INTERVIEW: MARTIN BOOTH
Lizzie, who has put her gymnastic and dance prowess to good use in the karate dojo to catch-up with her brother belt wise and won a silver medal in kata at the recent K5 tournament. Although her sporting focus may ultimately lie away from karate, Martin is content his daughter has already learned some valuable skills. “Karate is equipping Lizzie with the ability to look after herself; to be able to defend and protect yourself at any stage in life has got to be a good thing,” he added. Of his own ambitions wearing a gi, the orange belt said he was pleased to have been given the opportunity to put his past teaching and coaching credentials to the test. “I had some surgery recently which meant I was out of action for a while and frustratingly had to spend sessions sat at the sides watching,” Martin explained.
7th Kyu MARTIN BOOTH North Camp
“I found myself spotting little things some of the younger students could do to improve their karate and suggesting ways they could better themselves. “Helping others to improve has always been a bit of a passion of mine anyway, so to be able to one day do that as a sensei would be great. “Beyond that I don’t know if I have got a firm target yet,” he added. “I know that getting to put on a black belt would be a massive achievement. “That’s Aiden’s goal and if there is a chance I can help him get to that point through my own karate, then that’s more than enough motivation for me to stick at it. “I just want to keep up with him as much as I can because if he gets too far ahead of me I’ll never live it down!” Whatever the future holds, Martin is not missing his former sporting love. “To be honest, I’m really enjoying karate,” he concluded. “I’m learning new skills, keeping fit and I am doing something with my family.” Spring 2019
SHIMBUN
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