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Author Chris Bradford Returns to the Hill

Author Chris Bradford returned to Kingham Hill to speak to 1st, 2nd and 3rd Forms about his Bodyguard, Young Samurai and new Soul trilogy. Chris was a popular and engaging speaker and we'd like to thank him for taking the time to talk to, and inspire, our pupils!

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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.

For his 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.

And for the Soul trilogy, Chris travelled extensively to experience first-hand the cultures featured in the story – from living with the Shona people in Zimbabwe, to trekking the Inca trail, to meditating in a Buddhist temple amid the mountains of Japan. 

His best-selling books are published in over 25 languages and have garnered more than 30 children’s book award nominations, winning among others the Northern Ireland Book Award 2011, Hampshire Book Award 2014, the Brilliant Book Award 2014 and the Quick Read 2017. 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).