Martial Arts Journey

Robin's interest in martial arts began in 1969, when he was taken to the cinema at an age when he was perhaps a little too young to be there. After being let in through the back door, he saw his first martial arts film and was immediately hooked.

His reaction was simple: he wanted to do what he had just seen. That moment sparked an interest that would go on to shape more than five decades of his life.

Over the years Robin trained in different styles and clubs before eventually discovering Gary Smith's club in Dunstable. Something about the style appealed to him, and it would ultimately lead to his long association with Sepoy Karate.

Building Sepoy in Bedfordshire

One of the biggest influences on Robin's martial arts journey was his best friend, Dave Jessop, who encouraged him to start the Wilstead Karate Club — the club that would eventually become today's Cotton End Sepoy Karate.

Gary Smith has also remained an important influence throughout Robin's journey, both as an instructor and as a close friend.

Those friendships, along with Robin's commitment to teaching, helped establish a lasting Sepoy presence in Bedfordshire.

Teaching Karate

After around 35 years of teaching, Robin describes teaching martial arts as his vocation.

The greatest reward for him is not his own grade or achievements, but watching students progress through theirs. Seeing someone develop over the years and eventually achieve their black belt still fills him with pride.

As the years have passed, Robin admits that fitness, flexibility and sparring have naturally become more challenging personally. That has also shaped his perspective as an instructor. He can often see potential in students that they have not yet recognised in themselves, and one of his biggest frustrations is watching someone who does not realise just how good they could become.

Advice for Someone Starting Karate

“Walking through the door into the club is the hardest thing.”

Martial Arts Journey

Ben began training in martial arts around 2010 after being encouraged by his mum to give karate a try. As a teenager, he struggled with confidence and admits that he spent much of his time sitting around and not doing very much.

His mum worked with the wife of one of the instructors and gave him the push he needed to walk through the doors of Sepoy Karate in Wilstead.

What started as something outside his comfort zone became a major part of his life. Karate helped Ben develop confidence, stay active and discover what he was capable of — including, much to his surprise, being able to kick above his own head.

From Student to Instructor

Ben has been teaching karate for around ten years and particularly enjoys working with children who are quiet, shy or lacking in confidence.

Having been that child himself, he understands how much of a difference martial arts can make. For Ben, teaching is not simply about helping students learn techniques or progress through their grades. It is about giving them somewhere they feel comfortable, supported and able to be themselves without judgement.

Seeing students mature, gain confidence and eventually achieve their black belt is one of the things he is most proud of. Many of those students have since moved on to other things, but he hopes the confidence and experiences they gained through karate continue to help them wherever life takes them.

Behind Bedfordshire Sepoy

Ben's involvement with Sepoy has grown far beyond training and teaching. He designed the first edition of the club's uniform and created the original Wilstead social media pages.

He later created the Sepoy Karate website when the organisation moved away from its previous governing body and needed its own Black Belt Register.

When Sepoy took over the Toddington club, Ben also managed its social media before eventually bringing the clubs together online as Bedfordshire Sepoy.

Today, alongside teaching, he helps manage the Bedfordshire side of the club by responding to enquiries from prospective students, maintaining its online presence and helping with the day-to-day organisation of the clubs.

Favourite Part of Karate

For Ben, the best part of karate is ultimately the people. Sport brings people together, and martial arts has allowed him to meet people he otherwise may never have known.

He also enjoys the physical challenge of karate and particularly likes Snake Kata and Crane Kata, along with the challenge presented by the higher Dan-grade kata.

Advice for Someone Starting Karate

“Just give it a go. Don't worry about what people think of you — we all started there once. Martial arts is for everybody, and don't feel pressured to stick with it. Give it a try and see whether it's for you.”

Favourite Quotes

“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”

— Muhammad Ali

Favourite Quote

“Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it... or learn from it.”

— Rafiki, The Lion King

Martial Arts Journey

Annabelle began training in martial arts in 2016 after being introduced to karate through her older sisters and dad.

What began as something shared with her family developed into her own martial arts journey, eventually progressing to 2nd Dan and becoming an instructor herself.

From Student to Instructor

Annabelle has been teaching for around two years and particularly enjoys meeting people from different backgrounds through karate.

For her, one of the best things about Sepoy is being part of a community where people encourage one another to do the best they can.

Favourite Part of Karate

Annabelle particularly enjoys sparring and fitness, combining the physical challenge of martial arts with the community that surrounds it.

Advice for Someone Starting Karate

“Give it a go — what's the worst that could happen?”