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“A greater awareness of one’s own mind and body”
The Karate
Though born in London, Mark grew up in North in Harrogate, Yorkshire. He returned to his roots
His passion for karate was ignited 14 years ago at an after school group. “A great outlet of energy”, he was drawn to the discipline and self-control karate demands. At school he met Sensei Ian Maclaren, a 5 foot something Glaswegian who inspired Mark to pursue “the control of violence”. Mark found that through karate “you achieve a greater awareness of one’s own mind and body, both their abilities and limitations”.
He also joined the Leeds Karate Academy in 2005 and made black belt two years later. At Leeds Mark was introduced to competitive sparring and was soon competing in grand slams. He achieved gold at the KUGB national student championships, and has one of every colour won at the Scottish Universities Sports competition. He also took silver in the KUGB Shotokan Cup and made it to the pedestal to take home two bronzes at the Karate England National Championships.
Mark began instructing at St Andrews University where he coached the Kumite squad. From being complete beginners who never sparred before, he saw them through to the Scottish Universities National Championships where they all medalled. He has also taught sessions at Cambridge University. He particularly enjoys testing himself against an uninhibited opponent, “Sparring, randori, anything that tires me out”.
Outside the Dojo
Mark recently graduated from St Andrews University with an MA in Business and Finance. He is currently working in Tax at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
The Karate
Though born in London, Mark grew up in North in Harrogate, Yorkshire. He returned to his roots
His passion for karate was ignited 14 years ago at an after school group. “A great outlet of energy”, he was drawn to the discipline and self-control karate demands. At school he met Sensei Ian Maclaren, a 5 foot something Glaswegian who inspired Mark to pursue “the control of violence”. Mark found that through karate “you achieve a greater awareness of one’s own mind and body, both their abilities and limitations”.
He also joined the Leeds Karate Academy in 2005 and made black belt two years later. At Leeds Mark was introduced to competitive sparring and was soon competing in grand slams. He achieved gold at the KUGB national student championships, and has one of every colour won at the Scottish Universities Sports competition. He also took silver in the KUGB Shotokan Cup and made it to the pedestal to take home two bronzes at the Karate England National Championships.
Mark began instructing at St Andrews University where he coached the Kumite squad. From being complete beginners who never sparred before, he saw them through to the Scottish Universities National Championships where they all medalled. He has also taught sessions at Cambridge University. He particularly enjoys testing himself against an uninhibited opponent, “Sparring, randori, anything that tires me out”.
Outside the Dojo
Mark recently graduated from St Andrews University with an MA in Business and Finance. He is currently working in Tax at PricewaterhouseCoopers.