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Languages
Languages
English (Native Language)
Italian (Proficient)
Due to my maternal family being Italian, I regularly communicate with friends and family in Italian, strengthened by my many summers living in Southern Italy in traditional villages (where the majority of the community do not speak any English).
French (Moderate-Good)
I studied French in school for 5 years, which was an enjoyable experience due to both my love of learning languages and the connections I could make between French and other Latin-based vocabularies. As an adult, I had always believed that my ability to speak French was fairly basic. However, in the summer of 2018 I spent a week with a group of French and French-Canadians, who deemed my French to be of a higher level than I had previously thought (or rather, "tres fantastique!").
Arabic (Beginner)
During the time I spent living in Oman, I actively sought to learn Arabic phrases and basic vocabulary, particularly relating to the school environment. I worked to learn a new phrase or word each day, retain it in my memory and apply it in conversation.
Spanish (Beginner)
Spanish has the same Latin roots as both Italian and French, making it fairly easy for me to pick up. In the summer of 2018, I spent 8 weeks travelling throughout South America and spoke regularly to people with limited to no English. I believe that my understanding of Latin-based grammar and vocabulary has helped me to pick up Spanish quicker and more proficiently than I expected.
Croatian/Montenegrin/Serbian (Beginner)
During the time I spent working in Montenegro, as well as the fact that my wife is Croatian, I have a basic vocabulary in the Slavic languages of Montenegrin, Serbian and Croatian. I endeavour to become more adept in this language (specifically Croatian) and am learning more each day.
Hobbies
Hobbies
I am a well-travelled individual with a passion for experiencing alternative cultures. This interest in different cultures has also been a catalyst in me aiming to learn different languages (as detailed above). I have been extremely fortunate enough to have had the opportunities to travel from a young age.My passion for travel has led me to some fantastic locations across each of the continents of the planet, including various wonders of the world and some 'hidden gems'.
At the highest point of the Amazon Rainforest, overlooking the Amazon River.
My view of New York City from the top floor of the Empire State Building.
Machu Picchu: one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. A four day hike led me to this marvel.
My team and I after our victories in the British Karate Championships. This was the 4th consecutive year that I had taken the title in both Kata and Kumite.
I regularly train in my local weights gym and am an avid practitioner of Mixed Martial Arts as well as the martial arts of Judo, Greco-Roman Wrestling and Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate, in which I was British Kata and Kumite Champion 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012. I was fortunate enough to have achieved my 1st Dan (black belt) in Goju-ryu Karate and have subsequently became a graded member of the British Combat Association, attending various training seminars and workshops around applying and teaching self-defence tactics within 'the real world'.
'Team Brailsford' prior to my successful challenge for the British title in MMA competition.
Ready to rumble: taken after my first successful UK title defence in Bournemouth, England.
One-to-one tuition with the EGKA's Chief Instructor and my own mentor and friend, Sensei Roy Flatt (8th Dan)
I played for my school Rugby team for three consecutive seasons as a member of the First Team, resulting in my three week Rugby Tour of Western Australia. This sport helped me to build my team skills and my ability to play off other people’s strengths and weaknesses. I have continued to participate as an active member of the sporting community beyond the role of a player/competitor by completing various coaching courses/qualifications (as detailed within this website) and 'giving back to sport' in the form of a community coach.
I have an active and catholic interest in film and music; regularly attending music festivals and concerts of all genres. In years gone by, I worked backstage (and sometimes ending up onstage!) with many music artists, from local unsigned acts to well-known bands such as Kings of Leon, The Bangles and The Fratellis.
I enjoy writing film-scripts, novels and songs, and also enjoy reading for pleasure. I am currently writing a seven book fantasy series, which I truly envision as a best-seller one day! I have also began writing a crime-based screenplay and have received feedback on from well-known English screenplay writer Jimmy McGovern and Dr Who actor Paul McGann.
My first published novel. The writing and planning of this story began all the way back in 2013 and took 6 years to finish.
The Oman Reds. Proving that the spirit of Liverpool stretches far beyond the banks of the River Mersey.
Being from Liverpool, naturally I am a fan of football! I am a supporter of Liverpool FC (don't hold that against me!) and have attended countless matches at Anfield over the years. Even as a small toddler, my father ensured that I attended a match in the historic 'old Kop' before they added seats and renovated the stadium. In Muscat, Oman I have became an active member of the 'Oman Reds' Official Liverpool FC Supporters Club.
One of my true passions, although strange to some, comes in the form of professional wrestling. I have been a fan for as long as I can remember, and have recently began training in it (fulfilling a life-long dream in doing so). Due to my sociable nature, I have managed to network well within the British Wrestling world and have therefore managed to 'rub shoulders' with some of the world's most prestigious wrestlers (including some employed by WWE!) and even perform with them in the ring.
Listening intently to British wrestling legend 'Gypsy' John Kenny, a man who has trained countless people who have gone on to become international stars within the sport.
Myself and WWE legend Rey Mysterio. Taken only hours before our match at WCPW Mexico.
As a tag team, Big Buster Ellis and Titan (otherwise known as yours truly) were the unstoppable force known as 'The Beasts'!
As is no doubt apparent from the information displayed above, I have a very eclectic mix of hobbies. Basically, I am keen to try anything and seize every opportunity that life offers me. I believe in making the most of each day and I truly believe that it is important to look back upon our lives and have no regrets. As shown by some of the photographs here, I live with the attitude of "I Can". To coin a phrase from Dr Eric Thomas, I aim to be "allergic to average".
Skydiving just outside Las Vegas, Nevada. 17,000 feet in the air. Possibly the most surreal feeling I have ever had was when I first left the aircraft.
Deep sea scuba diving beneath the ocean waves. This is a relatively new hobby of mine, yet one I am enjoying thoroughly.
The 'Spartan Race' in Muscat, Oman. Completing this in the midday heat was a true challenge for me, coming from the cold north of England.
Giving Back To The Community
Giving Back To The Community
I believe that it is vital that we give back to the communities that helped shape us, whether schools, cities, or the wider global communities. I feel a true sense of accomplishment when supporting the development of others and in spreading happiness and a message of respect, proactivity and positive well-being. This is probably the reason for my pursuit of a career in teaching children.
I was one of the founding members of the 'Men In Black' local charity, aiming to raise money and awareness for both testicular and prostate cancers. This photograph was taken after our inaugural fundraiser 10km run.
After volunteering as Father Christmas for the local community grotto, I ended up being working as the official Santa Claus for both Liverpool FC and Everton FC, with my grotto moving to both of their stadiums on match days in the build up towards Christmas.
A photograph taken from 'Hey Scrooge!' - a musical retelling of A Christmas Carol with a soundtrack consisting of songs by The Beatles. The play was performed by my old high school, and I was more than happy to return and show my support to the arts. Although I do seem to have a habit of dressing as Santa!
Myself and James McLoughlin; two of the founding members of 'Hatton Hill Walking Club' - a club set up for teachers to socialise whilst exercising by walking mountains and forest treks.
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