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Name:

James Bore

Rank:

1st Dan Green tag

Style(s):

Choi Kwang Do. A little Aikido now and then, when I can

Main Style:

Choi Kwang Do

Why is this your main style?

It was the first style I ever joined, and I have stayed with it for a long time. Over that time I've become convinced (through my own experiences on the street as much as anything else) that it is an effective fighting style, as well as the numerous other benefits it confers. Essentially I'm now hooked.

How long have you been training in the arts?

Getting on for ten years now, I couldn't say exactly.

Any advice for people starting up in the arts?

Yes. Decide what you want from a style before you start looking around. Then only try those styles which can give evidence that they provide what you are looking for.

Greatest personal achievement in the arts to date?

Two really. Getting my first Dan, and managing to pull off a spinning side kick while drunk as someone charged me.

Reason for continuing to train?

Simple. I'm in love with the art, its now an essential part of my life. I couldn't face life
without it any more, plus I'm going for my instructors qualification to open my own school.

What else would you like to do and why?

I've signed up for a few other things at my Uni. Among them is shooting (guns, not grappling), archery and fencing. I've become more and more interested in the various aspects of combat. I'd also love to get into the scientific research of the arts, which will hopefully be my thesis.

Is your style a 'complete' style, if so why?

It depends what you want to use it for. If you want to use it to defend yourself from an average person trying to mug you on the street, or even someone with some basic training, a few friends, whatever, then yes. If you want to enter the UFC then no.

Have you competed?

Nope, considered it a few times, but then asked myself why and realised that I have no actual reason to compete.

Who do you most admire in the arts and why?

A friend of mine. He's gone solidly for the same length of time as me, never missed a grading, become the youngest student ever to receive a full instructor's certification, and he is damn good at it. He's now a third Dan, and he deserves it.

Do you think it is appropriate for kyu grades to help teach?

It depends. Some people will never be able to teach, simply because its not in their character. Others have the potential, but do not understand their techniques. Then you have those who have the natural ability to teach, and equally importantly, understand what they are trying to teach. If the kyu grade is one of these then yes. The lowest grade I've seen promoted to assistant instructor was a gold (fifth belt, ten months training minimum) but that person could easily have got the qualification earlier if they'd had the spare time.

 

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