Sean Timms

Sean started martial arts for the first time when he was 10 years old. He studied judo at the local primary school where he reached the rank of green belt. Moving from the area, he ceased training.

It wasn't until many years later in 2003, when he had turned 40 that he thought that martial arts would be a good way to lose weight, increase his confidence physically and help guide him through a difficult period emotionally in his life.

As soon as he entered the dojo at Magill for the 1st time, he immediately felt right at home. Not only was he accepted unreservedly as a fellow martial artist, he was befriended by many of his fellow students who have since become life-long friends.

Upon the advice of a friend who was a 4th dan black instructor belt in the same style, Sean decided to train twice a week at the Magill dojo with head instructor Renshi Anthony Hudson. Within 6 months he received his blue belt. This gave Sean an amazing sense of self-satisfaction.

Sean continued to train hard and 6 months later he attempted and received his green belt. During this time, Sensei Matt McNamara began a senior's dojo. Seeing the opportunity to train more than twice a week, Sean was also a regular at Sensei Matt's classes. He would also assist with Sensei's juniors' classes at Prospect whenever he could.

In July 2005, Sean attempted and received his brown belt.

In December 2006, Sean attempted and received his Shodan Ho belt.

At this time he was also promoted to the teaching rank of Sempai and presented with the Torc and Sword.

During 2007, Sean would regularly attend adults classes two to three times a week as well as assistant instruct at 3 - 4 junior classes per week.

When the opportunity came in early 2007 to take over Sensei Matt's Greenacres dojo, he jumped at the chance.

In December 2007, Sean attempted and received his Shodan belt. At this time, he was promoted to the rank of Dai Sempai.

Since then, he's been training as much as possible for his Nidan grading.

Sean has also done 18 months of Iaido training with Anthony Hudson and attends his regular Japanese swordsmanship classes.

He also occasionally trains in traditional Okinawan Kobudo with Sensei Shane Lehmann.