CDMA member story – Meet Sam Coxon
Sam had grown up watching Bruce Lee movies, but his martial
arts journey didn’t begin until 2006, when he found Ben Richardson sensei, at
Can Do Martial Arts. Sam had always wanted to try something a bit different but
didn’t quite know what it was he wanted, so asked Ben if he could join a Jeet
Kune Do class.
“As a kid, my mum was supportive
with other activities and was happy for me to do things I enjoyed but was naïve
when it came to karate/martial arts. She just assumed that it would end in my
fighting all the time. As a protective mother she wanted to avoid me getting
hurt. I’d always had an interest in martial arts, but was only able to commit
to the training once I settled in Oxfordshire.”
After a trial, Ben suggested Karate, so Sam could learn
structure and clear process, before making the move into the more bespoke JKD
art that Bruce
Lee coined as his own. Then, with a yellow belt in Karate, it was time to
give JKD a go.
“Ben was always very supportive
and allowed me to try different styles of martial art and even different
instructors, but it was this support that brought me back to CDMA – I had to
know I was making the right choice, and I did. I now have a strong allegiance
to ‘my’ Dojo!”
Sam’s natural competitiveness and that early lesson in
striving for more has seen him take part in many gradings, always looking for
the next level to reach. Now a father himself, to two boys Sam’s hope is that
they will find the same love of martial arts, but it’s yet to really kick in.
“I feel an affinity with Ben as a
family man, and love how his whole family is involved in the Dojo. Both my boys
have trained with Kickstart groups, but it’s not really their passion. I
suppose it’s a good thing that they want to keep moving on and trying the next
thing! They’re a bit like me in that respect.”
Sam has an invested dedication in his sport. He trains hard,
always takes instruction well and has achieved much since those early eager
days. We’re proud to count Sam as one of our members, his enthusiasm is
contagious and raises the energy in the Dojo.
Martial Arts training doesn’t always have to be about striving
to reach a black belt or take part in national competitions, though. It is a
wonderful way to teach discipline, self-control, relieve anxiety and improve
fitness, and at the Abingdon Dojo, find a new community of like-minded people.
We would love to welcome you with a free trial
class in any of the disciplines. Simply make contact through the Can Do Martial Arts homepage
button. We look forward to hearing from you and hearing your story.