Sempai Tammy Brady
Rank: Yondan (4th Degree Black Belt)
I began my martial arts training in 2002 under Sensei Neil Dunnigan. During this time, I have attained the rank of Yondan (4th Degree) in 2019. Sensei Jerrad Sagan invited me to be a part of the instructional staff in 2016. To help with this, I am actively working toward my Junshihan certification. As an apprentice instructor, I am fortunate to be able access the knowledge of so many senior karateka within Dojo, a collective expertise that spans well over 60 years.
I am always excited to share my knowledge and enthusiasm in Karate with anyone who decides to take this journey. As an instructor and practitioner, I am dedicated, intense, enjoy a strenuous workout. Additionally, I expect the same level of effort when leading a class. I prefer to lead a high energy class with a focus on two elements, strength and endurance. I believe that these elements, in addition to the basics, are important aspects to the overall training regiment in Uechi-ryu.
Who am I? From when I was a young girl, I have always wanted to take Karate. Unfortunately, I did not start that dream until my mid thirties. I believe that my journey in Karate has helped me champion significant childhood traumas. Also, Karate has provided balance to my mind, body, and spirit. Karate has taught me strength when I needed it the most. This a facet that I want to share with anyone who passes through our doors.
Perseverance is an important part of martial arts training and I have done my best to represent that quality in my journey. I have raised a family of six, worked full time, and I volunteer actively within the community and it was always a challenge to find that time for myself. My Karate has sometimes taken a back seat to family commitments and I always felt like I was playing catchup, but understood that I would have to be stubborn in my commitment, because my journey would take longer than those who could attend the dojo regularly. I hope that my example of “Nintai” resonates with anyone who faces similar challenges in their day to day life – never give up on your passion.I have two hashtags that I will often include on my social media posts, these two hashtags represent much meaning to me.
#neverletthemwin reminds me that I have beaten all those who have added injury to my soul.
#phoenixvstiger represents my internal battle that I continue to balance through training in Karate.
A note from the admin:
Sempai Tammy Brady is a wonderful instructor. Her classes are often the most physically strenuous. I have done more sit-ups in her classes than in any other. She will build your muscles. Furthermore, she can show anyone how to fight someone bigger than them. Her intensity while training is an inspiration to all her students.