Sensei Rhys

Brief Background:
I was born in Suffolk in 2005, and moved to Norwich just a year later. In 2007 just after my 2nd birthday I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Subsequently, through my younger years I developed anxiety and shyness as a result of the condition, prompting my parents to find a suitable hobby for me to partake in to make new friends and to hopefully break my shyness. And so, I joined SESMA in October 2010 and have continued to train to this present day. Within these (almost 11 years) I achieved my Junior Black Belt in 2015 at the BBA, my 1st Dan/Senior Black Belt in the June of 2019 and my 2nd Dan in 2022.
I started to compete in competitions from 2019, and training within the Team GB sessions.

In 2023 I represent Great Britain at the World martial Arts Games in Florida, where I won 2 World Titles and Grand Champion title too.

What do I enjoy most about Martial Arts?
Martial Arts most certainly holds a special place in my heart, as I have been doing it for as long as I can remember and so has allowed me to gain confidence over the years in managing my condition. Therefore, I feel my favourite part of Martial Arts would have to be the feeling of freedom it brings me through learning and overcoming challenges.

Future Aspirations:
Since passing my qualifications to become a Personal Trainer, i would like to specialise in training those that have Diabetes and to continue to develop my Martial Arts progression through learning and teaching.

Likes:
Martial Arts, Winning/achieving,
Helping others,
Have fun,
Spending time with family/friends.

Rhys Carter SESMA Karate Norwich