Helen Cowley
Grade - 1st Dan Black Belt
Position - RTK Branch Instructor
Dojos - Walkden
Full Time / Volunteer: Volunteer.
Why did you start
In common with other instructors, my child was my inspiration.
My daughter had been training with Red Tiger Karate for a few years, and, due to my work at the time, I only got to see her karate progress every few months at club gradings, while my husband had the pleasure of taking her to class each week. I remember being blown away by the massive improvement in her karate at one of her gradings and just thought “work can wait, I’m joining her!”
My daughter was thrilled when I started at her class, and she could partner up with me. I think it gave her the excuse to kick and punch me legitimately…I now give her a run for her money!
After training for a while, I was invited to assist at class and started on the assistant instructor training course. It was an honour to line up on the front with the Sensies, and it soon became apparent that, as well as my love for learning karate, I quite possibly had an even greater love for helping other students progress. I now have my own class and was so proud to become a Sensei.
What keeps you training
My karate journey began at a challenging time in my life, and I can honestly say that it has been my therapy – when I’m in the dojo, there is nothing but karate on my mind. It’s 100% focus on the here and now.
I am now a self-confessed karate addict!
What started as a hobby to enjoy with my daughter turned into a life-changing experience. I am the fittest I have ever been, I have made some great friends and I hope my enthusiasm and love for karate is rubbing off on the students I teach. Everyone I train under, train with, and get to teach keeps me training.
Job in the real world
I’m a tax partner in an accountancy practice where I provide tax advisory services to UK business and multinationals.
Favourite part of karate
I love kumite! I like the freedom of sparring, but, as I have progressed, I have learned that it’s much more than fearlessly throwing kicks and punches, and I have worked very hard on my technique and control and waiting for the right moment to pounce. I am still working on this…
Since gaining my black belt, my love of kata is increasing as there are so many to learn all at the same time and it’s keeping me on my toes. I don’t find it easy to learn new katas, but I practise the patterns at home and I feel a great sense of achievement when I’ve cracked one.
As a student, I also really enjoyed our club tournaments where there is opportunity to compete against friends (not that I am at all competitive 😊). The camaraderie at these events is amazing and it feels safe as we all take care of each other.
Hobbies other than karate
You’ll find me in the dojo six days a week…no time for anything else!