High kicking Geai has his sights on black belt
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DETERMINED young martial arts enthusiast Geai Thompson, of Forsinard, has a goal firmly in his sights.
The eight-year-old, who studies the Korean martial arts system Kuk Sool Won, wants to be a black belt by the time he turns 10.
And despite taking up the sport only two years ago he is well on his way to achieving his aim.
In July this year Geai, who is taught at a Thurso dojo, was awarded a brown belt and is now a Dahn Boh Nim – or black belt in training.
His progress has astounded dad Graham Thompson, an operations manager with the RSPB at Forsinard Flows Nature Reserve, and mum Theresa.
Mr Thompson (50) also studies Kuk Sool Won at the Thurso school but, as the holder of a red belt, has been outstripped by his son in the rankings.
Belt colours start at white and go on through yellow, blue, red, brown and black.
Mr Thompson said: “Geai has really taken to the sport and learns the techniques quite easily. Even so we’re taken aback at what he has achieved with just two years of training. The rank he’s at now means that he is studying advanced techniques.”
Father and son train together at home, setting up assault courses in the large family garden and regularly using punch bags hung in their shed.
Geai also practices outdoors with a staff, a bokken (wooden sword) and nunchaki, a Japanese martial arts weapon consisting of two hardwood sticks joined together by a chain.
“Like any eight-year-old, Geai would sit playing his computer games all day if he could get away with it, but he relishes a challenge so I push him to find more ways of testing himself physically. The cold, wet winter weather won’t stop him,” said Mr Thompson.
He paid tribute to trainer Cathy Smith who runs the Kuk Sool class in Thurso, helped by her son Adam.
Cathy is a 4th degree black belt and hopes soon to become a Master (5th Dan upwards), while Adam is a second degree black belt.
A multidisciplinary martial art, Kuk Sool Won was founded in 1961 and and is not a style but a system, giving a comprehensive insight into all traditional Korean martial arts. Mr Thompson said: “Cathy is a great teacher and has given Geai huge amounts of encouragement, as have other senior members of the class.
“He admires her greatly and hopes to achieve what she has one day. He also really enjoys being taught by Adam who has the power and strength of 10 men!”
Kuk Sool Won has proved to be a very sociable sport for the Thompsons, with Geai forming strong friendships with other young participants.
“Geai has made a lot of friends amongst the other children at the class and we’re hoping to have a Kuk Sool garden party in the spring where we can have a barbecue and do lots of Kuk Sool practice,” said Mr Thompson.
“To ensure some quiet moments, perhaps we’ll ask Cathy to lead us with some yoga and meditation. Kuk Sool is a great all-round sport, a way of life really, teaching great discipline and respect for others. I have no doubt that it will help Geai in all aspects of his life.”
For more information on the classes provided at Kuk Sool Won of Caithness – Thurso school, phone Cathy Smith on 01847 894471 or email: sbncathysmith@hotmail.com
