When A Teacher Appears

By Coach Cj Swaby

"It is in self limitation that a master first shows himself." - Confucius

The picture above is of the new CFC Champion Richie Edwards, and David Campbell.  Two outstanding gentlemen, but for very different reasons. Today you will learn about my teacher, David Campbell (David is the once sitting down).

David is a client of mine. I've been training him for 3 years or more now.  He always has a smile on his face, even when he's had a bad day.  He comes ready to train and gives it 100%  every time, without fail.

At times he has a wicked sense of humour (which can be quite dark), and greets everyone he meets with warm welcome, and takes an interest in how they are, lighting them up with his enthusiasm. To David his way of being comes naturally.

So you may thinking, "So what? I know a lot of people like that." But there is something special about David. He has a rare condition which is all too familiar in his family, these are his words,

" I was diagnosed with Cerebellar Ataxia, a rare neurological disorder in 2002. I'm wheelchair dependent as my limbs are uncoordinated which makes me unable to walk. My eyes also see double vision at all times. Eventually this condition will take my life earlier.


Even though I suffer from progressive illness, I feel like with the help of Cj he has helped me to slow down the progression of the condition."


The Cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for motor function. Symptoms of Cerebellar Ataxia include loss of muscle control, bladder control, neuropathic pain, cardiomyopathy (dysfunction of the heart muscle), depression, slurred speech, problems chewing and swallowing food. These are just some of the reported symptoms.  You can find out more about Cerebellar Ataxia here.

To be able to choose your attitude, and your way of being despite your circumstances or situation is the sign of  true mastership. David is a living embodiment of this and still has compassion for others.  He does not got go about preaching, yet by simply being in his presence, and how he conducts himself, you get it. Sometimes, when I allow myself to slip, simply knowing that I am about to train him, or thinking, "Who would David be in this situation?" causes me to raise my game.

This is why I consider it a privilege to train David. That is why I consider him my teacher.