Timothy Gourley

My martial arts journey

I started martial arts just before my 12th birthday, inspired by Jackie Chan. My first experience of ZKS was coming along to the Saturday classes at Aqua Vale.

Since then, I have trained in Taijutsu and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, achieving a Senior Black Belt in Taijutsu and a Blue Belt in BJJ.

Becoming Sensei Timothy

I think I was about 15 when I first began assisting with classes. Sensei Ben had made a difference in my world, and I wanted to pass that on to other people.

Today I teach Little Dragons, Mini Ninjas, Junior Martial Arts, Teen Martial Arts and Adult Taijutsu at Aylesbury HQ, Fairford Leys and Wingrave. Members know me as Sensei Timothy.

Enjoying training and growing in confidence

Fun is at the heart of my teaching. I want students to enjoy being on the mats, rather than feeling that every moment is about performance.

What I enjoy most is seeing that I am making a difference in someone’s life, whether or not they realised they needed it. Hearing students say that our classes are the best part of their week is one of my proudest achievements.

Some of my most rewarding moments have been seeing people come together and become friends with someone they might never otherwise have met. Beyond martial arts skills, I hope students gain the confidence to speak their minds politely and feel comfortable talking to others.

Advice for your first class

Everyone feels nervous. Some people are better at hiding it than others, but that does not mean they feel it any less.

Trust the process and give it time. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you do not need to learn everything at once.

Beyond the mats

Being part of ZKS means everything to me. Outside martial arts, I enjoy archery — although I’m not very good at it — hiking, seeing the world and trying new foods. I also love talking to people about the places they come from.

I’m always up for trying something once: either it goes well, or it makes a good story. Looking ahead, I want to keep working towards my own idea of what freedom looks like.