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Michael kicks out at his problem

Eve Dugdale
9/ 1/2008

DESPITE being partially sighted, paralysed down one side and suffering from epilepsy Michael Squire gets a real kick out of his hobby.

Michael, 45, who is a member of Tameside Blind Association’s Young Person’s group, has just reached the coveted Black Belt First Dan in the Japanese martial art Aikido.

The sport, which involves throws and using your own energy to gain control of an opponent to move them away from you, places great emphasis on the dynamics of movement.

So when Michael, who is registered disabled, went along to Longdendale sports centre six years ago, he wasn’t sure whether it would be a suitable sport for him.

“A friend of mine was doing it so I went to see him and sat down and watched.

“I had a chat with the person running the club at the time and he said if I was willing to learn, he was willing to teach me,” said Michael, of Ford Way, Mottram.

“I explained my situation, that I was visually impaired and had paralysis of my left side and epilepsy but I took it up and had a go and have been doing it ever since.

“They treat me the same – they say with this martial art you can do it at your own pace.

“I wouldn’t do karate because it is more intense but this suits me.”

Michael, who trains for two hours twice a week, has nerve damage in his eyes which sometimes means it takes him a while to stabilise his vision.

“I don’t let it rule my life. My dad was surprised when I told him what I was doing. I’m proud of myself because I didn’t think at first that I could do it.

“When I was younger I was beaten up twice. It shook me up and I struggled to go out for 12 months after each occasion. I thought if I could try something like this, I’m not saying I would use it, it may give me a little bit of an edge to help defend myself.”