Joanne Farrugia

Region 27 Sensei of The Year 2002

Someone said I had to have a page on here too - the trouble is I have no idea what to write ! Maybe if I follow Samantha's example, that'll provide you with some knowledge about me.

Ok - here goes ........

Birthday : 13th March (and no way on the year !!)

Star sign : Pisces

Age : ummm older than my teeth and the same age as my hair hehehe I was born in Sydney, but have lived in Nowra, Brisbane and Darwin at various times.

Family : Married (Hi Manny!) with three boys - Andrew, Christopher and Nicholas. Oh yes, and Jay the cat, Snowy and Sparky the dogs, various fish, assorted budgies, and 5000 garden lizards which Chris keeps catching and bringing into the house.

Karate History : I joined GKR in 1997 with my oldest two sons primarily to learn some self defence and to get some exercise. I started my training at Lalor Park Dojo, where Sensei Daniel was my first instructor. I started teaching in January 1998 at Seven Hills Dojo but continued assisting when needed at Lalor Park until mid 1999 when I started teaching the 1st Tuesday class. I currently teach the Tuesday 7- 8.30 and Friday 6-7pm classes.

Favourite Technique : Reverse Punch and Kake Uke.

Favourite Kata : All of them - but I am quite partial to Sepai and Saifa.

Karate Ambitions : To continue to both teach and train as long as possible. I revise my goals every 6 months, when I take a long look at what I've achieved for myself, and how I've assisted the students. I fully expect to still be involved in the Martial Arts when I'm a very old grandmother.

Hobbies : oh where do I start ? ok, playing on my computer, reading (anything), watching movies, listening to music (actually I usually accomplish at least 3 of these things at the same time hehehe), spending time with friends, handicrafts. Oh, and some wags would include talking but don't you listen to them ! It is NOT true that I love the sound of my own voice !

Favourite Colour : Blue ... oh and green

Favourite Authors : J.R.R. Tolkien, Stephen King, Raymond E. Fiest, Wilbur Smith, Dean Koontz, James Patterson, James Herriot, Janny Wurts, Richard Laymon. Ok, so there's a strong slant to fantasy fiction here, but its nicely balanced by the horror writers I think hehehe.

Favourite Music : ROCK !

Favourite Groups/Singers : ELVIS !!!! oh and Micheal Crawford, Meatloaf, Air Supply, Backstreet Boys, Michael Jackson, Harry Chapin, Celine Dion, Ronan Keating, Lionel Richie, Roy Orbison, Kenny Rogers, Barbara Striesand, just about everyone from the '50's, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, and lots and lots more.

Most Hated Thing : Having to take my boys with me when I teach grrrrrrrrrrr ..... and EGOS ! In my opinion, no one is better than someone else - we all have our own gifts and talents that make us unique .... so why do some persist in believing they're better than anyone else just because they're stronger, faster, more agile, or are intelligent in different areas ?

Favourite Food : Pizza, chocolate, ice-cream, anything seafood and Hungry Jacks ---- now if only I could combine all of them.

Favourite Place : My bed ... and also inside my imagination - there so many wonderful and exciting places and people to imagine !

Most Treasured Possession : Hmmmmm judging by the hours I spend tending it lovingly, my computer - Im sure my husband would agree - Im an internet junkie !

Favourite Movies : Too many to list ... but a few would be - Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, The Bone Collector, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, ConAir, The Green Mile, The Silence of the Lambs, Calamity Jane, Braveheart, Dirty Dancing, Armageddon, The Matrix, Romeo Must Die, Galaxy Quest, Star Trek (any of them, but especially First Contact), 12 Angry Men (the original), The American President, The Man from Snowy River, and all of the Rogers and Hammerstein and MGM musicals .... did I say a few ? Oh I forgot - all the Disney films, and the "Land Before Time" series - they're the only reason I had children hehehehe ..... ooohhh and ANYTHING with Kevin Costner *phew*.

Favourite T.V. Shows : Uh-oh Im bound to show my age here ...... Star Trek - Original, Next Gen, DS9 and Voyager, The X-Files, Blue Heelers, M*A*S*H, Romper Room (Miss Helena SAW me once!!!) Kung Fu, Happy Days (you've gotta love 'The Fonz'!), NYPD Blue, Sale of the Century.

Favourite Saying : "HIPS! HIPS! HIPS!"

Ambitions : I'm lucky here, I have achieved most of my ambitions already. My remaining ambitions would include visiting Egypt - to stand at the foot of the Pyramid of Cheops, to walk through the Valley of the Kings, and to visit Abu Simbel; continuing to develop my karate - through basics, kata and kumite; assisting my students achieve their karate goals; and to see my boys grow to be happy men who will provide me with many grandchildren.

Oh ok ...... 1965 - I'm 37

I must mention one or two people .....

Daniel - My dear friend, you've given me so much more than you can ever realise. You opened the doors to the world of Martial Arts and in doing so, introduced me to my life's passion. I may never attain your level of understanding and insight, but know that I love the journey you set me on! I'm so proud to call you friend - you too are a "good bloke"!
 

Kevin - such commitment and dedication ! In the early days I would watch you and wonder at your drive - and then I learnt that it wasn't about the belt colour or Kyu level, but rather it was the learning and understanding ... thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your growth and for teaching me all that you have.
 

David - perseverance pays off my friend, and I will always be proud to stand below you in the Dojo. You taught me to believe in myself, to not be discouraged by minor setbacks and to have the courage to continue. The acceptance and support you've always shown me are appreciated far more than you know - love you mate !