Shrekka

Why should there be an interpretation of the rules by some judges whilst other judges stick to the rules? That breeds inconsistency. It is the lack of control in a lot of the techniques that are being scored which annoys me. It doesn't have to be touchy feely tag if the competitors use controlled techniques. You can still do a strong reverse punch without punching the poor bastards lights out.

Thanks for your view, but that is not what I am wanting to discuss here. What I am finding is more and more uncontrolled teachniques being scored or even waived away by the referees and judges. In my dojo we practise with a full chest guard and a face guard, even though it is safe and injuries very rarely occur, accidents do happen. Do any of you use protective equipment whilst training in the dojo? Should the WKF introduce these?

To the OP, spinning a stick 100 miles an hour doesn't make you good at the bo. You need to find yourself a traditional Karate/Kobudo dojo and learn Kata and the correct movements. Kobudo isn't about fighting other people with weapons, Kobudo is about defending yourself and others with weapon usable objects.

Shorin Ryuu - Nice article, some interesting concepts in there, and most of them I agree with. What is your definition of traditional Kata? What do you think about some of the Kata that is being thrown around nowadays? And lastly, what is your Kata syllabus?

Is anybody else sick of the level of contact allowed in WKF style competitions? I know the JKF has introduced face masks and body protectors for the kids, but why can't the adults use this as well? At a recent national competition, a well seasoned fighter had his jaw broken in three places. Does anybody else see this as a low point in WKF comps? In the rules it says only feather touch to the face, but people continously come away with broken noses and black eyes and the referees and judges sit idly by. What are your views on this?

Hobbes, what do you mean by official bunkai? Cheers