Paul Hammond 4th Dan
I began wrestling with my Uncle Bill at 10 years of age, he was a semi professional wrestler.
But my exposure to the oriental arts came one evening when I passed an old hall, it seemed to be full of people doing Judo, but this was different they were throwing punches. Fascinated I stayed to watch whilst all the other lads moved on, it was Kyukoshinkai Karate, the Sensei was Howard Collins who had just returned from Japan as a 3rd Dan, the training was very tough and as an 11 year old boy it was difficult due to all the strength exercises, I stayed with the school until 2 years later the big Bruce Lee boom and clubs sprang up al over, I discovered Wado and haven't looked back since.
I have been lucky to train with some of the greatest Sensei both living and passed, but even now after so long studying I still have the beginners mind, something many so called high grades have forgotten, after a varied career, I have settled in Exeter, where I continue my studies into Wado.