Tying up my white robe, I stepped onto the rubber mat.
‘Hello girls,’ our martial arts teacher said, introducing himself as Sensei Derek.
Aged 12, I was a huge sports fanatic. Having loved running, triathlons and fishing, I’d now decided to take up martial arts.
During the first lesson, Derek helped me correct my technique. Placing his hands on my hips, he smiled at me. ‘If you ever need anything, I’m always here,’ he vowed.
He’s so lovely, I thought.
In my first week, Derek probed me about my home life. I
