Sempai Sonny Ransom

Sonny joined the Helston Dojo mainly because of the TV series the Power Rangers.

His parents weren't sure that "real" martial arts would be suitable, so they stalled for a while, but Sonny persisted. As an eight year old Sonny didn't take his training too seriously, but once he had passed his first belt he realised that karate can be fun. He also learned that it is also hard work and has a serious side.

Very much an individual, Sonny soon found himself at odds with the instructors, but he kept on training and kept on growing - not just as a karateka but as a person. The higher a grade he attained the more he learned to respect his art.

On several occasions he thought about quitting but his parents always had a word with him and persuaded him to keep going "just a bit longer", and he has thanked them ever since. He has also persuaded some of his closest friends to take up karate, and is pleased to see them making steady progress and chasing him through the grades.

Sonny is an adept competition fighter and is quite enthusiastic and knowledgeable about all aspects of the martial arts including the "peripherals" of karate - sport science, first aid, and the history and philosophy of the martial arts. He is also a bit of a martial arts movie buff!

Sonny enjoys hard training and is not afraid to question and to contribute. A dark horse, he is easily underestimated, but his ability was plain to see when he was awarded his Black Belt in 2005.