Hi, my name is Karishma Patel, I’m 16 years old from West Bromwich, and I am a brown belt in kick boxing and freestyle karate.

Starting out >>
I first got involved in self defence in August 2008. It was when my younger brother Ujjwal Patel, 11, was eager to join some sort of martial arts. We received a leaflet which was about freestyle karate/kick-boxing, so we went along to check it out. My brother attended the classes for a couple of weeks and I would watch with my mum and sister. Then from there I got involved myself.

What it’s like doing martial arts >>
It is really good to do martial arts because firstly you learn self-defence, gain confidence/stamina and you stay fit. You can also travel all over the country and sometimes internationally when you are ready to fight at tournaments and events. Also, whilst going to tournaments you learn that it isn’t all about winning or losing, but taking part. 

Karishma PatelMy achievements >>
I am on the 8th grade, which is a brown belt, and as the group has developed I have also become a young leader in which I teach the beginners on certain days. During my time doing martial arts I have become a MSKL Grand Champion ‘09, a WKA Midlands ‘09 World Qualifier, an up and coming student of the year ‘07 and much more.

Training >>
It is intense! It requires determination, whether you want to go further or not. I am in the yellow and above class,  so the atmosphere is different to the beginner’s class. The class is intense because it includes more of the experienced members and it is based on the rule: “What you put in is what you get out at the end of it.”

Role models >>
My role model would be my mum because nothing has stopped her from getting where she is now. She is a person who is straight forward, and not afraid to take risks and face challenges. I think that has made me react in the same way. She also does kickboxing with me and my brother and says: “It’s never too late to learn.”

Check it out >>
I would recommend martial arts not just to young people but also to adults, because it is open to everyone and anyone. It is a great experience and you can have fun, stay fit and gain confidence/stamina. 

Come along from 6.30pm -7.15pm on Mondays and Thursdays at the Woodlane Community Centre in West Bromwich, and on Tuesdays at the Yew Tree Community Centre in Walsall. For more information contact Steve Miller on 07833 544 980.