A different challenge.. 34 years ago

As I strode into the 6.6 degrees of sea water to complete another 500m towards the goal of this challenge, I recollected a very different challenge on this day 34 years ago.

In Durning Hall, Forest Gate, East London I stood in front of the Higashi Karate Kai technical panel comprising of 6th and 7th Dan black belts. I was taking my grading for my 1st dan black belt. The previous week I had been staying on a solitary retreat in a caravan in my friend’s garden in Wrabness. I had spent the week meditating and training in his barn. Not someone who could ever claim to be naturally gifted or talented at any physical pursuits it was karate and possibly this moment that helped me to understand the power of the mind and the benefit of determination and hard work. The photograph on the front page is not from that Saturday evening, but it does come from around the same era. Photographs seemed a lot rarer back in 1988!

Below is a photo from 2015 when I successfully graded for my 4th dan black belt in Bristol.

My current challenge also requires me to be focused, sustain challenging sensations in the body, to be quite precise with my bodily movements and most importantly not give up!

Interestingly I have recently decided to hang up my black belt after doing a lot of regular karate training last summer during lockdown in my garden. However the morning after experience is just too painful these days, which is in complete contrast to my experience of swimming. I’ve never been much of a runner, so my knees and hips aren’t in bad shape, unlike a number of my contemporaries. I still have quite good flexibility which I have kept going through stretching as well as chi kung and tai chi. However I am enjoying the swimming so much I think this is now my main source of aerobic exercise.

Just one swim to go to complete the mandatory distance for December.

Just after being awarded 4th dan black belt by the Western Karate Union.