Grandfather lives dream to take on world karate masters

The Border Mail: "ALBURY karate master Andrew Glen will fulfil a life-long dream next week when he competes in the International Karate-do Goju-Kai Championships in Rotterdam.

He will compete against several thousand other entrants from 46 countries around the globe in what is like the world cup of martial arts, held every four years.

Glen, however, will not have to worry about pitting his ability against others in mortal combat, as he will represent our country in the kata form of the style.

After first becoming attracted to the sport when watching Bruce Lee films as a youngster, the 48-year-old will also get the chance to travel back through Tokyo after flying out from Rotterdam to check out some of the historic dojo which have produced such phenomenon.

“Im the grandfather of two kids so it has taken almost half a century to get there so it has been a long wait,” Glen said.

“I started karate in the late 70s, so to compete in the world championships is something Ive always wanted to do but I never thought I would get the chance after having a young family.

“But I got back into it and trained hard so to be competing against the best in the world in our style is something that will be pretty special thats for sure.”
"

Grandfather lives dream to take on world karate masters

The Border Mail: "ALBURY karate master Andrew Glen will fulfil a life-long dream next week when he competes in the International Karate-do Goju-Kai Championships in Rotterdam.

He will compete against several thousand other entrants from 46 countries around the globe in what is like the world cup of martial arts, held every four years.

Glen, however, will not have to worry about pitting his ability against others in mortal combat, as he will represent our country in the kata form of the style.

After first becoming attracted to the sport when watching Bruce Lee films as a youngster, the 48-year-old will also get the chance to travel back through Tokyo after flying out from Rotterdam to check out some of the historic dojo which have produced such phenomenon.

“Im the grandfather of two kids so it has taken almost half a century to get there so it has been a long wait,” Glen said.

“I started karate in the late 70s, so to compete in the world championships is something Ive always wanted to do but I never thought I would get the chance after having a young family.

“But I got back into it and trained hard so to be competing against the best in the world in our style is something that will be pretty special thats for sure.”
"

Grandfather lives dream to take on world karate masters

The Border Mail: "ALBURY karate master Andrew Glen will fulfil a life-long dream next week when he competes in the International Karate-do Goju-Kai Championships in Rotterdam.

He will compete against several thousand other entrants from 46 countries around the globe in what is like the world cup of martial arts, held every four years.

Glen, however, will not have to worry about pitting his ability against others in mortal combat, as he will represent our country in the kata form of the style.

After first becoming attracted to the sport when watching Bruce Lee films as a youngster, the 48-year-old will also get the chance to travel back through Tokyo after flying out from Rotterdam to check out some of the historic dojo which have produced such phenomenon.

“Im the grandfather of two kids so it has taken almost half a century to get there so it has been a long wait,” Glen said.

“I started karate in the late 70s, so to compete in the world championships is something Ive always wanted to do but I never thought I would get the chance after having a young family.

“But I got back into it and trained hard so to be competing against the best in the world in our style is something that will be pretty special thats for sure.”
"

Making a difference through martial arts

TownOnline.com - Danvers Herald - Business News: "'I want to help people be successful in their lives, mentally, physically and spiritually, through the practice of the martial arts,' she says. 'Uechi Karate is a very traditional style of karate. It's an Okinawan name.'
Gavenda's students range in age from 5 to those in their 70s and 80s. Expectations for older folks are not quite the same as the youngsters.
'Common sense goes a long way,' she says. 'We're not expecting someone 60 to perform like someone 20. Karate helps older people with flexibility and balance. My goal with them is to instill a sense of awareness, not to put themselves in vulnerable situations, especially in shopping malls.'
Gavenda has other goals for children. High on the list is building confidence.
'Children are a bully magnet if they lack confidence,' she says. 'Conversely, if they have confidence and are able to communicate that, it's different. Anyone who exudes confidence attracts friends. Kids who study karate are always in extracurricular activities, they're peer counselors, in the arts and have lots of friends. For teens, it's so good for building leadership and confidence skills.' "