RAY Morcomb was just a boy when he met martial arts instructor Michael Ettingshausen.
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That was more than 25 years ago.
Ray, who is visually impaired, was just eight when he began at Ettingshausen Performing Arts School at Kirrawee.
‘‘Ray has been with me since he was a boy, now he’s a man,’’ said Ettingshausen, who teaches Shotokan karate, a traditional Japanese-style martial art.
Ettingshausen, 45, of Burraneer Bay, has been teaching students in Sutherland Shire for more than
20 years.
The former electrician has really sparked up the students with his teaching.
Many of them have won medals at state, national and inter-national levels.
But Ettingshausen’s proudest achievement is seeing Morcomb excel in competition.
Late last year, Morcomb, now 34, won the world title in the vision impairment category in Germany.
The pair are close friends and so are their respective families.
‘‘That was his first world championship,’’ Ettingshausen said.
‘‘Ray doesn’t live in this area any more and he can’t drive — he gets the train to the gym.’’
Morcomb is getting ready for the upcoming Australian titles.
‘‘Then later this year he is off to Okinawa for a major competition.’’
Ettingshausen said that Morcomb was an inspiration: ‘‘He motivates and teaches students,’’ he said.
‘‘Ray is a great mentor and a fine example for us all.’’
Do you know anyone who has overcome a disability to compete in their sport at championship level?
