Q: How did you get started in martial arts?

Tony: My wife and I moved to Sydney about four years ago, and we were looking for things to do. My grandson Heath was already training at AMA once a week, so I came along a few times to see what it was like. It looked like fun, so I decided to give it a go.

Q: What was your goal when you first started?

Tony: Initially, it was pretty simple – I wanted to get to black belt. It took a lot of time, effort and persistence to get there, but once I achieved it, I realised there was still so much more to learn.

Now the goal is simply to see how far I can go. I don’t really know where that will take me, so I’m happy to take it one day at a time and keep improving.

Q: What have you gained from martial arts?

Tony: One of the biggest things has been self-discipline. There’s also been a real physical benefit. I’ve always tried to stay fit, but martial arts has helped me develop greater flexibility, core strength and control over my movement.

It’s also given me something to continually work on. You can build on what you’ve learned and keep improving, regardless of where you started.

Q: Is martial arts beneficial for adults?

Tony: Definitely. For adults, I think it’s about making the most of the body and mindset you have and continuing to improve them. It’s a great way to stay active, learn new skills and manage stress.

I also think the mental discipline carries over into other parts of life. As a finance broker, I deal with complicated situations, and staying calm and disciplined when things become stressful is important.

Q: What was it like earning your black belt?

Tony: The grading was a big milestone. I was nervous going into it because it represented around three and a half years of effort. I had worked hard and attended the practice sessions, so getting through the grading and achieving the black belt was a fantastic feeling.

It was also something I was able to share with the other students who had been working towards the same goal. Having that support and encouragement along the way makes a big difference.

Q: What do you enjoy most about training at AMA?

Tony: I enjoy learning new skills and working towards the next challenge. The atmosphere is also a big part of it. Everyone is working towards something, whether that’s their next grading or another personal goal, and people are happy to encourage and help each other.

There’s a good balance between taking the training seriously and having a laugh. I think that makes it a really positive environment to learn in.

Q: What’s next for you?

Tony: I don’t know how far I’ll get, but that’s part of the fun. Getting to black belt showed me that reaching one goal can open up another challenge.

So I’ll keep training, keep learning and see what happens next.