FROM bullied youngster to recognition as one of the world’s greatest martial artists, Ray McLean’s sporting journey is extraordinary.
He began training in martial arts – specifically, karate – at eight years of age in 1966.
Now sixth-dan McLean runs weekly classes in Inglewood as well as teaching at his Bendigo base.
McLean was trained for 22 years by his father Billy, also known as Fu Chang Hi, until his death in 1988.
“The main purpose of my training was simply to stop bullies from picking on me,” McLean said.
Now, he has been recognised with an international GOAT Martial Arts Award, honouring “a life of mastery and influence”.
McLean’s award will be presented next month at a ceremony in Pottsboro, Texas.
While he can’t be there in person, McLean will be honoured in absentia.
“Even if some honourees cannot be with us physically, their legacy and contributions speak louder than their presence,” founder and host Grand Master Lawrence Arthur said.
Honourees were peer-nominated and then selected by the Grand Masters Council.
McLean founded his own academy in 1985 in New South Wales and began running the first Children’s Stranger Danger and women’s self-defence programs in NSW the following year.
This year’s GOAT (Greatest of all Time) recipients come from 25 US states and countries, including Australia, Canada, Britain, Germany, Ireland, Israel and South Africa.