Tetsudo testimonial

When I first came to Long Eaton Tetsudo club I was at a low point in my life. My marriage was ending, I had troubles at work, and I was struggling to deal with a family bereavement. More than that, I felt stuck and not in control of my own life. I wanted to start doing something new for myself, to build not only fitness, strength and flexibility, but self-confidence, too. I chose Tetsudo based on information I found online – it’s a whole body artform, with a focus on basic techniques, it’s not for profit, and incorporates elements of mindfulness – and I’m very glad that I did. It is all of these things, but much more besides.

Arriving at the first session was nerve-wracking - even though I’d been in touch with Nigel & Paul to find out what to expect - but I needn’t have worried. Everyone was welcoming & friendly and, above all, patient. Having no previous martial arts experience, I found even the very basics a challenge at first (and my flexibility was even worse than I’d imagined!), but I survived the first session, and kept coming back for more. I initially dreaded the freestyle (non-contact sparring) parts of sessions as I didn’t know what I was doing and felt I was holding others back, but everyone was supportive and offered useful advice from their differing perspectives. This is now the element of training I most enjoy.

Over the weeks and months, I have slowly improved my skills. I’m not a natural, by any means, but with practice and a lot of patient teaching, I have made progress. This is down to the amazing instructors Nigel & Paul (& Malcolm & Pete!), who are dedicated and talented martial artists, but also great teachers. Each training session is different, so you never know quite what to expect. The focus may be on basic techniques, self-defence, freestyle, general fitness & flexibility, or Kedh (a stylised sequence of techniques), but it’s always well thought-out and interesting. Nigel & Paul constantly come up with new ideas and training drills to help us develop, and new challenges to push us to be better versions of ourselves, not only in the class but in life. I can honestly say I have been truly inspired by them.

Now nearly 2 years into training I’m fitter, more flexible, and more confident than I have been in years. But more than that, I’ve become part of a community. Tetsudo attracts people of all ages and from all walks of life, with at least one shared interest, and the social aspect of the club has been an unexpected delight. Over the regular post-training pint, meals out with the club, and association-wide events, I’ve made some new friends, and even been invited to some of their weddings!

If you’re thinking about trying a martial art, I can highly recommend Tetsudo in general, and Nigel & the Long Eaton Club in particular.