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ARTS Sto Soing 'Memoirs of a Karate Fighter' a real kick Latest of three books byformer karate champ [ By Stephanie Thiessen CANADIAN CHAMPION STAFF Sa former British karate cham- pion, Ralph Robb knows what its like to fight with his hands. Now, as an author of three new books, Robb's learning what it means to fight with words, casting light on the shadows that surround racism, mental illness and other serious topics. "They're (to provide) entertainment and highlight social issues as well," the Miltonian said about his recently-released books, two of which are fictional, and one that's autobiographical. With the three books released in Great Britain within a one-year period, its safe to say this bas been an exciting year for Robb. 'Memoirs of a Karate Fighter' is his newest book, which illustrates his fights on and off the mat, including his experi- ences as one of a very few black residents in an area in which the National Front - a far right political party that opposed immigration and multiculturalism - was very active. Tragic ending to friendship Woven throughout the account of Robb's experiences in the world of martial arts is a story about a dear friendship - with Robb's training partner and cousin - that ended in suicide due to mental ill- ness. Although the book is currently only available in Great Britain, Robb said be hopes to have it released in Canada early in the new year. At his peak as a martial artist, Robb was a British champion and won a silver medal in the European Championships in the under 21, light heavyweight level. A number of injuries and other life issues caused him to cease his competitive career in his late twenties. Now, be said, those wins are "irrelevant". "That's another life. I'm over here now, leading a Canadian life," he said dismis- sively Although the autobiography appears at first glance to be about karate, the sport simply provides a backdrop to serious issues Robb dealt with during his young adult years, be told The Champion. The autobiography, which takes place in England, bas been in the making for about 15 years and is Robb's first non-fic- tion work. Robb said it wasn't easy to write, because it meant making his life an open book - literally - and allowing readers into his mistakes and regrets. "Writing about yourself is very diffi- cult. You don't want to reveal the inner side of you," Robb said, adding be seldom talks about his years as a karate champ. One of the regrets be reveals in the book is not being able to help his cousin, who suffered from schizophrenia. Many people still regard talking about mental illness as taboo, Robb said, and that needs to change. Robb said be hopes his children will read the book and better understand where their dad came from. Robb and his wife have four children, aged 23, 18, 16 and 13. Loves writing fiction Robb's quick to admit be much prefers writing fiction, and writes under the name of Sylvester Young. "The characters in my books are amal- gamations of people I know," Robb said. Earlier ibis year, be published a teen/young adult novel about a black soc- cer team playing in England, called 'More Than a Game - A Story About Football and Other Stuff'. This novel is being used in conjunc- tion with several anti-racism campaigns and schools in Great Britain, something Robb said hes very pleased about. His second novel published this year, under the fictitious name J.S. Noon, is a thriller he wrote with a friend entitled 'Love, Lies and Bleeding'. It follows the adventures of a Toronto private investiga- tor as she tries to stop a people-trafficker in London. Robb's books have all been published by an Irish company, Raldon Books, which was started by a friend. Although Robb's stories are set in England, be said he's very much a Canadian at heart, and bas been living in Milton for 12 years now "I love it here. Its the best country in the world. Canadians don't know it until they travel around and see how others live." Stephanie Thiessen can be reached ai sthiessen@miltoncanadianchampion.com. GRAHAM PAINE / CANADIAN CHAMPION THEMS FIGHTIN' WORDS: Ralph Robb holds up his three books, incuding the latest - 'Memoirs of a Karate Fighter'. "n0W Open lI MWiton r 7 as A e oW opeln