Trevor Colton

Having been taking my eldest daughter Lauren to Chum Kune Do, I was really interested in taking part myself. I was unsure because I had suffered from back problems for many years and a lot of pain and discomfort. Even after countless visits to physiotherapy, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, nothing seemed to take away the pain, I was surviving on pain killers.

After talking to Master Clifford I decided to give it a go and have never looked back. I cannot believe the affect Chum kune Do has had on me, Its seems to have given me a new lease of life. My back is a lot stronger and I am almost pain free it's BRILLIANT!

As I have progressed in Chum, Kune Do I have taken part in Competitions, seminars and grading, which is a real buzz, win, lose or draw.

I entered the British Open in October 2003 and came 4th in semi contact fighting, just missed out on a trophy! With more training and hard work I am determined to win...even if its just to keep up with my two daughters Lauren and Hannah! it's never too late to start training even at 41 I still have the drive to win. And to win, I will.

Over the past year I have now achieved my red sash which was a demanding grading. I was also promoted to am Assistant instructor. My next challenge is to achieve my brown and black sashes and to run my own class.

I was nominated by Master Clifford for Medway's outstanding achievement award from which I received a framed certificate. As most people at the club know I suffer from serious back problems, so this was a very special award for me.

I entered the Kent open. It was a great experience. I was also chosen to spar with Saya Morrises, Chief instructor for demonstration purposes at the club tournament which was a huge buzz and I came away with a gold and silver medals! I was also invited along with Master Clifford on a one day sword seminar at the Kensei-Kai club in Essex. It was interesting to experience another style of Martial Arts using weapons.

My proudest moments of the year was watching my daughter Hannah taking the gold cup in the Kent and Essex opens and watching my other daughter Lauren winning gold and bronze in the world championship in Germany.

By Trevor Colton