 eDanielle has been with our group for just over three years and in that time has faced numerous challenges with an unwavering attitude and positive frame of mind. She makes use of our flexible membership package and spreads her training between our Workington, Whitehaven, Arlecdon and Cleator clubs. As a mother of five, juggling her karate training alongside her work and family commitments would seem an impossibility to most. But Danielle always manages to take it in her stride and proves that there are no excuses to pursuing your passion. In December, she also took the opportunity to travel to Malta with Chris in order to assist during one of his overseas seminars! An inspiring character both inside and outside the dojo, it is our pleasure to share Danielle's Spotlight with you... Why did you start karate? My karate journey started on the side lines. As a parent who always wants to best for my children I felt that karate would be a great way for them to learn a sense of discipline, gain confidence and of course self defence skills. What I didn't anticipate was becoming a karate-ka myself. I took my kids to karate and watched them in their classes for a year before I decided that it was something that I would like to try...... I have never looked back. Without a doubt, it's the best decision I've ever made. What do you enjoy most about our club? Not only am I learning an invaluable set of self defence skills, at E.S.K.K. I have become part of a family. A family that always look out for and supports each other, in and outside of the dojo. Whether it be help with learning a new technique or kata, sharing a lift to get to a class or to have a shoulder to lean on during tough times. Whilst I am in the dojo I like to train very hard as do all of my fellow members, from the youngest tots and new starters, to those that have been training for years and the 'not so young'. I have always been proud of the respect that is shown in our dojo. We bow as we enter and by doing this we are showing that we respect each and every member equally, as well as those that have walked in our footsteps before us, and that we will always do our absolute best in our training for the sake of ourselves & our fellow karate-ka. It's also fantastic to be able to train along side your children. We thoroughly enjoy training together in the dojo as well as at home. It's great when your kids come up to you and say "Mum, can we practice kata?" It sets a great example for your kids to be 1. Physically active, 2. Always trying your best, no matter how hard it gets and 3.Having fun, doing something that will be of benefit to them for the rest of their lives. What benefits have you gained from regular training? Karate is more than just self defence. It is a holistic system. Yes, it trains the body but it also forges the spirit and helps the mind to grow in so many ways too. Aiming for my next belt is always a good goal but it's what else comes with that belt....It means that I have trained hard, perhaps even sacrificed a night or two in front of the TV! It means that I have spent time with an amazing group of positive people, it means that my confidence has grown a little, and sometimes a lot. It means that I am proud of myself for going out of my comfort zone and achieving something that at some point I wasn't sure if I could- but I did. It doesn't stop there.....all these lessons carry on into my life outside the dojo, meaning that I have more confidence to try new things and become more of a 'doer' not someone who sits around and says "What if?". I also feel that I have a more positive outlook on life as well as a great deal more patience, which in turn helps me to feel more balanced and at peace with myself. What goals do you have for the future? Ultimately I am aiming for my black belt as I imagine that anyone who, on their first day at the dojo would.....To me that is not what it's all about though. My journey so far at E.S.K.K. has already been so inspiring. I take my inspiration from every single member. Everyone has something to offer, be it a kind word, to showing great spirit. I hope that I can also be an inspiration to those that I train with including my own children and to help people to realise how much potential they have and what they are capable of by believing in themselves. What message would you give to others who may be looking to start martial arts training? Do it! Life is too short to sit around and think too much. One shot is all we get and we need to embrace all of the good in life. As I've mentioned there are so many benefits to the holistic system of karate. The positive attitude from all of the members at E.S.K.K. as well as the camaraderie is second to none. From the first day I walked into the dojo I felt at home and now have my amazing 'karate family' who I wouldn't be without! Fancy giving one of our karate classes a go?
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