There have been some recent changes with the karate program at Ivanhoe Aquatic Centre and with Chinese New Year coming up, I thought it fitting to feature…well…someone Chinese! I can attest to Belinda’s energy and positivity as I’ve seen her teaching in action. I’m even more impressed that she’s a female black belt and has decided to take ownership of the existing karate program at Ivanhoe. We’re lucky to have her in the north-east…
Name: Belinda Lee
Occupation: Karate Instructor and Primary School Teacher
Lives/works: Ivanhoe and Surrey Hills
How long have you lived/worked here? Ivanhoe has been my home for 33 years (that’s all my life!), except between 2007 – 2010 when I left for Japan to teach at an International English School and further my training in Karate. I started teaching karate 14 years ago, where I started at Ivanhoe Aquatic and Nets Stadium in Macleod.
Describe yourself/what you do: Others have described me as one big ball of energy! I like to think I am energetic! If bouncing to class was normal instead of walking, that would be me! I try to transfer all this positive energy into my classes. I love to motivate people and teach them new skills. I challenge my students and aim to make learning enjoyable.
Whether I am teaching adults, teenagers or children the joy in their eyes when they achieve something is what makes my job worthwhile. Teaching is my main focus. Lesson preparation comes with instructing, I mentally prepare and visualise how I want my class to run. I think about the students when I plan.
I also am training to become an outdoor Bootcamp instructor in the Eastern suburbs. I hope one day I can bring that to the North-East side. Fitness is a very important life skill for me. I want to stay healthy and keep active. Be fit for life!
Best thing(s) about living/working in Melbourne’s north-east: The people around me, the care they show for each other. I have learnt from others, students and parents alike. I feel rewarded when as a group I see my classes encouraging each other, respecting the different ages and levels and lifelong friendships are formed. I also love the coffee and all the trendy cafes that have popped up over the last few years. I like my coffee best in the mid-afternoon. As an early riser, I feel a coffee hit is needed around 2 pm. We are spoilt for choice in Melbourne’s north east!
For more information:
Belinda Lee – Senior Instructor | 4th Dan | Owner – Lee’s Karate
Ivanhoe Aquatic Centre
170 Waterdale Rd. Ivanhoe, Victoria 3079
Phone: 0421 416 119
Email: belindalee@leeskarate.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeesKarateAustralia/
Website (under construction – stay tuned!): leeskarate.com.au
Miss Rosanna 