Lydia
As some of you may have seen on facebook Lydia was awarded her 7th dan black belt on sunday night as well as a Top Instructor award. These are well deservd as most of you would agree. Lydia has been running our academy for over 13 years now and has dedicated a lot of her time to it.
As someone who has been with her since day one I can say that she has worked hard for this and given a lot of time to training all of us. That dedication to our community shows in every action she takes and has earned her recognition from some of the best martial artist in the country. There is no doubt in my mind that these awards are only the begining for her and she will continue to work hard to make all of us the best that we can be.
A Surprise for Me
Unbeknownst to me Lydia was not the only one getting an award sunday night. As it turns out Lydia had been in talks with Paul Barnett, one of the organises of the UKMAS, to award myself with a Top Martial Artist award. Bellow is what Lydia had to say on why see believed I deserved this award.
“I nominated Liam because as most of you already know Liam has been with me since day one as my right hand man. I’ve taught Liam under another Sensei since he was 8 and really noticed his talent when his parents asked me to give him private lessons, I whipped him into shape (he liked to mess about as a kid haha) and he smashed his training, taking it seriously and perfecting his Katas. When I started The Bonsai Black Belt Academy I could think of no one else who I wanted to come along on the journey with me as my second in command and at age 14 Liam came and trained our first ever class. He’s always given his all to the club, coaching students of all ages and helping them achieve alongside me. He’s stepped in when I’ve been poorly and voluntarily given his time to help with all aspects of the club not just on the mat. He’s trained hard for years and years with me critiquing his every move to help guide him to the level he is. He’s smashed 3 black belt gradings with 1st class passes every time and even after that he’s stayed committed and dedicated to go on to achieve 4th and 5th Dan – that is a true black belt in mind and spirit. His “never give up” attitude to his training has now led to his recognition as a Top Martial Artist in the Hall of Fame and as his Sensei I’m beaming with pride to know he is now progressing further as a Karateka. Well done Liam, you thoroughly deserve your award and I’m extremely proud to be your Sensei!”
This is a moment that I had dreamed of for a few months now but beleved it would still be a few years before I would be going up on stage to recieve my own award. Thank you Lydia for seeing a young kid who always used to mess around and turning him into the man he is today. You always believed in me and for that I will always be grateful.
Thank You
Although these awards are big things for both Lydia and I they would not have been possible if it were not for all our students. Without all of you these awards would meean nothing so thank you for always being with us and trusting us with your martial arts journey.
Liam Cooper (Instructor)