My biggest training challenge recently has been dealing with a meniscus tear in my right knee. The root cause? I was born with hip dysplasia, but it wasn’t detected until my mid-40s. I had corrective hip surgery in 2019, which was life-changing, my back injuries gradually vanished! But the surgery shifted my leg’s alignment, and over time, my knee bore the brunt. Eventually, my knee would swell every time I trained, until in August 2026, the meniscus tore completely. I had to make a big decision and step back from all training. I treated myself like a pro athlete; rest was my only option. That meant shutting down my club and not doing any training, just focusing on walking. After five months of careful recovery, my knee is finally pain-free, I started in the gym again last week (my hips didn't thank me, though, and I may need to consider this later). I’m giving it another two months before returning, because healing fully matters. We owe ourselves that respect. If I don't get this right, after 40 years of martial arts, I may not be able to return.

@Colin Hilton the dark arts of getting ourselves to the dojo after a hard days work 😆😆😆

I have been a fan of your photography before I knew who you were!! I remember drawing a copy of one of your iconic photographs of Enoeda Sensei on a T-shirt when I was about 15 years old and then getting him to sign it. 🥰 Your photo shoot with Stuart Amos was fabulous. Perhaps you might consider doing a community 'insider' session for us here in Skool?