03/09/2026
๐ ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ผ๐ฝ๐น๐ฒ ๐๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐บ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฎ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐๐๐ฟ๐๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ.
They see me teaching adult classes, coaching students, encouraging children, and helping people become the best versions of themselves.
What many donโt see is that I wear two very different hats every single day.
The first is as a senior instructor and follower of a small Japanese family tradition. My responsibility is to honour the teachings passed down to me by my Sensei, preserve the values and principles of Kaze Arashi Ryu, and ensure those teachings continue into the next generation. Thatโs why we donโt just teach techniques to our children and juniorsโwe teach the ethos, the respect, the discipline, the perseverance, and the traditions that sit behind them.
The second hat is that of a business owner.
Maintenance, finances, insurance, health and safety, staffing, planning, marketing, paperwork, building management, and making sure everything is in place so our members have a safe, professional environment to train in.
Sometimes those two roles work hand in hand. Sometimes they pull in different directions.
As a leader, there are occasions when you have to make decisions that not everyone agrees with. Thatโs part of the responsibility. You have to stand by your values, do what you believe is right for the academy, the students, and the future of the organisation, even when those decisions are difficult.
Being a martial artist is about far more than punches, kicks, throws, or belts.
Itโs about leadership.
Itโs about responsibility.
Itโs about preserving tradition.
Itโs about serving others.
Itโs about having the courage to make difficult decisions when necessary.
The truth is, youโre never really โoff dutyโ as a martial artist. The lessons, values, and responsibilities follow you everywhere.
Despite the challenges, the long days, and the weight of responsibility, I can honestly say that I absolutely love what I do.
I am still not the finished article but I genuinely believe this is what I was put on this earth to do.
And for everyone who trusts me, my team, our instructors, and our academy to be part of their journeyโthank you. It is a privilege I never take for granted.
