DUANNE BIGGS is realising his lifelong passion of martial arts, which has stuck with him since childhood. But for him, the bigger prize is passing on the skills to those who appreciate it most.
Biggs, who hails from Mandeville, recounted that he developed his love for karate (martial arts) after watching shoalin (karate) movies, which were aired Friday nights on the then Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation around 1991.
“As a youngster, I was impressed, I started practising the kicks, punches and stances, which caught the eyes of some community residents, who watched in awe at my swift moves and agility.
I then started attending karate classes, and even during my years at university, I remained loyal and committed to my passion and lifelong dream. At long last, I am now passing on what I have learnt to other persons who have expressed the desire to learn martial arts.”
Biggs graduated from the University of the West Indies with a Doctor of Philosophy in chemistry and lectures in that field at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) at Passley Gardens in Portland.
At CASE, Biggs is actively involved in martial arts, and as such, he has launched an outreach programme in the form of a karate club, where he teaches students the art of self-defence and other forms of physical activities. He currently holds a third-degree in black belt.
Valuable asset
Now a resident of Portland, Biggs, operates his own martial arts class at Port Antonio High School three days each week, and already he boasts a class complement of 25 persons including males and females between the ages four to 60 years old.
Continuing, Biggs added, “Fitness is a valuable asset, which helps to develop good health. My aim is to assist persons to develop martial arts skills, which will allow them to better defend themselves against violent attacks. The varied forms of exercise also help to develop muscle and also to build up strength and stamina. Martial arts also teaches you about self-discipline and to be more aware of your surroundings.”