Rod Butler

A compelling and shocking story that is all the more effective because it is true. Born during the War and growing up in the post war years, the writer takes you on a journey that surprises and shocks. The loss of his young Father is the catalyst that leads the author as a young boy along a path of trauma and despair and into life as a reclusive introvert, unable to function on a normal day to day basis. The Mother re-marries with terrible consequences, and any hope for the future is dashed when the reader witnesses the virtual destruction of the author as a child, as the step Father emerges as a paedophile with a most surprising and awful background. The author grows into a wayward child and a disturbed teenager, making some terrible mistakes along the way. He emerges from this virtual psychological prison that contains him, and for the first time discovers enjoyment, enjoyment in music, Rock n Roll and the guitar. The music offers him an escape from his painful background and he struggles at every opportunity to learn to play the guitar and become more than just proficient. After secretly practising, improving and playing with various bands, he eventually travels the world in a band with a number one hit record. The author lurches from one success to another but it is not enough. His hunger for life is fuelled by working in more bands, hard drinking and experimenting with drugs. A crossroads is reached when there is a choice; music or karate. The karate was started as a conduit for his energy and his frustration with the music business. A decision is made and he diverts his energies from music into a totally new venture, starting karate classes and eventually gaining his Black Belt. A karate club is created almost accidentally, and the club goes from strength to strength producing champions and award winning teams. More clubs are started, and other clubs impressed by the dynamics and professionalism of the core clubs, successfully join the newly formed karate group - Shotokan Karate England. The book is a shocking testimonial to paedophilia but a brilliant testimonial to overcoming adversity and trauma in one's life. The story is one of determination not to be beaten, and inspiration can be taken by all of those who read this incredible but true story.

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