Martial Arts - Hope and Glory

Interview – Derek Smith – Sensei of Hope & Glory Martial Arts

Q: What first got you interested in starting Martial Arts?

A: Bruce Lee and my cousin did Kung Fu, so it was a family influence. Initially I went for other martial arts instead of Kung Fu, started Lau Gar which became my main Kung Fu Style and eventually began Dim Mak, which uses pressure points to both heal and hurt, to be a master you need to learn both.

Q: What do you believe the benefits are in taking martial arts?

A: Longevity, better health, more self confidence, fitness, helps focus practitioners, keeps them humble.

Q: What do you say to the rumours that Martial Arts only promote violence and what would you say to those people?

A: Martial Arts doesn’t promote violence, it releases energy and testosterone through exercise, making them a lot less aggressive leaving the gym than when they entered it.

Q: Do you believe more people should be involved with Martial Arts, and why?

A: More people, women especially should be involved for safety reasons due to people being attacked on the streets and in their own homes.

Q: What kind of aspects do you believe Martial Arts school should teach?

A: A good school should teach respect, through that to other people outside the school as well as inside, will teach them discipline and enable them to live a normal life which is peaceful and respectful, as a martial artist’s should be.

Q: Finally, what does your Martial Arts School offer to prospective students?

A: True belief in Martial Arts, teaching you to be respectful and fair to other people, making sure that students are taught to the highest standard because every student represents the school.

Interview – WKA 2008 - Over 18’s World Champion

Q: What first inspired you to start studying Martial Arts?

A: I started as a kid, and wasn’t very fit, moved to the city and started learning for fitness, I began with Preying Mantis, wasn’t too impressed by that and started going to Hope & Glory Martial Arts which had everything I wanted.

Q: Whilst training, what has best motivated you to push yourself as far as you have?

A: Derek my instructor in classes, whilst outside of the class it was the competition that inspired me.

Q: When you first started, did you ever imagine you’d make it this far?

A: No, I was just a kid starting and wanted to be a black belt, then to be as good as those who taught me and finally to compete in tournaments.

Q: Do you currently own any titles or, are there any in mind that you’re aiming for?

A: Last year I won the Over 18 WKA 2008 World Championship and recently the British 2009 Championship, I am currently aiming for the WAKD 2009 World Championships.

Q: If given the opportunity, would you encourage more people to train in Martial Arts, if so, why?

A: Yes, because it’s not just about fighting but about life skills and confidence, and it is good for all ages.