TRUE-LIFE
Tying my white belt around my waist, I lined up with the others on the rubber mat.
‘Hello girls,’ our instructor said. ‘I'm Derek.’ ‘Hi, Sensei Derek,’ we all chorused back.
It was summer 2003, and aged 12, I was at my first martial arts class at the club across the road from where I lived with my nan, Susan, then 42, and twin sister, Kayleigh.
Later, with his hands on my hips to guide me into position, Derek flashed a smile, and asked about my home life.
‘I don't have a dad,’ I explained. ‘Just Nan.’
She'd got custody when Kayleigh and I were babies.
‘Must be tough,’ he said.
As well as
