Karate champ helps youngsters get motivated
One of the hardest karate champs took time out to help youngsters learn self defence and kick their confidence into shape.
Rob Lock, who has 12 black belts and was the British Karate Champion for five years, visited Bleakhouse Library in Oldbury for the unique martial arts workshop.
Each session lasted around an hour and involved Rob teaching key moves to children in case they ever get caught in danger.
Rob explained: "I have doing martial arts for many years now and the sessions are really about self defence and to give children an insight into that in case they are ever in danger.
"The big message is to get away from danger first, but know how to defend yourself if you can't.
"I love touching base with youngsters and people who do not get out to Martial Arts classes.
"The great thing is libraries are available to everyone. The children came down and had a laugh and learnt some techniques and I tried to make it as fun as possible."
Over the years Rob has also been in the spotlight with his work.
Last year he got to work on the film Suffragette after he came third in recent years in Britain's Hardest on Sky, hosted by EastEnders tough guy Steve McFadden.
Rob added: "I've coached lots of celebrities, I'm up for any challenge and have just applied for Bear Grylls The Island.
"I've been very lucky to be able to work with some really great people.
"After Suffragette last year I had the chance to train Helena Bonham Carter at her home too, which was fantastic."
Deb Worley, senior supervisor at the library, said: "It was a different event for us and something for the children to get their teeth into.
"It was about helping children release their own potential.
"It was great to see their motivation be built up."
Sessions will continue to run across borough libraries until next week. Rob will be at Oldbury Library tomorrow (THURS), Langley Library on Friday and Brandhall Library on Monday.
