At 40 I am one of the older students at our club and train mainly in the Aberdeen dojo. I am a veterinary nurse of 20 years experience working for an animal charity in Aberdeen city. I had my first taste of martial arts at the age of 15 studying Nanbudo under a very strict sensei who instilled the traditional Japanese work ethic to training in to me, which I relished. I attained up to yellow belt before I moved to college. After that due to moving and work commitments I tried Shukokai when I lived in Hereford and Shotokan in my early 20's where I managed to gain 7th Kyu before again moving.
In my mid 20's I was diagnosed with a congenital lung condition and thought I would never be able to train again since I was now on oxygen 15hrs per day and having to use nebulisers and steroids and becoming breathless even just walking.
I first spoke to Sensei Donaghy after taking a wrong turn in the sports centre. Fate? Possibly. He said I should give it a try anyway as it may help with my breathing problems. That was in 2006 and I have now just graded to 2nd Kyu. My lung condition has progressed over the years but thanks to karate training I remain physically fit (other than the lungs) and hold onto my fighting spirit which helps me get through the daily trials of life.
I remain in Sensei Donaghy's debt for giving me for the chance to train and for his tolerance when I do! I am also moved by the tolerance and respect from my fellow karateka when I train with them but can't quite keep up with them.
I would recommend anyone to a least try karate once in their life as it has some many benefits both emotionally and physically and the journey is different for everyone and the sights they see along the way help to broaden the mind.