Ruggero Calo

Teachers

Ruggero Calo 2nd Dan

Ruggero has been practicing Shizenryu Karate for 11 years. He holds a second degree black belt in the art. His journey to achieve this level took longer than usual due to a break in his training to pursue a degree in podiatric medicine (Also known as Podiatry/Chiropody), but he never gave up due to the contribution he feels it has made to his life. Ruggero practices as a Podiatrist locally in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. He is also a fully qualified swimming teacher with over 7 years of experience instructing children and adults from beginner to expert level. He worked closely with the Wessex surf club to get Bournemouth its first surfing reef.

Ruggero had a brief introduction to karate aged 14 whilst taking a break from competitive swimming. Later, he took up Mui Thai Boxing for fitness. This taught him some of the basics of the martial arts. He has also practiced and still practices Yoga because he says it helps with his surfing. 'I am not naturally flexible; my body is made for fast explosive movements. Yoga helps me maintain my flexibility in activities where it would otherwise suffer. In Shizenryu we use the basic yoga stretch as our warm up and this no doubt, helps keep me supple.

Ruggero became involved in Shizenryu formally as he was inquisitive in understanding more about the martial arts and self defence, after learning about the deeper meaning of the art, that it is a study of human movement, and of relaxing the mind and of achieving the most out of the moments we have in life, he became gripped and has not looked back. Although he appreciates that if used in a martial context, the application can have self defence benefits…he neither practices nor teaches it for this reason. “I practice Shizenryu for the all round benefits it has had on my life. It has taught me great relaxation skills; it’s developed my posture, my breathing and improved my surfing and swimming. I am passionate about this art and would love to see more people doing it. I totally endorse its positive effects. Learning a skill like Shizenryu enhances lives in the long run and gives you a much deeper understanding of yourself and those of whom you practice with. It’s the perfect art for personal growth.

Ruggero currently runs very successful clubs in the Ringwood area.

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