Alan

Sparing another Sabaki player is very difficult as the other player knows what you are doing and trying to achieve. Only the fastest, not just in attacking but also in reading his opponents body language will win. Sabaki is usually a defencive technique but you can also generate Sabaki by attacking your opponent. Sabaki is a close quarter technique where punches and kicks are not effective. Sabaki is very effective against anyother style that has not seen or heard of it. Taekwondo players have no idea how to handle it. Go to the Japanese Ashihara web site and you will see where it all began. Or have a look at Kyoshin Sabaki websites here in Australia.

OSU to all from Ashihara Australia. Found the forum , liked what I saw , so I think I will stay for a while.

Hi

I started training when I was 41. I had never done any other style. My oldeest son is a 2nd Dan in Taekwondo and is now a first dan like me in Ashihara. As long as you dont push youself to much and only do what you can do and not causing yourself any injuries then all I can say is go for it. Have fun .

I have been training in Ashihara for 9 years now and we have never used padding. Padding gives you a fauls sence of security. Does not give you a feel of the power you or your partner are using.