Power Of Flight
By Mike Ilderton
Published on Mar 11th, 2009
Most, as those who have begun to know me, would say that I am pretty upbeat. I have the body of a 66 year old and the brain of some one around 8 or 9!
As Dee as said in the past, "Immaturity, in Mikes case, could last forever."
However, this weekend I think I began to grow up.
Some four years ago I began to teach Martial Arts at a Finchale College in County Durham. The College seeks to rehabilitate young people suffering from Mental or Physical Disabilities.
This was a new venture for me. From the outset, it was not possible to teach pure Kenpo or Karate due to the fact many of the students had no confidence in themselves. They have little belief in their ability to perform or even interact with other people
We began with warm ups incorporating kicks and blocks always performing in line and without much physical contact. I incorporated Tai Chi and Escrima into the program and as confidence began to develop, individuals came to the fore.
Past experience and a life that had ended with a break down or accident, resurfaced; Black and Brown Belts in Judo, Karate and a Tae Kwon Do Blue Belt were suddenly in the line ups and the thing became fun. Even appearing on the local TV Station at one point.
Some stood out more than others. Wee Willie Hamilton and Chucky spring to mind, however the one that made a lasting impression was David Tuck.
David was shy at first. He had the usual "Tae Kwon Do is best" attitude, so he was difficult to judge. Beneath the surface there was a kind caring person who began to enjoy his martial arts and Kenpo. He was the only student (because of their short tenure at the College) who got to full orange belt (and was graded by 5th Degree Bob Jones in my presence).
I was so proud of him that day. Later when he rang to tell me that he had achieved his Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, I was even more impressed.
We had some good laughs in his final few weeks at the College. Those who have seen the photos of the final evening and the flying kicks will see just how much he was enjoying life.
Sadly I have to report that the good times did not last. Young David took his own life last week.
Tomorrow I am at the service for him and to meet his parents, if they allow me to, I would like this article to appear in THE MALC as a tribute to the fine young martial artist that I got to know.
Both Philip Tuck and his wife and two sons were happy to give there blessing to this article and the photo of David. I decided to call it the Power of Flight , for the simple reason David was at that moment free of all cares.
Filed under Philosophy and Opinion

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