare through sparring each other.

Well I'm a 7th Kyu in my style.

Traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu for the win! the one I go to is apart of IOGKF