I started learning karate in January 1981, having seen it in action in Tehran, Iran whilst working there as a member of the British Embassy.
Being an Islamic country, there was no opportunity for a foreign woman to practice karate with men, so I waited until returning to the UK in 1979, after the Revolution. Settling in South London, I eventually found a Washinkai Club at Honeywell School, Clapham, run by Shihan Chris Thompson. I began my karate coaching career at The Canons Club, Mitcham, in 1984 following which I opened my own club at The Royal School in 1994. I then opened several other clubs; Ditcham Park School, Churchers’ Junior School, Alton Convent, Wispers School and Highfield School in Haslemere. The Royal School produced many talented black belts, some successfully competing at the Washinkai Nationals. One student in particular came 2nd in the Ladies’ Individual Kata event in the 2000 BKF Championships in Glasgow.
I now train regularly with Shihan Chris Thompson at the Havant Club.