TraditionalDan

But, on the other hand, what's more important? The law or possibly your life? (Not that the law is something we have to worry too much about in the UK, reasonable is determined by the judge, and each situation judged accordingly).

One of my very favourite techniques, and highly practical. Enough said.

Hi Kez, it's Dan here from the Brighton dojo. I've only just come back on here from a while back, and I must say your story is quite touching. These cowards will probably continue to live their lives this way, and will one day run into someone who hasn't had so much to drink, has a blade/gun, or the law. These people always get it coming to them, I've seen it. For them, they may never learn, and go on digging themselves a deeper hole. Besides you were tipsy, and these guys picked on two ladies and a guy. Very dishonourable. You say you had a perforated eardrum? Did he attack you with a power slap? If so this guy may have learnt this technique in the hope of using it in one of his drunken brawls. I guess where some of us practice martial arts to fulfill our combatitive needs, these people go out and drink (for confidence, wouldn't have the bottle to join a dojo) and then fight. As some have said, use this as an opportunity to go forward, learn from the experience. What you are feeling is quite normal. Also, if you are ever likely to face an aggresive person, it is usually out on the town around all the clubs. Bear this in mind for next time you go out.

Do you think it is a matter of timing (punching arm, retracting arm and moment of impact), rather than power?

Karate will help with kickboxing. If the karate dojo of your choice doesn't involve a lot of sparring/contact sparring, then kickboxing will also compliment your karate.

I too am not usually fond of demos, but I liked this, there was some good sharp karate in there.

You can generate a lot of power with the ridge hand, although I personally can generate more with a knife hand. I have found that the ridge hand is ideally used against the neck, in a non-telegraphed manner. Straight from the guard etc.

I agree with Tiger, martial arts have given me this perception. Let alone an unbelievable amount of confidence, I walk the street completely confident and aware of my abilities and limitations. Whilst others may not even be truly aware of thiers.

Women who fight back have an easier time getting over the traumatising experience of rape than those who do not. Also, do not think that by complying with your attacker's wishes means that he will not kill you. Real self defence starts with awareness of your surroundings, and alot of that is common sense. If you are a woman who trains in martial arts you have a significant advantage. If you are a woman who worries about the possibility of rape, then go to a class and learn how to hit, hard. I think it is also possible to lure the attacker into a false sense of security, then unleash all that you have trained for. 100% attack/kill mode, no less.

I too do not compete, but I did compete once. I did one kata (Bassai Dai). I got a gold for it. But I wasn't exactly overwhelmed with joy when I got it, as I realise that there are plenty of karateka out there who would have beaten me to the gold. At the same time I am not doubting the effectiveness of my own kata interperetation. Unfortunately, humility and competition sometimes do not go hand in hand.

I also think the eyes are a good target.

Please take some advice from a karateka of 12 years, no kata is 'below' a karateka. Even the most basic kata can bring out weaknesses in our karate when performed with full kime. A truly advanced karateka can still perform a basic kata with noticable adeptness. We must not forget our basics! Of course the grades did seem a little unfairly matched, and maybe he does like the girl in question. But I am a little upset that you walked out, your son is possibly showing more understanding of the art than you are giving him credit for.

We, our instructors, and students are all people, and people know and experience thier own things. Therefore we can all benefit from eachother's input. In today's world, where martial arts are alot more open, I feel that students shouldn't feel afraid to share thier knowledge with thier instructor. Likewise, instructors shouldn't be afraid to take input from thier students.

It comes down to common sense and intuition. Some people have got involved and been seriously hurt, whilst others have stopped the altercation, and it worked out for the best. It would be too hard to argue either way.

I can only agree with karateka latino, there is a good balance to be struck for self defence to work. But it is also as much about the situation in which you may have to use it.