news and updates club news - Alejandro Aragon Z.

Dr Alejandro Aragon-Zavala (3rd Duan)

I was born in Mexico thirty five years ago, in the nice countryside well away from the crowd and pollution of Mexico City. Six years ago, I decided to come to England to continue my studies in Electronic Engineering and Telecommunications. It was fun, not only a change in culture and lifestyle that represents changing country, but also the joy of becoming a father for the first time, after five years of happy marriage.

Since I was young, I have been attracted by martial arts, perhaps due to the lack of confidence I had in myself. It was not easy to survive in a tough school for boys, where you are often classified as "nerd" if you try to do things right and study hard. I was often bullied by children who were taller or stronger than me. It did not get much better when I joined secondary school, in that age that you feel different and not part of the community to which you are trying to belong.

When I was fifteen, I joined my first martial arts lesson, in a local Taekwondo club. I have been practising Taekwondo for the last seventeen years, and for ten years Hapkido, which for those not familiar with it, it is a self-defence Korean martial art which bases most of its techniques in joint locking, throws and kicking. Fair enough, I had a lot of experience: tournaments, coaching, competition awards, etc. but inside myself, there was something missing. Although I was part of Taekwondo all those years, I felt that Taekwondo was not part of me.

Since I arrived in England, I tried hard to resume my martial arts training, specifically Taekwondo or Hapkido, but after trying in a few clubs, I could not find anything which could fulfil my requirements. I even tried other martial arts, without any success. I was getting quite desperate and upset.

Dr Alejandro Aragon-Zavala (3rd Duan)
Chean Chuai Ti (Front Thrust Kick)

In the spring of 2001, I was walking after collecting my daughter from a Dinomites session at Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre, near Horsham, when I saw one of the Tang Sou Dao leaflets with the picture of Grandmaster Loke. I was curious and opened it, read a few lines, some other pictures appeared, from Master Adam Goward and Master Susan Merrell. I thought, "why not, let's have a go" and decided to go to my first Tang Sou Dao lesson a few days later. I am never going to forget that first lesson, at Millais School main hall, in Horsham, it changed my life.

L to R: Master Adam Goward (5th Duan) and
Dr Alejandro Aragon-Zavala (3rd Duan)

Dr Alejandro Aragon-Zavala (3rd Duan)
Wai Chuai Ti (Outside to Inside Drop Kick)

Instantly, I felt quite confident and satisfied by the quality, spirit, technique, and effectiveness of my new and exciting martial art. Master Goward made me feel since the beginning a special student, as he often does with all his students, encouraging us to give our one hundred and ten percent. But comparisons started to emerge: "this technique is different than Taekwondo...", "I think this one should be performed like that...", "why should we do slow kicking, I never did that in Taekwondo...", "why don't we use body protection...?" Lots of questions, could they be all answered?

My first grading date was due, and I felt very nervous, as if it had been my very first time. I could not believe that after lots of gradings I had been through before, this one made me feel particularly nervous, and excited at the same time. Then I met Grandmaster Loke, whose personality impressed me. When I heard my name, and stood for my basic form one, the real test started. Grandmaster Loke asked me to show more kicking techniques and performed more breaking techniques, and that is where I felt I knew nothing. After the grading, he kindly called me and advised me that I should work hard to achieve my Duan grading, as I had lots of bad habits from my previous martial arts. I accepted the challenge and committed myself to practise as hard as I could, at least three times a week.

The two and a half years that I have been in Tang Sou Dao, have made me understand what a truly martial artist should be. Those who practise the art of Tang Sou Dao should feel very proud of what we have, and of the great family we all are members.

L to R standing:
Instructors Nick Evagorou (1st Duan Senior), Mr Andy Laver (3rd Duan):
L to R seated:
Dr Alejandro Aragon Zavala and Master Adam Goward (5th Duan)

Now that I am returning to my beloved Mexico after all this time, I am taking Tang Sou Dao with me, since I cannot let it be out of my life anymore. I will be starting a school there, and I feel very proud to hang the flag of our school for the first time in history and to propagate all the knowledge I have learned from my family, Master Goward, and Grandmaster Loke, who not only have been my instructors, but also my friends. I would also like to mention all the other instructors who have shared their knowledge with me: Mr Jason Woodhams, Mr Andy Laver, Mr George Ward, Master Susan Merrell, and especially Ms Tina Matania, who has set an example of dedication and professionalism in our family.

Andy Laver (3rd Duan) and Dr Alejandro Aragon Zavala (3rd Duan) performing Luo Han Form Four

An emotional part of me will remain in England, but I would like to say that I am taking Tang Sou Dao with me forever. Watch this space, Tang Sou Dao Mexico is coming soon, and to all of you, are more than welcome to visit us there.

Tang Sou!

June 2003

Photographs permission of Alejandro Aragon Z.