"The club that I run, I teach all the foundation of Tae Kwon Do but with added extra.

I teach Freestyle Tae Kwon Do, so am not bound by one way teaching method that I would have to do if I was with other tae kwon do federations.

In the club, I teach, keep fit, self defence, meditation and weapons as well as a strong discipline in place.

The club developed about just over 1 year ago, when I was feeling fed up of being someone else's student and felt that I was always teaching under someone else, and even though I was getting very good teaching experance, I felt I was just being used.

So I spoke to a few friends about starting up, just to train, everyone knew that I had been teaching for years, and most of them I had taught when they did tae kwon do with me.

So the day came, I was just looking to do some training but ended up teaching as soon as my friends came.

This soon became a regular thing. I started to look into starting up a club, and for weeks I was working on the name and design of the club logo and making a website as well as sorting out what federation I would be with.

I came across this federation called SEEMAF (South East England Martial Arts Federation) with chair man Mike farmer.

Through this federation I also get regular information on events that come up, so that my students and I can go and increase our study of martial arts. I find them really good, as they are also a freestyle martial art federation, and do not interfere with my teachings.

So I was underway to start to teach everything that I have learned over the years and to this day I am still studying other martial arts. I feel that being stuck to one type can hinder your development for improvements.

I also study a martial art called Zen shin budo kai nunchaku do under instructor Bob McCormack for which which I am studying the art of nunchaku do, bow staff and jo. So when my students get to a certain grade level, they will be learning that as well.

My way of teaching can be very hard, but fair at the same time.

I will push you to get the most out of you and will also support you to get the best out of you, this is the same with all students who train at my club.

I also train with my students as I believe that training with your students can improve your leadership and trust, as well as develop a better understanding. If your students see you doing the training they will know that it is possible to do what your doing.

I have been studying martial arts for over 20 years and have been teaching for over 10 years. I was taught by my father when I was 5 years old and I use his way of teaching and how he was trained today.

In those days you could get away with harsher training, unlike today. But that's not to say you will get any easy ride with me!

I love to teach and always have found this to be the best feeling. I always find it very gratifying to see my students execute the techniques that I have developed over the years."

Article by Torin Bailey