Sensei Ian Fogg

Sensei Fogg began training with UQTKD 1987, although in the ten years prior to this he had trained in various karate styles. He has participated in the Sang Dan annual inter-club tournament and the UQ all-styles martial arts tournament, where he has been three times champion in the men’s sparring.

People take up the martial arts for many different reasons. I was, and am, motivated by the idea of striving for perfection. Whether I'm sparring, doing patterns, working on techniques with a partner, or even doing push-ups! I am always trying to improve - improve my technique; improve my speed; improve my power; improve my endurance; etc, etc. I take it as given that everyone wants to improve, and for me the bedrock on which all else is built is technique. When I train, and when I take classes, I place very strong emphasis on this. It not only builds physical and mental discipline, but as the techniques become ingrained, the student's speed, power, and endurance improve as well.

Sparring is also an important component in my training plan, and I like to incorporate a significant amount of controlled and free sparring into my training regime. There are several reasons for this. First, because sparring is fun! Second, because you get to apply the techniques you've worked so hard to perfect against a real live opponent to see if they work (up to the limits we impose regarding contact with our sparring partners). Third, because it lets you test how you are progressing against your sparring partners. Except in a tournament situation (or when I'm sparring shihan!), I like to set myself a personal goal while I'm sparring. For example, I might try to succeed with a particular combination; focus completely on defense and counter-attack; work in close to my opponent with a lot of hand techniques and grappling; and so on. I find this approach helps me improve my sparring rather more than fighting purely from the point of view of "winning".

Finally, with my strong emphasis on technique, it will come as no surprise to you to know that I place great store in the ability to perform patterns, dare I say, perfectly! Not that I've ever done a pattern perfectly... There are many reasons why I think it is so important to be able to do you patterns well. First, it demonstrates your mastery of the techniques. Second, you are the only one standing in your way of doing great patterns. Third, I don't know of any good fighters who are not also good at patterns. Fourth, you need to do them to pass your grading. And finally, when you do a pattern with power, timing, and great technique, it feels and looks great!