TraditionalDan

I have read a few books on Bruce, and apparently at one point, he was training 40 hours a week! Now that is something to inspire to. I am also particurlarly inspired, and somewhat touched when I watch his 'interview', which can be found on YouTube. A remarkable man no doubt, I don't believe imperfection contributes to lessening a legend.

Anyway, yes I have had real experience. Working as security for a time, and also a few occasions outside of profession.

I agree with cross, I have e-mail Mr Abernethy a few times, and he usually quite quick and helpful with his responses. I hope to attend one of his seminars one day.

Try standing on one leg, with the leg chambered, then pivot quickly on the supporting leg to the kicking position (leg still chambered). Then pivot back and repeat.

Like myself, you come to that 'realisation', that can't easily be explained to non practitioners of any art. Congratulations on returning to a truly great art.

Of course anyone can be of a respectful nature, but martial arts has taught me to be more that way. This is not say that I wouldn't be otherwise, but I feel this is the case. The reasoning behind it is that I feel that being physically more confident in yourself (which martial arts training does), relaxes you around people and in general. Which in turn helps you be more relaxed in the way you conduct yourself, which then rubs off on to many aspects of your personality. I feel that martial arts training is a very effective (although not the only) way of helping a person becoming more 'respectful' in nature.

Now the winter is here I feel my karate strengthening yet again. Does anyone else find this? Is it due to the heat of the summer?

I remember once at school some kid grabbed me round the throat (trying to impress his friends), then I performed a kote gaeshi (wrist twist) on him, and he soon let go! Another time my mother's friend was being assaulted by a semi drunk man who swung for me, I swayed back and caught both his wrists. He then went on to say "you're lucky I didn't hit you". I said "no, you're lucky you didn't hit me!" After about 3 minutes he was pleading that I let go of his wrists, I did finally when his mum turned up and told him to get in her car! He did with his head hung in shame. They were the only times I have ever physically used self defence. Mentally is another matter, and involves many more instances.

Unless you are in a competition with rules, there is no such thing as cheating.

Only a martial artist would do this!

Karate-do has become a way of life for me over the past 11 years, and has been strengthening ever since. I honestly canot ever imagine not training in it. I do however endorse cross training, which I actively pursue myself.

There are so many reasons that I don't have time to go into. But I will say that most attacks are on people who won't have time to draw out the firearm. Also, over here in the UK firearms are illegal. Unless you are talking about high powered air rifles, rimfires and shotguns, in which case you need a fire arms certificate. Which still doesn't allow you to carry them on your person for self defence purposes.

Of course, but we need to bear in mind that most blocks can, and maybe should be turned into grabs where possible. Not just to manipulate the opponent, but to prevent more strikes coming in. I think all styles are relaxed until impact, even those that look particularly hard (or external). It is just a case of developing it.

I think that the message to send out to people who want to defend themselves, is to not be afraid to strike pre-emptively if they feel it is neccessary. Also, they need to feel comfortable that the strike will be effective, if not, then they need to train more to develop an effective strike. Especially if they feel that thier blocking/parrying and reaction skills are not up to defending against a spontaneous attack.

There will always be some conditioning on the knuckles when training with the makiwara, but I dont see what the problem with it would be anyway?

Of course this is true, but as a karate practioner who practices wing chun. I would say that karate does have some simultaneous block-attacks, especially in the goju/uechi styles. Not only this, the use of one striking hand is so that the other is free to with withdraw to project power into the striking hand. The withdrawing is also a practice for grabbing and pulling, into an attack for instance. None of the methods are better, but both have quite different reasons behind them.

Indeed, he was at least, a true legend.

I still agree with this, I have competition experience, and plenty of street experience that helps me know the difference. The fact is, they are still completely different. As a karateka, I would rather train for one than the other. (Not competition).

I have to agree with this. But it doesn't in any way reflect superiority of style over another.

Yes, I have attended a class at the Brighton shotokan although Dave Hazard was not there. I have got two more classes at different clubs to see before I make my final decision.

I don't train kyokushin, but I know that this is a great kick. It could be said to be half mae geri, half mawashi geri.

Thanks for the advice guys. It will all be taken on board, especially when you say about kime. I'm sure my kicks will hold effectiveness when actually applied, so thanks for reminding me to keep this frame of mind at all times. As far as my left leg is concerned, it never quite lives up to my right leg, but I am still working on that...

I train in the Portslade area, on my own at the moment, awaiting a reply from the KUGB.

This is me doing some basic kicks, I know the back kick leaves a bit to be desired, but I had put it up a few months ago now. So I would like to have thought I had improved it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG0FcfqvhHs

I do normally get these feelings, as I'm sure many of us do, but for some particuar reason I fancied writing it down. I have often thought about writing about karate-do, and I may do one day, possibly when I am older. I have also come to find that, training in silence is of far greater benefit to the development of your karate, than training to music. This may at first sound obvious, but its truth, often underestimated.