Name: Jeff Veale
Rank: 4th degree black belt
Teaching rank: Shihan and Chief Instructor N.Z.F.M.A.
Age: 40
Martial arts Experience:
Started training in martial arts in 1982, when Zen Do Kai first came to town (Palmerston North). Obtained black belt within 11 months which even at the time I felt was too fast.
Upheaval with this style unsettled me to the point where I decided to leave. Having previously made unconvincing noises about starting my own style, I was goaded/assisted in this by a group of instructors who came with me.
Attitude:
I have had a very active upbringing, including the usual
hunting fishing 
sports that is common to my age group.
When I discovered martial arts, I found something that I enjoyed, something that was satisfying, and was also humbling.
I started because when I went to the first class, there was a twelve year old kid who could do more situps than I had ever considered possible. He was looking at me and smiling. In my peculiar way I thought if he could, so could I. This belief has helped me immeasurably, and I became competent in some areas of karate. I don’t and never have, considered myself the best, or unbeatable. I like the satisfaction of being able to see an error in technique, and correcting it, and passing on some of the lessons I have learned.
I am still learning.