Coach leads by example

Tebbutts Mixed Martial Arts Academy has had great representation throughout the year.

The members have excelled at competitions, raising the academy’s name high.

This time the head coach and founder of the club, Master Alex Tebbutt, scooped an accolade.

Tebbutt (66) recently received his Hinshi Eighth Dan International Diploma from Japan.

“I am very happy, I have been waiting for it for years and to finally have accomplished it, I am inspired,” he said.

“I believe in leading by example and this achievement has motivated the members to strive even more.”

Tebbutt also said he wants to share the news with his sensei, Des White.

“I want to go to sensei White and break the news to him,” he shared.

“Sensei White has been my sensei for 35 years now and, although he has retired, I still have respect for him.

“He taught me a lot and did it with respect; people will respect you if you show respect.

“When I am with him and when I talk about him I have the best respect for him, I never want to let him down.

“This is a really big thing for me, after all the years of hard work and proving myself I am extremely proud of myself.”

Tebbutt also told the GCN that one has to prove themselves in order to progress to a higher Dan.

“As the coach, you have to be active and keep upgrading yourself and not laze around,” he said.

“Among other things, the graders look at your certificates, gradings, performances of the members at competitions, the way you run your dojo and your constant participation in kickboxing throughout the years.

“This type of assessment takes years and it is an amazing feeling to finally accomplish it.”

The local coach will now be referred to as hanshi.

“Sempai, sensei and shihan are among the titles found in different Dans,” explained Tebbutt.

“Eight Dan instructors are referred to as hanshis.”

The new hanshi has taken part in different sports.

“I started with karate in 1971, and through the years I did judo, boxing and kung fu,” he explained.

“I also ran the Comrades Marathon twice.

“The first time was in 1986 and I managed to complete it in eight hours and 12 minutes with my second attempt being the following year in a time of eight hours and 15 minutes.

“I also used to be a cyclist; I have always been active all my life.

“Exercise and fitness is how I keep going.”

Sensei White is not the only senior that Tebbutt has respect for.

“One thing that I can’t over emphasise and that we all have to remember, especially in mixed martial arts, is respect,” shared Tebbutt.

“I have had, and still have, respect for all my seniors; shihan Claude Johnson in Port Elizabeth, kancho Chris Botha in Johannesburg, shihan George Harrison in Durban and Tiger Thompson in Germiston.

“In the spirit of always being active and moving forward I am now already working towards the ninth Dan.

“I still want to go for another 50 years and more.”

Hanshi Tebbutt also told the GCN that members at his Lambton-based club have values they uphold.

“The club upholds the values of karate, also known as the five maximas; character, etiquette, sincerity, effort and self-control,” he concluded.

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