background

I began my martial arts study after a potentially life-threatening incident. I grew up and lived in a small town with a great sense of community. At the age of 16 I was in living in the city for 6 weeks while I attended trade training. Fiercely independent I refused to be looked after so stayed in a motor camp on my own. Alone in a big city and big for my age I decided to go to a night club. It was kind of fun until there was a fight outside and a young Māori man was seriously injured by a white male with a softball bat.  Even at that age I was well trained in first aid and rendered assistance. However, I was naive and once the ambulance and police left, I found I was the only white male left in the area and I was covered in blood.  While trying to get to the train station two situations arose where I was accused by groups of being the perpetrator of the attack.  I was in mortal danger and powerless to defend myself. Fortunately, on both occasions’ strangers, who happened to be Māori, took their own risks, stepped in, and stood up for me. If it were not for them, I would either not have a life or it would have been very different.

martial Arts

I knew that Martial Arts could teach efficient and effective self-defence techniques. Experts could protect, not only themselves, but their families and societies. If I wanted to continue to serve my community in risky roles I needed those skills, so I joined the Judo club in my small hometown and later Karate. Today I am a Shodan in Judo I am also doing some Shotokan Karate, Aikido and Kyudo.

worklife

Made redundant soon after our first child I had to take employment as a Corrections Officer just so I could pay the bills. It was supposed to be temporary, but I remained a Corrections Officer for 13 years. I developed an interest in the custodial management of prisoners with mental disorders and or suicide risk and received awards and recognition for this. Part of those rewards was a scholarship that enabled me to gain a degree in psychology and a postgraduate certificate in forensic mental health.  In 1986 I was seconded to our local health board for two years to help them set up the new role of Suicide Prevention Coordinator. I did not return to Corrections and worked in suicide prevention and community trauma for 12 years. Continuing to study, I added a Post Grad Diploma in primary mental health and a Masters of Suicidology to my list of qualifications.

Working with people facing years in prison, patients who are in pain and afraid, sitting with someone who has lost a loved one and when running mental health and wellness seminars I find the knowledge and skills I learned in martial arts are often of more practical use to people than my qualifications in psychology, sociology, paramedicine, and suicidology.