Harkon72

I second Uchi Mata, also Ashi Barai, O Soto Gari, Drop Knee Seo Nage and any leg throw such as Hiza Nage. You will really struggle to execute Hip Throws and Tai Otoshi without some co-operation from your opponent.

If you have a good time and enjoy it, then you can't lose whatever the result. You might end up with a Trophy!

As long as you go into contact totally committed, injuries are rare. The problems and injuries happen when you do techniques in two minds. Go for it. Please wear the correct gear and mouth guard, your spirit will be your friend. As for the Kata, relax and let your best Budo happen!! Osu!!

For me self defense are the skills I need to prevent injury or death to myself or my loved ones in the community where I live. I have worked in the security industry and have 26 years experience of different martial arts. Most of the "Self Defense" techniques I have been taught previously are less than useless in a real situation. I have only been in a real situation outside the Dojo once in my life where my life was in danger. I am pleased to say that I had no lasting effect from it apart from the shame of having seriously hurt someone. In reality we don't live in the Wild West here in North Wales, firearms are almost unheard of. After a year training with Sensei Williams, my level of awareness of how effective our technique really is has increased greatly. I was very lucky during my brush with my attacker, my instinct took over. I have analysed my present mind set, my natural aggression and self preservation energy has been honed and harnessed into a calm confident mind. The pressure Sensei put me under was a wake up call that I am very grateful for.

I had a significant wake up call with my Sensei a year ago. He treated me to a real self defense session, "Do some thing! You'll pass out in a few seconds!" were the words I remember along with the pain. Our Self Defense works with our Sensei testing you to the limit. I'm confident that it's worth while.

Welcome to the forum, Osu!!

Mike! Welcome, I studied Shotokan to 3rd Kyu a few years ago, great style! Osu!

I'm a traditional Karate stylist, so Okinawan Karatedo is my favorite. I have also studied Wing Chun Kung Fu and find that very useful as a complimentary style and ethos. We did a fair bit of grappling in both training styles, a great emphasis was made on local energy generation by the Kung Fu Sifu.

Strength and Agility is one factor but balance is the key to most martial arts.

Fumio Demura and Steven Segal.

Traditional doesn't mean bad, blocks are that way because they work and have worked for a long time. You could argue that my style of Shukokai is not Traditional because it is at least 3rd generation in the style tree. But my point is that each block we make works because of the physicality and energy of the human body. The science is as true now as it was by the Pine Trees in Okinawa when the technique was realized.

Even if the branches have grown into different styles, a vast amount of modern Karate has the same root. Take a look at you tube to discover this.

In April this year I will be attending a Kubotan course, I have never been on one before. It is given by a 7th Dan Master of Self Defense and Karate. I feel I can learn much, but as you say my forefist is my weapon of choice.

I found the Sensitivity of Wing Chun and the way it generates power gives a very real edge to Karate, my Tate Zuki rocks! Also in the blocking, the Kime of forearm blocking is greatly improved with the fluid Kung Fu action. This is why the Martial arts fascinate me, none is an island. None are totally apart from each other.

Thank you, for the sake of £2 I think I'll support Sensei Williams. He might offer me a discount if I buy the Association hoodie from him too. Cheers for the heads up though. Osu!

There has been great debate here in the UK about the legality of carrying and using a Kubotan, palm stick, or Yawara. I will not go down that road because it is a very gray area that is to the discretion of a Jury I believe. Just out of interest; does anyone carry one, or would admit to have used one for self defense?

James Clavell has the best English translation for me, my favorite quote is; "Don't Fight a Battle until it is already Won". Enjoy.

I can see that the deal from Sensei Williams is a good one. His top student uses Blitzsport gear, so I might give them a try. Thank You for your reply, it was very useful.

I want to buy a sparring set (Hands, Feet, Shins and Head Guard) for Karate Sparring. My Sensei sells the whole set to fit me at £65. I saw a set from ebay at the same price but with £12 pp My Sensei deals with Blitzsport here in the UK. Are they any good? Has anyone seen a better deal elsewhere? They are dipped foam BTW.

Here are some: Shio Tsuke Pinan Nidan, Pinan Shodan, Pinan Sandan, Pinan Yondan, Pinan Godan. Bassai Dai, Annanko, Jinn, Sepai, Chinto.

It depends on the sparring, but I would recommend a gum shield in free sparring at all times. A thermo-molded one costs about £3.

I study Shukokai, so Shito ryu is our parent style. Our sensei's master is a Shito Ryu 7th Dan. Traditional Shito ryu does appear in our style frequently.

In our classes ALL students, sempai and sensei have the same level of respect for eachother. One student was expelled from the club for lack of respect. His Karate was good, but he failed a grade for bad behavior. His reaction was to swear at the instructor. He was asked to write a letter of apology to our sensei and the parents of the junior grades. Unfortunately he has not returned.

It is true that Karate is for defense, but if you are ever faced with danger, there is no dishonor in meeting your attacker with a strike. The reaction hand movement to a block can be seen as a strike - we call it "Hikate" is means literally "Under the Skin Hand" or "Hidden Hand", all Karate technique have them, interpret them as you will.

I wish you all the best. I was a 7 stone rugby player at school - the smallest on the field. This made me tackle even harder even though some were laughing at me. Truth be told, I was never a good fighter in martial arts, but I practiced my kata hard. I have had only one serious self defense situation in my life. It was a threat to my life, and my Kata and Spirit saved me. Don't listen to negativity, it disappears in the wake of your talent to be yourself. You are your only true opponent; be smart, be quick and enjoy each challenge. Osu!!