“It’s Never Too Late” – Michael Fudger’s Journey to Black Belt

For me, becoming a black belt represents a huge sense of achievement—something I never thought I could attain when I was younger. I always believed martial arts were reserved for a select few. How wrong I was.

When I began this journey at the age of 47, I quickly realised that martial arts was for everyone—regardless of age or ability. Now, six years later and preparing to grade at 53, I look back on this journey with pride. It hasn’t been easy.

“If it was easy, the sense of achievement diminishes.”

That’s what makes it meaningful. The effort required is what gives this moment its weight.

People often comment, “Why are you doing a martial art at your age?” But their questions only drive me further. I’ve been lucky to have a senior figure in Lisa Perkins, someone of a similar age, who’s already made this journey. Her example showed me what’s possible, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for her.

What a Black Belt Means to Me

From the beginning, I looked up to the black belts in class. They took the time to help me, especially when I was struggling. That’s what a black belt means to me—not someone to fear or someone who’s simply good at fighting, but someone who is respected and who respects others. A black belt is someone who helps others no matter what, someone others can turn to. I hope I can become that kind of person too. Even if I can’t always demonstrate a perfect pattern or drill, perhaps I can help others by seeing where improvements can be made.

Changing My Life for the Better

Reaching this point hasn’t just been about turning up. It’s meant real changes to my life. When I started, I quickly realised how much more knowledge and skill are needed as you approach black belt compared to those first days as a white belt.

The flexibility I lacked demanded extra hours of stretching—my flexibility now might not look great, but it’s miles better than where I started.

Improving my fitness, managing injuries, finding extra time to train—it’s all part of the path.

“You can’t just rely on class lessons alone if you want to get any better.”

That meant practising patterns at work, at the canoe club, even on the paddling machine. Much to the amusement or sometimes annoyance of others!

I’ve also sacrificed weekends for competitions—either competing or helping as an umpire. Sure, I could have been fixing things around the house, but those weekends were worth it.

“To compete abroad has been one of the highlights of my time doing Taekwondo.”

One of those unforgettable moments came when I travelled to Holland with my daughter. It became part competition, part mini-holiday, and fully unforgettable.

Juggling work, TKD, other sports, family life—it’s a lot. Some extra days in the week wouldn’t go amiss. But I wouldn't change it.

More Than Just Martial Arts

Taekwon-Do has never come easily to me. Even the earliest exercises like Saju Jirugi and Saju Makgi felt difficult at first. But I kept going. And through this journey, Taekwon-Do has given me something unexpected: confidence.

“I believe that if I were put into a difficult situation now, I’d be far better equipped to handle it than before I started.”

That confidence goes beyond the dojang. It has influenced how I handle everyday life.

And yet, nothing gives me more satisfaction than being able to share this journey with my daughter Zaria. To grade alongside her is a source of pride that words barely cover.

A Message to Anyone Wondering If They Can

To anyone thinking they’re too old, or not fit enough, or that martial arts isn’t for them—I hope my story proves otherwise. With hard work, time, and dedication, you can achieve things you never thought possible.