Mike
My name is sensei Mike And I am the chief instructor of the Mike Bushell Martial Arts Academy. I am in a very fortunate position. I don't have the daily 9-5 grind. The reason for this is that over 20 years of training and 12 years of teaching I have been able to set up my own academy.
My martial arts journey started in August 1993 at the age of 7 when I attended my first karate session under the instruction of Sensei Shaun Lanham. I carried on with Sensei Shaun (and still do to this day ) through the grades till I received my first black belt from the Supreme Karate Association.
During this time I was fortunate enough to receive 2 overall student of the year awards and certification for my assistant teaching.
At the age of 16 I started my first club under the careful guidance of Sensei Shaun. Sensei would guide me through my teaching apprenticeship, with reports on the good (and bad) aspects of my teaching. Without which I wouldn't of been the Sensei I am today.When I was 19 I went on a summer camp in Essex to train with some of the finest martial arts instructors around and was awarded my 2nd dan.
In 2009 I took my first break from karate to travel around Asia and Australasia. In which time I Managed to train with the Sor Vorapin team specialising in Muay Thai. I trained for 4 hours per day with some of the best trainers and fighters that Thailand has to offer. Save to say I have a lot of respect for the Thai people!I also visited Japan on my travels, which due to my martial art background, is very close to my heart. I hope to go back soon with some students to train and compete.
In 2012 I was awarded my 3rd Dan from sensei Shaun Lanham after a gruelling 3.5 hour grading. There wasn't a chance Sensei Shaun was going to just hand it to me just for being a Sensei under him. I am proud of the fact I was pushed to the absolute limit and didn't give up, the true spirit of a karate-ka.
In 2016 I trained towards my 4th dan. Breaking my ribs a few weeks before my grading. Not ideal but was just about ok in time to gain my belt. (The last grading in my style). To keep myself focused I started competing again in Kata. Qualifying for the 2018 European games in Liechtenstein. I was lucky enough to come away with a bronze in individual Kata and a gold in team kata. At the games I had many students walk away with gold, silver and Bronze medals. This meant an automatic qualification to the World Games. This was in London in 2019. Where we came away once again with many medals. This time world champions! (I came away with a gold in creative Kata.)We were still going strong even through the pandemic of 2020. Training online. We now have had many black belts come through the academy. But I still teach all classes myself. From the 4 year olds to the 3rd Dan black belts. Our motto is adapt and overcome. And am proud to be a member of a great team.