As an author, Chris Bradford employs a technique he terms ‘method-writing’.
For his award-winning Young Samurai series, he trained in iaido (samurai swordmanship), karate, ninjutsu and earned his black belt in Zen Kyu Shin Taijutsu. Previously he has trained in judo, muay thai and kickboxing. (And yes he knows certain elements of the legendary technique: the Death Touch!)
For his new BODYGUARD series, Chris embarked on an intensive close protection course to become a qualified professional bodyguard. During his training, he acquired skills in unarmed combat, defensive driving, tactical firearms, threat assessments, surveillance, and even anti-ambush exercises.
His best-selling books are published in over 25 languages and have garnered more than 30 children’s book award nominations, winning the Northern Ireland Book Award 2011, Hampshire Book Award 2014 and the Brilliant Book Award 2014. Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior was deemed one of Puffin’s 70 Best Ever Books, alongside Treasure Island and Robin Hood.
Before becoming a full-time author, he was a professional musician (who once performed for HRH Queen Elizabeth II), a songwriter and music teacher. He has written five non-fiction books on music, including the critically acclaimed Heart & Soul (Sanctuary, 2005).
He lives on the South Downs, England with his two sons.
The aspiring author aged 7: