ATMA

General Details

 

Hi, my name is Kim and welcome to my web page. I'm the ATMA Instructor at Exhall St Giles School and I have a mixed class of men, women and children.

I see martial arts as very different from other activities (sports, aerobics, gym work etc). It's not just about what the body can achieve, but other things like history, character, spirit and mental strength. Though our training is progressive, it is underpinned by traditional values which mean that we treat each other with respect and courtesy and honour the art we practice.

There's a great spirit amongst everyone who trains with the ATMA. Help is there when you need it and information is available freely from black belts to master grades. If you want to learn, there really are no barriers. All aspects of my life have changed for the better since I took up Tang Soo Do - it's fun, worthwhile and completely addictive!

I enjoy supporting my students in their training and get a great deal of satisfaction seeing them improve over time, through their own hard work, dedication and practice.

Our organisation has gone from strength to strength since the ATMA was founded - we are a forward thinking organisation that encourages exploration of all the martial arts, with enthusiastic students that love what they do.

I hope I've persuaded you to come along to one of our classes - I firmly believe that the martial arts are for everyone and that means you too!

 

 

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Additional Info

Most Admired Martial Artist:

Most people interested in martial arts have probably seen a Bruce Lee movie and would agree that he influenced many martial artists in the 20th century. Not only was he a martial artist; he was also an actor; philosopher and founder of the Jeet kune Do combat philosophy. There was so much more to him than just the films he made. His dedication and discipline were awesome.

For introducing me to the world of Tang Soo Do, Master Jacqui Fisher. Making that first step across the threshold of a Dojang is one of the biggest challenges any potential student will face, but when you're in your late 30s and female, that challenge is multiplied times 10! But I needn't have worried - I was welcomed to class by an instructor who was warm, friendly and had a sense of humour (very important in martial arts!).

At my first class, I felt awkward and uncoordinated (nobody forgets what it's like to be a beginner!) but it was fun and different and I was learning self-defence that could help me in my everyday life. At the end of the hour I felt shattered but elated and totally enthused to learn all I could about Tang Soo Do.

Master Fisher showed me that I could achieve anything I wanted to, with hard work and determination. How right she was - I was very proud when I received my 3rd Dan belt in the Summer of 2007; the culmination of many years blood, sweat and tears! Now I hope to provide some inspiration to my students - if I can do it, anyone can.

Never let anyone tell you you're too old or too girly for martial arts!

The other great thing about training with the ATMA is having the opportunity to do things as a family. I train with my husband Brian and my children Elliot and Alison. It's great to be able to train together and of course that means there's always someone around to help you with your training.

Other Hobbies:

I don't have a lot of spare time, but I love music, films and reading fiction. I also enjoy dancing and I attend a swing-jive club.

Last Book Read:

'Bad Luck and Trouble' by Lee Child. I discovered Lee Child's books a few months ago when I bought his first novel 'Killing Floor'. His books are brilliant action thrillers.

Favourite Book:

I have two favourites:

Insomnia by Stephen King - An amazing sci-fi fantasy book by an iconic author. It draws you in until you feel you're right in the middle of the battle between good and evil. It's the one I turn to when I've run out of new reading material - I've lost count how many times I've read it!

Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett - I'm a huge fan of all things Pratchett, and this novel about Death mixing with folk on the farm after being laid-off from the 'day job', is one of my favourites. It's funny and poignant.

Favourite Films:

Depending on my mood and in no particular order:

When Harry Met Sally - Brilliantly funny one-liners from Billy Crystal

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon - The beautiful story telling, electric fight scenes and haunting music makes it one of my favourite martial arts films of recent years

Amélie - Beautifully shot French film. It's quirky, funny and romantic.

Armageddon/Die Hard 1-4 - It's Brucie - need I say more?

Of course, if all else fails, there's always Hot Fuzz or Toy Story!!

Favourite Music:

I like anything and everything - from classical to rap - disco to indie

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