Martial Arts Magazine Australia

By Chris McVay

I want to share my personal story about how martial arts have positively impacted my life. My struggles began when I was just 13 years old. I was jumped by a group of older teenagers who left me for dead in the street. I never lost consciousness, and the experience left me shaken and vulnerable.

I was an average student, but my athletic ability set me apart from others. I excelled at any activity involving upper body strength. I was good at high jump, discus, javelin, and shot-put. I was always quite strong. People often picked on me for having long, curly hair, and times were different in the 80s and 90s.

I began my ninjutsu journey as a means to defend myself against bigger opponents if needed. The club was a new one, run by a friend of my cousin from his old school in a place called Whitley Bay. Then it moved to North Shields. This was all in North Tyneside in the UK, and I stayed there for several years, gaining new friends, learning new techniques and passing a few gradings.

Eventually, I moved on to kickboxing and fought in a few tournaments. I even drove eight hours south to fight and then drove back eight hours immediately after. Although I didn’t get much sleep, I stayed with kickboxing long enough to earn a black belt. My instructor also taught freestyle karate at the same dojo, and I was surprised to be welcomed to his karate class as a black belt too.

In 1994, my parents emigrated to New Zealand, and I could not take the club with me. I found another ninjutsu club and trained there for a while. Unfortunately, I later found out that my instructor was a hired killer who did a job, got caught, and then hung himself. The police asked questions of us all, but we knew nothing.

That was the end of that club. This was all a big shock to us as he seemed nice, the club was set up well and we trained hard the old school way.

I met a girl, and we moved to Australia a year later. She wasn’t into martial arts back then, so yet again, I had another little break from it. Two years later I joined another ninjutsu club. This time, I was determined to stay with it and finally achieved my black belt after a few years. However, the training became more sporadic, and clubs were closing or moving to different areas, so I took a break.

I tried Taekwondo, but it didn’t suit me. I graded as a yellow belt within three months and sparred with blue, brown, and black belts, but I found it wasn’t for me. I left and started my journey in Aikido, which I have been practicing for six years now.

My passion for martial arts has never faded, and I recently started practicing Aikido with Sensei Dave in Port Kennedy. Aikido has been a fantastic addition to my journey, especially as someone who has faced challenges throughout my life. It’s also great for those who may be a little hesitant to start a martial art due to their body shape or age.

Aikido has been a game-changer for me, especially as I get older, and my body is not as strong as it used to be. The training is at my own pace, and I enjoy the company of the people there who support each other and help each other succeed. I believe this will be my last martial art in this life, as it fits just right with any injury I may have had. They work around what I’m capable of and always think positively.

Martial arts have taught me discipline, self-defense, and self-awareness. They have helped me overcome my struggles and have given me a purpose. I hope my story can inspire others to start their own martial arts journey so they can experience the benefits it can bring.

Train with Chris at https://aikidoportkennedy.com/