Thistle M Longson

Hello, I'm Thistle, a member of the UCL Karate Club who will be running for Welfare Officer.

In our karate club, there is a strong sense of community- it’s a source of support for all of us who practice here. Whether relieving stress through a tough but rewarding session, or peer support during classes and socials, we've formed a tight-knit community who can rely on each other. As Welfare Officer, I want to provide support for anyone and everyone who wants to train, regardless of their background.

Karate has been an important aspect of my life for many years, and I strongly believe our club could be beneficial for many students. It can not only teach you discipline and determination, but can also bring you a strong sense of pride and comeraderie. The fulfilment that comes with progressing your karate as an individual, and growing stronger as a team, is invaluable. This karate club helped ground me in my first year of uni, and it has been a great source of self-respect for me and I believe many others.

For these reasons I think it's important to encourage as many people as possible to embrace karate, which is why inclusivity is so important. I assisted my former sensei by teaching a student who was predominantly blind, along with other physically and mentally disabled students. I think everyone should get the opportunity to practice karate regardless of disability, which is something I'd like to address as Welfare Officer.

Another important thing is ensuring those who are already a part of our club feel supported.