A LIFE IN MARTIAL ARTS Bobby Singh Rayatt

Bobby Singh Rayatt talks to Andrew Staton at the Doncaster Martial Arts Show. He is a martial artist whose journey has been defined by dedication, adaptability and an enduring passion for the fighting arts. With more than four decades of martial arts experience behind him, Rayatt represents a generation of practitioners who have seen martial arts evolve from relatively specialist disciplines into a worldwide phenomenon. His progression through the ranks reflects a long-term commitment rather than a pursuit of quick recognition. In 2014, after more than 27 years of martial arts experience and having previously held a first-degree black belt for more than a decade, Rayatt was awarded his 3rd Dan in kickboxing by Sensei Simon Hengle, 8th Dan of Tora Martial Arts & Kickboxing and Superfoot Systems UK. One of the most significant milestones came in 2018, when legendary American kickboxer Bill “Superfoot” Wallace awarded Rayatt his 4th Dan black belt. Rayatt had attended several of Wallace's seminars and, already holding the rank of 3rd Dan, was tested and recognised by Wallace. For Rayatt, the honour carried particular significance because Wallace had been one of his inspirations in developing his flexibility and kicking ability during his formative years. Rayatt's contribution to British martial arts has also been recognised through a series of awards. He was inducted into the UK Martial Arts Hall of Fame at the UK Martial Arts Show in 2016, with the award presented by Bill Wallace and Bob Sykes. The following year, he received a Black Belt Hall of Fame Award at the UK Martial Arts Show and Martial Arts Illustrated. Earlier, in 2014, he had received a Martial Arts Illustrated Hall of Fame Award as a Top Martial Arts Exponent, presented by Bob Sykes. His involvement with the wider martial arts community goes beyond his own training. Rayatt has developed strong friendships and connections throughout the British martial arts scene. Sifu George Fitzgerald has publicly described him as a friend and fellow martial artist. Away from the martial arts, Rayatt has also developed a career in holistic massage therapy, including Indian Head Massage, holistic body massage and deep-tissue massage. This provides an interesting extension of his longstanding understanding of the human body, movement and physical conditioning. What ultimately distinguishes Bobby Singh Rayatt is longevity. More than four decades after beginning his martial arts journey, he remains involved with the community and continues to represent the traditional values of perseverance, technical development and lifelong learning. His story is one of a practitioner who has continued to train, develop and contribute long after the initial excitement of earning a black belt has passed. Interview filmed by Dean Meadows of Pentagram Pictures With thanks to Bob Sykes, Paul Barnett and the UK Martial Arts Show. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/c/womatelevision/join Thanks for reading & watching, we hope you enjoyed it, please LIKE, SHARE and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to W​orld of Martial Arts Television for more great content!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices