|
 My own study of Karate began in 1974 at the age of thirteen. This was with the system that I regard as my karate roots and was called Kyokushinkai. This is a Japanese based system known for its rigorous training methods and devastating knockdown fighting techniques. During my eight years at the Kyokushinkai, I was awarded the grade of Black Belt at the Cardiff Dojo in December 1980.
In 1982, I achieved my second-degree Black Belt at an all-styles grading examination test and then went on to my third degree in 1985. I recently achieved my Fourth-Degree at a Special Black Belt Grading Examination and Seminar held here at the Academy. This was conducted by Master Kim Stones / 7th Dan and Master Stuart Wilks / 5th Dan of Black Belt Schools International. I would like to thank them sincerely for all their invaluable help and guidance with the Academy.
Since the early 1980s, in order to increase my knowledge and experience, I travelled and trained with various Martial Arts systems around the country. This was a very interesting and enlightening experience as I had the pleasure of training with instructors of Tae Kwon Do, Kick-Boxing, Western Boxing, Aikido, Okinawan weapons, Goju-Ryu, Judo, Jiu-jitsu, Freestyle-Karate, Feng-Sau, Jeet-Kune-Do and Wing-chun Kung Fu. I do believe in constant and never ending improvement so I am currently studying The Filipino Martial Arts and Weapons Systems under Guro Krishna Godhania at the Institute of Filipino Martial Arts in Warwick.
I am also a fully qualified Instructor of traditional Thai Boxing (Muay Thai). This is an ancient form of KickBoxing and is the National sport of Thailand, which is known globally for its explosive and practical style. I hold the rank of 10th Khan (Red-Band / Instructor Grade) in this art. I also have a Cambridge Certificate in Japanese Language and Culture Studies.
To introduce others to the many benefits of Martial Arts training, in 1982 I decided to open my own Dojo at the Bury St. Edmunds Sports and Leisure centre. This was the first in a small group of clubs dedicated to the study, practice and development of modern, Japanese Martial Arts for the purpose of total self-improvement and personal growth. I eventually decided to attach a name to my particular interpretation of the Arts and, after a much deliberation, I finally named it TAISHINDO (The Way of the MIND, BODY and SPIRIT). The Academy now operates from our own fully equipped, state of the art, Martial Arts Studio at Unit 1, Suffolk Park, Moreton Hall, Bury St. Edmunds.
I am very proud to say that the TAISHINDO MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY continues to flourish and grow. This is indeed due to the loyalty, support and dedication of it's Senior Grades and their love and passion for the Martial Arts. I can confidently say that they have developed into superb Martial Artists and very capable Instructors of the Taishindo system. Most of our Senior Black Belts have been with us for over 15 years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their dedication, loyalty and enthusiasm and I look forward to many more years of teaching, training and growing together.
I would also like to express my deep love and gratitude to my Wife Louise, my Son Sai and to my Daughter Kira (also all Black Belts!) for being so patient and for helping me to achieve my dreams. I love you dearly.
Nick J. Pamment
(Founder / Chief Instructor)
|
Taishindo Kickboxing Instructors
Richard (or Richie as he’s known) started his training at the academy in 1988 at the tender age of 5 years old! He worked hard to gain his First Dan Black belt on his second attempt in March 1994 aged 11 years old.
Phraya Pichai Muay Thai Instructors
Don Heatrick began in ‘contact’ sports at the age of 12 years old playing American Football. When he was 18 years old he began training in martial arts to maintain fitness during the American Football offseason. Martial arts quickly became his passion and American Football became a thing of the past.
