Linda Marchant ~ a resume of my Martial Arts career
Born 14.1.1964, on the Isle of Wight, a small Island
off the South Coast of England. My mother practised yoga and I also used
to watch my father play hockey from the age of 5, so it is no wonder that
I developed such an interest in these sports and activities
later on!
I was a very energetic and boisterous child and when I was 10, my mum took me along to the local Judo club to help me release my energy in a more controlled manner! I liked Judo and the physical hard work that it demanded and it seemed to like me. I continued training for 8 years and achieved junior 1st Kyu (there was no junior blackbelt) but I felt unfulfilled in the training, as the style of Judo I practiced did not teach the kata, which I now know exists. Perhaps if I had practiced in a more traditional club, I would be writing a different story!!
I was always interested in karate, and so I started
classes in Wado Ryu (I was 17). I enjoyed these immensely and my past
Judo training meant that I found kumite easy. I was fairly fit, through
Cross- country running at County level and I had just started rowing,
so I found that I could concentrate on the actual karate moves, rather
than struggle with fitness. Unfortunately the club had to close, as the
instructor was moving away and so I found Sensei Mike Lambert of Goju
Ryu. I was 18 and knew Sensei Mike for many years but did not train with
him until that time.
I loved the training and although Sensei Mike was not always at the dojo,
I used to spend additional time with him and spar with him as much as
possible. These sessions were in and outside of the dojo and it sometimes
took on the form of surprise attacks to enable take downs and holds, on
all types of surfaces, stairs, carpet, concrete, sand, but I never got
hurt (I think that is youth for you!!). I continued to cross-train in
different sports, hockey, rowing, squash, even a bit of ballet and aerobics
and of course yoga. I loved the variety of training and although I do
not think I truly realised it, the fitter I became the more energy I seemed
to have!!
I started working for Nat West at the age of 19 on 4th January 1983 in the branch at Ryde, Isle of Wight branch. I remember my first week very well, because I really wanted to make a good impression, so sent out so much post that I got glue poisoning from licking so many envelopes and had to take a day off-sick!!!
Having had the opportunity to play hockey for the Bank in London, I was so impressed by all the sports facilities that were on offer, that within 18 months I was accepted for a transfer to London. I was sad to leave the Isle of Wight, but the pull of the opportunities that I truly believed lay ahead, made me determined to make it a success. I drove a small motorbike, then, so Sensei Mike very kindly drove all my belongings and helped me move into my new lodgings in Croydon. He then gave me the best leaving present and advice of them all, a letter introducing me to Sensei George Andrews of 'The Marble Factory', Camberwell and told me to go there and train, because "he is the best there is "!
It was 20 years ago when I came to London, in August
1984 and I have never looked back!
I pursued the sports and interests which I loved for Nat West Bank, and
was very fortunate to row and compete at National level, Captain the ladies
1st X1 hockey team and play at County level, but most of all learn the
wonderful life changing art of Goju Ryu karate with Sensei George and
become his Uchi Deshi.
In the first 5 years, I trained twice sometimes three
times a day to fit everything in (rowing at 04:00 before work was not
fun!) and it was not unusual for Sensei George to pick me up from a hockey
match on a Saturday afternoon, before travelling to Oxford or some other
such place to train.
However, I believe that this hard and consistent training, which continued
for 14 years (although we discontinued the early morning rowing!), has
enabled me to maintain form and fitness now. I am delighted to have won
the titles of National, European and World Champion in karate and the
78 cups, trophies and medals which I have won in all my sports over the
years, felt like a nice pay back at the time, particularly for my parents
and my grandparents who backed me financially so that I could undertake
all the travelling and of course Sensei George who put in as much time
and energy in his teachings!
The first time I met Higaoanna Shihan was in 1987, at 'The Marble Factory', Camberwell as he was conducting a weekend course and then continued with the lessons the following week. It was absolutely wonderful and inspirational training and I felt so honoured and excited to meet Sensei George's teacher, particularly when we used to go out after training, for bowls of noodles, what a treat! Higaonna Shihan's warm, friendly and unassuming nature, made me quite forget his living legend position in the Martial Arts world and the very privileged position I enjoyed, to train with him. It was at that time, that I was inspired to train more intensely in my karate and always do my best in training for both of these great Sensei's, who always gave me their best in their teachings ~ thank you.
I have concentrated solely on karate for the last 6 years and although had a small pause in the proceedings in the year 2000, when I snapped my Achilles whilst training, I try and train at on average least 5 times a week, sometimes more.
I still work at the Bank, although it is now called the 'Royal Bank of Scotland' and I have a very demanding job as a Project Manager in Cash, Coin & ATM Operations. The rowing club and hockey club were sold some six years ago by Nat West and this was the catalyst for me to also give them up, but I still have a rowing machine at home to keep my hand-in and I have played for a ladies football team recently, usually in goal as I have a tendency to punch the ball!!!
You might ask, with all that huge amount of sporting
activity over the last 20 years, why am I now not bored? Well, whilst
all the experiences that I have had have been very fulfilling, I am no
longer searching or filling in my time with activities to achieve my ambitions,
because I have found the length and depth of Goju Ryu karate, its family
and a home.
When I snapped my Achilles, 2 days before my 5th Dan grading, the disappointments
that I have been through in all sorts of competitions, meant that I was
very ready to handle this event. It really was not the end of the world,
as I have previously achieved complete dedication to the cause and I have
won, and all those lessons learnt enabled me to work hard and get my leg
better, quicker than both mine and other physios had ever seen. However,
this still could not have been achieved without the support of my partner,
and of course Sensei George. Their unswerving belief in me, meant that
I could work through the injury, from sitting in a chair to train at the
dojo, to bringing me a chi-ishi home and training with a static bike,
so that I could continue the rehabilitation exercises as much as possible.
Goju-Ryu karate is the most challenging and gratifying mental and physical activity that I have ever experienced. It is very personal but there are also very intimate moments that you may share with your Sensei. By this I mean that when you suddenly understand a certain move, which may have been eluding you for some time, the realisation and perfection of it, is so uplifting and inspiring, there is unique feeling and a wonderful sense of connectivity that only a true Sensei can generate.
Goju-Ryu is a way of life and I feel that Goju-Ryu kata
training is like an assault course for the body, mind and spirit. It is
truly inspirational to see great exponents of kata perform and the energy
that flows through them can leave the audience quite stunned and almost
breathless themselves!
I also believe that Okinawan Goju-Ryu karate-Do, gives everyone an opportunity
to challenge their whole self mentally, physically and spiritually in
a very natural way and I firmly believe in my dojo motto that describes
the Goju-Ryu system completely:
" Never was a greater mistake made by the man who did nothing because
he could only do a little" (anon).
There is something for everyone and certainly evidence that other masters
were overawed with this unique system, particularly Jigoro Kano Shihan,
the founder of Judo. So, maybe from my early start in Judo, it is not
surprising that Goju-Ryu feels so natural.
My personal goal is to be a role model for women in karate, to continue to enjoy training myself and others and to strive to improve myself and master the system, for as long as I am able.
Linda Marchant
5th Dan, Goju-Ryu Karate, IOGKF