Father and Son activity

My son Ibrahim expressed an interest in doing some martial arts. My wife heard of a Karate club opening up nearby and so got the details. So for the last few months, my son and I have been going to the Al-Qawi Self Defence classes. It is run by a brother called Arif who also teaches us grappling (wrestling moves).

It is a father and son activity, the kind you think about but often never get round to doing. I'm glad I did, as my son loves doing it with me. So last sunday, we had our first grading and my son and I are now on the yellow belt.

It was tough for me because I'm not in great shape and age is a factor now. I now understand why athletes stop competing at a high level in their mid thirties. The body can't take it as well as before.


I am fortunate not to have suffered any major injuries all these years. Hopefully this activity will make me stronger and healthier. I am certainly enjoying it and appear to have some ability. Especially on the grappling side where I have been amazed how a little knowledge of technique can make all the difference.


Besides I've been a major martial arts fan all my life, I mean Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li et al. Love it all. Many enjoyable hours were spent watching the films. Back then it was mostly wholesome fun, especially the Jackie Chan movies but now Hollywood has pushed it in a direction I don't like so much.


I guess I am impressed and amazed by what we can do with our bodies as human beings. It is an effective weapon if used correctly.

However my learning self defence isn't for that reason. It is to get fit, learn a useful skill, and to spend time with my son and be involved in his life. It is absolutely vital that we play an active part in their upbringing. My daughter has earned her black belt in shopping, taught by her mother of course :)

As you can tell from the picture, my son is pretty chuffed about passing the grading. I was pleased with him too because he concentrated for almost one and a half hours. That in itself earned him his belt, in my opinion.

I have told him that once we finish Karate, maybe we'll take up kung fu. He thinks that we'll be unbeatable then. Ah, how I remember those days after watching a martial arts movie we would go outside and try some moves out ourselves. It is nice to recapture some of those childhood fantasies.