Jason Black is an IT Business Partner in Computer and Information Services (CIS).

Originally from the United States, Jason has been with the University just three years but has spent many more training in martial arts. We spoke to Jason to find out more...

Tell us about your skills in martial arts
I am a martial artist of more than 35 years, having studied and trained across multiple disciplines and most recently achieved the rank of ‘Associate Master’ and formal title of ‘Master’ in Shaolin Do Kung Fu.

Our system is comprised of more than 50 styles, where we learn and train multiple animal, empty hand, internal and weapon techniques.

How did you get into practicing?
Watching kung fu films as a child, I was fixated on the speed, movements, and calmness of the fighters on screen and would constantly mimic their movements.

Following months (years?) of pleading to my mother, I began studying Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do in the United States at the age of eight. A few years after I began training in Taekwondo under Kyongwon Ahn and also took up wrestling. I briefly trained in Aikido with a family friend during my time at university and from there I began training solely in kung fu for the past 21 years.

Why is it important to you?
Martial arts is a grounding force for me that provides a physical and mental balance to life. It has taught me to stop setting limitations on myself and allowed me to achieve and overcome challenges through thoughtfulness, intelligence and perseverance.