3rd October 2024

Retirement living resident Chris Simms is a true example of how it's never too late to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace new experiences. Who knows, it might just lead to one of your greatest passions in life! 
 

Early Journey 

Chris' family migrated from England to Western Australia when he was eight years old, describing himself as a "shy and withdrawn, skinny little Pommie kid." Upon the transition from primary to high school, Chris was met with some disparaging teachers and subsequently left at 16 years old. 

Shortly after, he landed a respectable role with the Federal Government. In the Drafting Office he worked on land tax maps; inspiring him to achieve a Diploma in Cartography. 

"I proved my old maths teacher wrong; Pythagoras and I would have made great mates!" 

Although everything changed for Chris at the age of 20, when the National Service came knocking at his door. He was then whisked to Victoria, eventually finding himself at the training camp for the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps. 

"Despite being so far removed from my initial profession, I really took to it well and enjoyed it immensely." 

Chris was posted to what turned out to be a dream job at the Malaria Research Unit at Sydney University. 

"Civilian clothes, no regulation haircut, called the officers by their first names, had liquid lunches with them at the pub over the road, promoted myself to corporal. .. I believe I must be the first and only Private to do that!" 

Chris was discharged after two years and returned to studying, achieving a Bachelor of Science at Curtin University majoring in Geographic Information Systems. 

"Pretty darn good for someone whose high school labelled him a lost cause!" 
 

Brains & Brawn 

Chris was certainly more studiously inclined; sports were never really on his radar. 

"I wasn't overly sporty although I was drawn to the outdoors from an early age with our family camping trips and my other interests like fishing, bush walking and photography. 

It wasn't until towards the end of my degree when a workmate at Uni said she was going abseiling one weekend; of course I puffed out my manly chest and announced, 'I've always meant to try that!"' 

Without a second thought, he was booked in to go with no mention of his lack of experience, least of all his morbid fear of heights! 

"I terrified myself just abseiling down the 20-or­so metre 'baby' slope, followed by a progression of higher and steeper slopes culminating in what is known as a 'Run Down'. Yes, forwards! That nearly required a change of underwear!" 

Much to his surprise Chris ended up loving the sport, opening the doors to many others including rock climbing, scuba diving, skiing, kayaking and mountain biking to name a few; even going on to become an abseiling instructor himself. 

"I've certainly spent the latter part of my life making up for the adrenaline rush I've missed out on!" 
 

Getting a Kick out of Life 

Chris moved to Bentley Park in 2014, where he stumbled across a profound new passion. 

"The village notice advertised a karate demonstration with an invitation for residents to 'Have a go'. Well, I didn't think of this so much as an invitation, more like a challenge; an 'I dare you'. So, I decided to go. 

Now, I must admit, when they said they would tailor the session to our abilities I thought 'Good, I can just go at a gentle, senior citizen's pace, no sweat.' This is very true but like I said, I love a challenge! So, I went at it 'Hammer and Tongs'!"

Chris was instantly hooked, admitting he was pleasantly surprised to learn the practice wasn't centred around violence, rather the exact opposite. 

"Putting aside the pre-conceived notion of street brawling thugs, I soon discovered those I was training with were professional people who were dedicated, not to a sport as such but an art form.

The three main tenets of Seido, which is Japanese for 'Sincere Way', are Respect, Love and Obedience, not just for others but also towards ourselves. Seido Karate is, and always has been, focused on self-defence and personal development - never aggression." 

From his first karate class last year, Chris now attends four a week including a Sunday morning session in the village. So, does he see any other future hobbies on the horizon? 

"I never intend to follow particular sports or hobbies; I never intended to slide down a rope off a high cliff, scuba dive with sharks, ski down a double black Olympic class ski run or do karate, but I've done all of the above and more. 

I'm not promising to do a tandem sky dive - although watch this space - however, I was born in Nottingham, Robin Hood Country, maybe I'll have a go at archery." 
 

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Chris. Your life experiences pack a punch!