thebranch.blog
Owner: Anaia Jonas
Email: anaiaashajonas@gmail.com
branching with...
Harris Jonas
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Harris Jonas is the owner of a prosperous private martial arts school where he offers fitness instruction and one-on-one self-defence programs. A 7th Dan in karate, Harris was formerly the European Lightweight champion representing Great Britain. Also, he was a member of the Tickie Donavan's All-Star World Champion team. He met the Queen after he participated in the Europians.
Questions -
What’s your story?
" my story is about karate and growing up in a martial arts world. Also raising my two beautiful daughters. Where we come from in Wavertree, at the time there were only around two or three black families in the area and we were one of them. Needless to say, we were a big family there were 9 of us, we were all young at the time I was around 6 or 7 and our struggle was going to school in the morning and coming back at the night, however, we weren't really allowed to play out in the streets because of the racial abuse. It wasn't as bad as it sounds as we got along with the people in school, it was more or less when they got bored they wanted something to do. When I got to around 10 I realised I would have to start being able to defend myself and my siblings. I was one of the oldest it felt like my duty. On my 10th birthday 06/04/1973, my cousin took me along to my first ever karate lesson and that's where it all started... nearly 50 years later and I am still doing it!"
Who has had the most significant influence on you throughout your life /career?
"My teacher Grand Master Ronnie Colwell had belief in me, motivated me and pushed me to my limits. My family as well, we are all close and I wanted to make them proud."
What is your favourite part of your job?
"I have always loved the sporting side because it was something I found I was doing well in... I was able to fight representing my country. I was part of the England All-Stars with some world-class fighters. As I got older my teacher would encourage me to get into teaching myself, I came to realise I was learning more from karate than I was in school and so I chose that path. So, I would say my favourite part would be seeing people move up for example the likes of Natasha Jonas and Tony Belew. It is also great seeing people find an escape in this beautiful art/sport."
What do you hope for the future of karate?
" I think karate has come on a long way, since being in the Olympics it has become more popular. Also, the likes of the tv series 'cobra kai' have gained it a lot more attention. I think a lot more people's eyes were opened due to these factors, however, I think it should get more recognition. I would also like to see it being taught in schools or as a PE lesson"
random questions…
What is your favourite hobby or spare time activity (other than karate)?
" Football, I love going to watch Liverpool play"
What is your favourite movie?
" The Colour Purple and 47 Ronin"
What are some things you cannot live without?
"my family, my Gi, and my M&S Percy Pigs"
What is your favourite song?
"Dangerous by Conroy Smith"
What is your favourite go-to food?
"Ackee & Saltfish"
Where would you go if you could travel anywhere in the world right now?
"Definitely Japan"
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