Katharine Sewell

I started training at Laurence Sandum’s Black Belt Martial Arts Academy on a bit of a whim in May 2011, joining the Jun Fan Gung Fu and Kali classes, and later Gracie Jiu Jitsu.

Initially my goals were to learn some self defence techniques and lose a bit of weight but, while I achieved both of these things, the more I trained the more I realised the real rewards of training; improved physical dexterity and speed, better strength and conditioning –  I’m still working on mastering control!

My self confidence has come a long way, from someone who was uncomfortable in new situations and with strangers to a more outgoing person happy to roll on the mats! And improving my discipline and focus has also had side effect of helping me lose over 15kg this year.

Moving up through the belts has continued to teach me about martial arts and myself. The enthusiasm and expertise of the instructors has made this more than just a hobby for me, and the support and friendship of the other students has helped me achieve blue belt in Jun Fan and purple belt in Kali. In the past 6 months I’ve also taken up Gracie Jiu Jitsu, and was very proud to receive my first stripe in this recently.

I would highly recommend martial arts training and particularly Laurence Sandum’s Black Belt Martial Arts Academy to anyone, any age, any fitness level, who wants to be the best they can.

Katharine Sewell
Academy Student
13th November 2013