Tales of a Blue Belt assessment

Saturday, April 8th is a date I’ve been eagerly awaiting ever since Rob first informed me that would be the date of my Blue Belt assessment back in January. This assessment is something that I’ve wanted to do for over a year and I know during that time I wasn’t exactly shy about voicing my opinion that I was ready to do it. Now that it’s finally here there’s only one word to describe how I’m feeling – terrified. I haven’t been this nervous since my University exams back in the days when Y2K was still a genuine concern.

I feel ready for the assessment, if anything I’ve taken my preparation too seriously. By nature I have quite an obsessive side to my personality and this has certainly come out in the two months leading up to my assessment. I’ve kept written logs of what lessons I’ve attended and what I’ve done in those lessons. I‘ve attended a few Blue Belt assessments before, but as anyone who has done an assessment will tell you it’s completely different when it’s your own assessment.

When it comes to doing any type of physical activity despite any nerves that I might feel I’ve always been extremely confident in my abilities. I may be terrified, but in all honesty I don’t envisage any scenario in which I don’t pass my assessment first time. Looking back now I cringe a bit at my thought process approaching that first assessment. I may have put all the hard work in physically, but as Rob has told me on a few occasions there is a lot more to Karate than just the physical. Physically I was prepared, but mentally it was a whole other story.

When the assessment starts I feel like I’m performing well and everything is going according to plan. As the assessment progresses my confidence is growing and the nerves are long gone. When it’s time for the Sanbon Kumite I can’t help but think about the Blue Belt assessment two weeks previously. After failing to pick up on Rob’s initial first attack I got punched in the face for my troubles. The nerves are now back in full force and when I get a stitch while working with Lisa, I for lack of a better term completely lose my head.

I know people have overcome far worse things than a stitch during assessments, but unfortunately my reaction to this isn’t good. I become increasingly frustrated at not being able to perform at 100%. I’m getting hit far too many times for my liking and with each hit the red mist descends a little further. I’m being countered on my third attack while I’m over reaching and off balance which is resulting in me literally stumbling seven or eight feet across the hall. I know it’s going badly, but I don’t seem to have the ability to turn it round. The Sanbon Kumite seems to go on forever and I remember thinking to myself at the time that I just want this to stop so I can get the heck home.

When it’s over I’m pretty upset as I know the Sanbon Kumite was a complete disaster. I remember various people such as Toni, Chris, Justin and Lisa trying to console me, but unfortunately it doesn’t make me feel any better. I know there’s no way that my performance during the Sanbon Kumite was good enough to meet the requirements of a Blue Belt. In fact the first thing I do when I get home is email Rob saying that I know I’ve failed the assessment and that I need to re-do it as soon as humanly possible.

At my next lesson on the following Tuesday, Phil tells me that I received a partial pass and that I need to re-do the Sanbon Kumite section of the assessment. Whilst disappointed I didn’t pass first time I’m relieved that I will only have to wait a few weeks to try again. Donna and Simon also receive partial passes so at least I won’t be doing the re-assessment on my own.

After getting my feedback from Sarah and Dave there’s a general consensus that my issue is more a mental one than a physical one. It’s something that has been an issue in my time at the club – getting frustrated when things don’t go well. I take Rob’s advice about meditation, something that I used to practice regularly and book myself onto a meditation workshop (I do listen to you occasionally Rob!). I know that I need to get my mind-set right before re-doing my assessment as it wasn’t where it needed to be the first time.

Over the next few weeks I work a lot with Dave Pope on my Sanbon Kumite and the importance of staying calm, focussed and not getting frustrated when I get hit. On the Tuesday before my second assessment Dave gives me probably the best piece of advice anyone has ever given me at the club. He tells me that he wants to see “Yoga Keith” at the assessment on Saturday. I know exactly what he means by this; the more I think about it the more I realise that I’m a very different person at Yoga to what I am at Karate. I think it’s a combination of adrenaline and the fact that Karate isn’t something that comes naturally to me. This results in my becoming frustrated when I struggle with certain aspects of Karate.

When I arrive at the dojo I’m surprised at how calm I am. I’m a little nervous, but it’s night and day from last time. When it comes to the Sanbon Kumite section I’m feeling relaxed and confident. I remember thinking ‘Yoga Keith’ right before I start the Kumite with Toni. I’m feeling a little tired when, after Nick, I have to work with Pete. I’m struggling with Pete due to his technique and the fact he is so ridiculously fast. He hits me a few times, but I resist the urge to try and hit him back. At the end I’m not sure if I’ve done enough to pass. I know that I’ve done much better than the first time, but that’s a pretty low bar to clear.

I’m told that I’ll find out the result at my next lesson which will be on Tuesday. When I arrive at the lesson I’m feeling more nervous than I was for either of my assessments. When Rob tells me to come and get my Blue Belt my initial feeling is one of overwhelming relief, soon followed by sheer joy. The fact Donna and Simon also passed really was the cherry on the cake as the three of us have spent so much time practicing and helping one another over the last three months.

Looking back on the whole process a few weeks later one thought really springs to mind. When you reach the higher grades you really do need to be a well-rounded practitioner. Previously I knew my temperament and focus weren’t the best, but I always believed that my physical abilities could make up for any mental shortcomings. The assessments showed me that if you have neglected any one area of your Karate you will be found out.

I remember a few weeks back Dave saying to me that it could work out for the best that I didn’t pass first time as it would force me to address certain issues I had with my Karate. I do believe this to be the case as I know in the last 18 months or so I had allowed a certain level of arrogance to creep into my Karate. The fact that I didn’t pass first time has humbled me a bit and made me look at certain things I was doing in more detail. I don’t think I would have had this level of self-reflection had I passed first time.

My advice for anyone doing an assessment in the future would be to not get themselves into the state I was in before my first assessment. I know it’s easier said than done, but it really does make a huge difference if you’re calm and relaxed. Also if you don’t pass first time it’s not the end of the world, as Rob said to me I wasn’t the first person this has happened to and I won’t be the last.

In saying all that though I really do hope I pass my next assessment first time!

Ruby's Italian Adventure

My first time experience of a karate course in Italia. I went along with four other practitioners from my club, altogether there was eight of us from England representing our country. I felt nervous about the travel aspect but I knew the karate side would be hard but enjoyable. We landed a day or two ahead of the course so had some time to sight see beautiful Italy checking out Sienna. Pisa is where we stayed in a hotel; it was beautiful but quite basic. The course was from Thursday to Sunday; it was a magical time being be part of a bigger circle of the karate clubs, out on the beach. A different black belt instructor led the warm-ups with all of us standing in a huge circle, it was magical looking around seeing everyone doing the same moves and passer-by’s watching, I think they liked seeing people being together and exercising together, one guy came along and in the middle of a demo wanted to know more about us, some of us giggled finding it hilarious- that's how much of an influence we all had on this guy. (BRILLIANT)

We enjoyed (?) mokuso on the beach (30 mins) of meditation, being still. One sensei at the Sunday evening meal said "allow your thoughts to just come and let it go again, not to be completely silent" so for me I kept thinking about my life and one person in particular who has a huge influence in my life, I felt like crying but then I concentrated on the sand and waves and let my thoughts be washed away and the only person that mattered right there and then was me, only me. The course was led by a Japanese and Italian sensei.

They split the time and lead for an hour each, both of them were gentle and clear in their explanations demonstrating very well each move, the whole course was broken down into two practices each day apart from Thursday and Sunday when time only allowed one keiko. However the practice itself was two hours each and even then it was broken down further into stages so meditation, kihon and demos. I made sure I partnered and worked with different grades and different nationalities. I was offered lots of help by black belts and Kiyoko San deserves special mention, as her guidance was very calm and she didn't make me feel like I was rubbish and couldn't get it first time, they all praised me said I was a good learner and calm.
During the demo it was important for me to sit and stay still. It was very hot and I had to concentrate and keep my focus for the each part, Nakano sensei the Japanese master leading didn't speak English so there was translating from Japanese to English, Italian and a little French, for me English is my second language so it can be hard to process, but I enjoyed listening to all languages; Nakano San  knew one word in Italian, when he finished his demo he said " capire? " and everyone giggled Italians heckled which made Nakano giggle so even if you don't know the language you have to sit next to someone that does, and get them to translate. "We all may speak different languages but we all smile in one" beautiful.
I worked with two Japanese people black belt Junji san and white belt Ninomiya San, even though Junji didn't speak English I read his body language and could understand everything. We worked on "aura" and the three of us sat crossed legged on the beach, I had to block and vice versa; the aura from what Junji San mentioned, in my own words, meant how we need to anticipate the movement even before the attack moves, your hand moves before her hand. It really felt like I was being blessed having two Japanese people and watching them sharing knowledge and practising the technique, it felt like a karate kid moment. I have learnt lots and can't wait to get back and practise and be with other karate practitioners to continue a lifelong journey of this martial art and reminding myself to keep grounded, feet stretch towards the sand, head stretch towards the sun and keep the whole body in the centre, "no tension, just relax"
From here on out I've began my journey and the destination is somewhere in sight, out into the horizon and I can't wait to start this new chapter in my life (ciao Grazie) (origato go sai mez) (merci) thank you for this truly wonderful experience.

Chris - My Journey So Far!

My introduction into Karate came by chance, I was visiting one of my clients and as we do, we started talking about our interest.  I mentioned to him that as a 63-year-old I still try to keep active, playing squash and regularly going to the gym.  I also mentioned how boring gym work was, doing the same routines 2-3 times per week.  He mentioned his interest and explained he was a black belt in Karate; I was interested in talking to him about it as I thought it was all about breaking pieces of wood and shouting loudly!  After explaining what is was about I thought that I would be interested in trying it, but still had some concern due to my age and the demands that would be needed to actively participate.  Showing an interest my colleague Googled looking for venues near me and came across Zenshin Dojo.

Having the contact details, I emailed explaining my situation and concerns and had a reply from Rob stating that he thought it would be a good fit for me and that it offered in his opinion, a good blend of exercise for both body and mind. He also said it can be intellectually stimulating as well as physically challenging and presents a really good alternative to traditional “keep fit.”

I decided to give it a go and during a few taster sessions I decided to join the club.  The first couple of sessions seemed straight forward enough just a few stances and blocks, what could be easier.  However, a few weeks on I did start to find it difficult as there appeared to be no connection from my brain to my limbs, why was I going in a different direction to everyone else?  This became a very frustrating time, why could I not do what seemed to be the simplest moves and there was a time during Kihon when I was completely lost and at the end of the session felt very low.  

I guess if everything was easy we would all be doing everything and there would be no challenges, no mountains to climb, no journey to embark on.  I wasn’t finished yet, time to reappraise, could I do what was being asked of me? Of course I could, it just takes a little bit longer and lucky for me I am a patient person.  Time to step things up and although I still attended the gym I needed to mix things a bit more and try other classes and more practice; not just in the Dojo, the gym, living room and even the bedroom where all practice grounds. 

Cotham, sessions with Greg and messing with my head, doing things in reverse, then to Keynsham with Nick’s class, going giddy doing kicks in a circle, then to Warmley with Phil (why such early starts!), trying to exhaust everybody and that’s just the warm up!  Then the Friday morning session started and a good chance to grab two regular sessions a week and although the new class was mainly for beginners it was what I needed as I realised how I had not grasped some of the earlier concepts.  Staple Hill continues to be my regular practice venue as I continue to move on slowly.

I see Karate as being a jigsaw; I don’t know how many pieces there are or the picture I am building.  However, in order to build up a picture I need to first look for the straight edges and corner pieces, these are the blocks, strikes and stances (Kihon), as I start to build the puzzle I look for more matching pieces, these are the Kata’s.  Next, as the pictures builds I hope to add more pieces, the techniques and applications.  I still don’t know where my journey will end or what the picture will be, but when I see the blue edges of the puzzle pieces, I will know that the sky is the limit.

Steel Fist, Silk Glove

Steel fist in a silk glove

I joined Zenshin Dojo around a year and a half ago with no previous martial arts experience. I didn’t really know what to expect, but in my head I imagined that alongside the physical training there would be a lot of nonsensical proverbs delivered by an ancient sensei. Imagine my disappointment then when for the first few months the not so ancient Rob taught Karate in a very practical and understandable way. I was starting to think Hollywood had made up this stereotypical teaching by riddle method until one cold Tuesday evening Rob dropped the following gem on us:

“You want to have a steel fist in a silk glove”

It was just what I had been waiting for. The paradox is clear, and it left a number of us scratching our heads at the time. However the meaning soon became clear after some more explanation and practice. The steel fist is the power behind the technique, but the silk glove took a bit more time to understand, and much more time to implement. It refers to the way we perform a technique, blending our movement with an opponent’s rather than just being a steel fist crashing into them. 

It’s all about finesse and control while remaining relaxed. It explains how a smaller practitioner can throw all 6’3 of me around with ease if I take the Jeremy Clarkson approach of “POWER”!!!

Once I understood this I had a light bulb moment, and realised this is transferable to almost any sport. I immediately saw the parallels with swimming, which I have taught and coached for almost 10 years. You can only go so far with pure power (steel fist) before you plateau. You also need to be able to relax into the stroke (silk glove), placing your hand in the water in the perfect position to deliver the power.

Although I now understand what Rob meant, it will take many more hours of training and practise before I master the skill. Until then I will keep working away, eagerly waiting for the next time Rob shares some of his wisdom in a riddle.

In Conversation with Iain Abernethy

Recently Iain Abernethy led a successful seminar in Bristol hosted by Zenshin dojo.  During a 20 minute break Zenshin member Justin Richards seized an opportunity to ask Iain questions.  In part one of the interview Iain provides an honest and personal  account of his karate journey so far and his thoughts on karate as an Olympic sport.

What do you find more satisfying, teaching or practising and why?
I enjoy both, but in terms of my practice is just for me, whereas my teaching is for others, and obviously others will outlast me, so I would have to say that I probably find teaching more satisfying as in that will have the longest influence, whereas my own personal practice that obviously dies with me, but my teaching hopefully doesn’t.


 What has been your biggest karate challenge so far?

Probably early on getting used to the discipline of regular training, when I wasn’t a child that would do that, but when I realised I can train consistently and get results from that, that was something of a revelation to me, so I would say that it was probably those early days once I got that habit it’s just never stopped and since then things have been pretty easy karate wise because I enjoy it greatly, there’s a few bumps along the road injuries, you have to overcome and stuff, but that would be it originally, disciplining myself to train regularly.

What has been your biggest success (or what are you most proud of)?

Probably my first book, simply because that was my first attempt to communicate the ideas I had with a wider audience, so although I don’t think it was my best book, and it certainly not my most popular book, it was the one I was most proud of because that was the point where I put my head above the parapet and said I think I’ve got something I want to say, so my first book is probably the one I’m most proud of today.

Were you affected by the 2005 or 2016 floods?

Not directly no, my house is on the edge of the town but obviously the town was badly affected and therefore people I either know or my family, my father lost a car in it, Fred who people might know through the books and DVD’s, his house was flooded out, so people we know, were, and obviously the town I live in was, but personally I was very lucky and got away with no damage to my personal property or anything like that.

What are your thoughts regarding Karate as an Olympic sport?

I’m indifferent to it. I’m happy for the athletes because I know how hard they work and the people around them the referees, the political organisations and I know the amount of effort that people have put in to wanting that to happen, so I’m pleased for them. But for me it’s an irrelevance it’s not what I do, it’s not what I practice, I don’t think it will have a big influence on karate generally as well, because at most we’ll be talking about 30 seconds of highlight footage, once every 4 years, so I don’t think, as some people do, that it will have a big influence on the way that karate is perceived, I don’t think it will. We’ll just turn up at the dojo and do what we’ve always done. So I’m pleased for them but it makes no difference to me.

Reaching out to busy parents

Reaching out to busy parents

Today’s busy parents have a lot on their plate, nurse, kids’ taxi service, teacher, playmate, the list of child related commitments and responsibilities is, quite rightly, a long one. Adding to the already congested timetable are the plethora of after school clubs and activities; swimming, gym, music lessons, brownies, football, the list is diverse and endless. To further squash an already tight schedule, the trend for modern schools to encourage parents to spend valuable family time helping their child through a mountain of homework eats into whatever free time there is left before bedtime. 

In this vortex of child centred activity and obligations it’s easy for parents to lose sight of their own goals and aspirations, a need to “park” their own ambitions until the children are older.  Of course, there are plenty of options out there but many take place in the evenings, or at weekends when free time is at a premium or nonexistent even if you do have the energy!

During this past year we have been approached by several mums who, through watching their children in our junior classes, have requested a weekday morning karate class.  Their argument is a good one, it's cheaper than a gym, more fun than running on your own, intellectually stimulating, and socially engaging. As a result we’ve decided to bite the bullet and start such a class aimed primarily at mums and dads, who are only free after the morning school run, but also open to anyone who is available to give it a go.

Many karate clubs, particularly the amateur ones, are not able to have sufficiently flexible instructors able to deliver tuition during the ordinary working day. It's an understandable position to be in, but also an unfortunate one because those clubs are not in a position to tap into a huge reservoir of potential new students.

I firmly believe that karate practice can improve lives, health and spiritual well being, so if you are a club that are lucky enough to offer that facility then you are most likely providing the only opportunity for those busy parents, or shift workers to be challenged physically, pushed mentally and achieve meaningful accomplishment.

Taking that first step can be hard

I look at the number staring back at me in a state of disbelief, the date is January 2^nd 2013 and my bathroom scales are telling me an uncomfortable truth. I’m sure many of you can relate to this feeling after a few weeks of festive excess, but to me this runs deeper than a few extra mince pies. In the preceding two years I’ve gone from an active, slender, fit man to a slovenly, overweight shadow of my former self due to a litany of health issues both physical and mental.

Time for another New Year weight loss initiative - like 2012’s ill-fated decision to join my local gym and pay for a year’s membership upfront, only to give up going in February. I’ve always thought it would be nice to learn a martial art and I loved the Jean-Claude Van Damme films of my childhood, yes that settles it, my fandom of a Belgian movie star has made the choice an easy one - martial arts it is. As for what martial art I decided upon Karate simply because it was the only martial art that I had heard of other than Judo.

Now that I had decided what I wanted to do the next step was finding somewhere to do it. I remember googling ‘Karate beginners lessons Bristol’ and looking through the top few results. Whilst reading through a few of the websites something catches my attention immediately – a short paragraph stating that none of the instructors get paid for teaching and volunteer their services for free. That, as I would come to discover in the coming years defines what Zenshin Dojo is all about – people helping people to better themselves simply because it’s the right thing to do. It sounds idealistic, but in a world too frequently dominated by selfish wants and needs it’s refreshing to come across a community whose ethos is about learning and helping others.

I can still remember the nerves before attempting to attend my first lesson. I say attempting because I never actually made it to my planned first lesson. I had difficulty finding the venue and arrived ten minutes late. This was followed by ten further minutes of sitting in my car procrastinating about whether it was too late to turn up for the lesson before driving home. At that stage of my life I was struggling terribly with anxiety to the point that some days I couldn’t even leave the house, I remember driving home convinced that my martial arts experience was over before it even began. The next day I receive a short e-mail from the founder of the club Rob enquiring as to why I had not attended the lesson. It’s a short message, but there’s an inherent warmness to the tone which convinces me to give it another go.

Sunday, January 20^th 2013 my first ever Karate lesson. It’s funny but I’ve attended hundreds of lessons since that first lesson, but I can remember the details of that first lesson more than any lesson I’ve attended since. To me the hardest part of learning Karate is the first time you step into the dojo, it’s that fear of stepping into the unknown particularly if you have no previous martial arts experience. As soon as I walk through the door the instructor Phil greets me, he has a friendly warmth to him that immediately puts me at ease. I’m introduced to the group and Lorraine(another of the instructors) takes me away from the main group to teach me Fudo Dachi(stance) and Gedan Barai(block). Throughout my first lesson I’m made to feel welcome and that’s something that has stuck with me nearly four years later - the way that new members are embraced and made to feel welcome.

To me one of my most vivid Karate memories is the first time I put my Gi(uniform) on, though I wear a t-shirt underneath it due to my embarrassment at my weight. There’s just something uniquely special about putting that Gi on for the first time.

While I’m enjoying learning Karate, I’m also struggling tremendously with my mental health. Along with anxiety I’ve also battled depression and at the time I was taking some quite powerful anti-depressants, which I’m sure contributed to my weight gain.

As the weeks and months pass not only do I lose some weight which was my primary goal, but I also begin to feel less anxious not just at Karate but in all aspects of my life. The depression begins to lift and I slowly begin to cut back on the anti-depressants until by the middle of 2014 I’m off them completely. I’m sure anyone who was a member of the club when I joined will attest that I was very quiet for the first year I was there. I have absolutely no doubt that Karate played a huge role in my mental health improving.

It’s not been all smooth sailing for me at Zenshin Dojo as I can be hard work at times and I’ve certainly had my moments of self-doubt over the last four years, but the patience and understanding of the instructors at the club truly is second to none. That also applies to the other members of the club and if an instructor is busy then there are always other people more than willing to take time out from their own practice to help you.

As someone who has always prided myself on my athletic ability I feel like I’m back to the person I used to be and at the age of 39 I feel the best physically since my twenties. On a deeper level I will always be grateful for Karate and more specifically the supportive environment at Zenshin Dojo for helping me to overcome the worst of my mental health difficulties. I still have my bad days, but they are few and far between nowadays.

Oh and I no longer have to wear a t-shirt under my Gi!

Alternative Karate: A new country, new path?

Alternative Karate: A new country, new path?: Zoe was a young teenager when she first walked into our dojo and discovered karate. It soon became her passion and she excelled, both as a ...

A new country, new path?

Zoe was a young teenager when she first walked into our dojo and discovered karate. It soon became her passion and she excelled, both as a student and teacher. Her profound understanding, powerful physical prowess, playful nature and gentle femininity was an awesome mix. Not surprisingly she became a highly sought after instructor and role model to other young women in our club.

In 2012 love of a good man took her to Calgary, Canada where she now lives with her husband and baby daughter.

Despite being so far from her home and karate family, she has continued her martial arts journey encountering a range of difficulties along the way.

She has kindly agreed to share her thoughts in this candid and honest interview.

When did you start practising karate and why?

Funakoshi's grave.

I was 17 years old, so that's, 1997 I think! Growing up as a teenager in Bristol made me realize that as a woman I needed to protect myself. I would often go down town with my friends, we would see fighting and the male attention was sometimes quite intimidating. Little did I know that Shotokai Karate would become so much more than a system of self defense.

Describe your karate journey so far. What have been the highs & lows?

I've seen associations split, egos clash and Karate reveal people for who they really are good and bad.

But mostly I have had a marvellous time meeting some of the most incredible and inspirational people in different countries around the world.

Highlights being -  practicing with the Japanese Masters (The Yutenkai) in Japan and in Pisa, Italy. Also practicing with the warm and exuberant Italians on the hot sand in Pisa. Sharing great friendships. Watching people grow and seeing them progress is the most satisfying and amazing thing.

Low point: Is probably right now actually. Trying to find my way in North America and find people who understand what I am trying to teach. Trying to get past the people who want instant gratification of just punching and kicking. Its a long journey with many twists and turns. Sometimes you want to just give up but something always calls me in my heart just to keep going.

Has karate informed your private life? If so, in what way?

Its made me the person I am today. I seek to be a better person because of it. It turned my life around as a teenager and has constantly kept the demons in my head that say 'you are not good enough' at bay. It's a constant test of resilience and determination, this helps relationships and goals in all areas of life. It has kept me humble, patient and generous.

How did having a family and moving away from Bristol affect your karate aspirations?

Its tough, I miss helping dedicated people learn Shotokai Karate. It will come. As I said above its another twist in my journey that is testing my commitment. I have explored other martial arts and enjoyed what they have to offer but I am always drawn back to passing on my experience. I love to teach and I need to do what I love. I know that I have to have huge patience to build a club and balance that with finding something new that fits with my beliefs. Also having a child means she will always come first, she is my first priority and any parent will know that it takes some time to adapt to this new role and responsibility.

What qualities do you hope to find in a karate instructor?

HUMILITY!! Kindness and a genuine spirit for wanting to help people become their best. An understanding of connection, long term progression and the art of martial arts.

What would be your ideal practice environment? In other words, what do you look for when assessing whether or not to visit / join, a new club?

HUMILITY!! Kindness and a genuine spirit for wanting to help people become their best!  Not trying to suffocate my previous experience. Openness and respect. FUN people, who don't take themselves too seriously and who want to help others.

What has been your biggest martial arts challenge to date?

Canada!

What advice would you give to someone starting out on their karate journey?

Persevere, stay open and try to leave your baggage at the door of the dojo at each practice. Enjoy the journey, don't rush, be very patient and kind to yourself and others.

Have you ever studied any other martial art apart from karate and, if so, how do they compare?

Aikido, Kickboxing, Wing Chun Kung Fu. Each style has great things to offer. Aikido for it flow and lack of violence toward your partner (neutralize the attack). Kickboxing for its fast pace, great kicks, learning to get in do the damage and then get out. Wing Chun for its fast compact techniques that constantly stick to their attacker, a great system for street self defence and as I like to call it, Telephone box fighting. Wing chun is a great influence right now to me as it was designed by a small woman and understands how to use the energy of a large male against them. I see a lot of similarities between Wing Chun and Shotokai Karate.

What would you have written on your karate headstone?

Stay Humble. Be kind. Keep an open heart.

Karate Belts - More than keeping your trousers up?

"It is not what you wear ..... its what you do" - Master Chen

 When the white belt becomes dirty and discoloured by years of hard training it turns to black, then after more years of dedicated practice, the “dirty” belt becomes frayed. The white cotton stitching is revealed thus returning the black belt to white symbolising that however great the master, there is always more to learn. It’s a popular and romantic view but opinions about the value of karate belts are mixed.

I have had the great pleasure to practice with a truly authentic Grandmaster, Chen Xiaowang. Although not specifically referring to karate belts, Master Chen made the point that your value as a martial artist was not determined by the colour of a piece of cloth around your waist.

The need to have a visual signpost illustrating the student’s current point along their karate path seems to have had its roots in the early 1930’s. Many believe that Gichin Funakoshi, one of the founders of modern karate, was instructed to adopt the judo approach to rank if he wanted karate to be accepted as a main stream Japanese martial art. Funakoshi agreed, and the coloured karate belt system was introduced.

Today there are as many coloured belts as there are colours in the rainbow. Our dojo adopts a basic primary colour system. However manufacturing improvements have resulted in not just bold, primary coloured belt designs, but also multi coloured striped belts, chequered belts and two tone belts being widely used and available.

There appear to be two main schools of thought.

The first believes that the novice student should wear a white belt until they are considered good enough to wear the coveted black belt. Variations on this approach have resulted in some groups adopting a single intermediary grade of brown belt, before black.

The other, arguably more widespread view, accepts that there is at least some value in having a coloured belt grading system. The precise colours of the belt vary from group to group, but generally begin with white, moving through to a black belt, via six or seven other colours.

What are the benefits?

Personally, I subscribe to Master Chens’ view, but recognise there is value in an overt ranking structure. Recently, a mature student successfully completed a basic assessment and as a result was awarded a new karate belt. She remarked it was the first time since leaving school, that she had been publicly recognised for any type of achievement. She went onto explain that this recognition had raised her sense of self worth, and had profoundly impacted on her long standing acceptance that she would never achieve anything.

This may sound extreme, but this type of acknowledgment resonates on some level with many ordinary people. When I talk about ordinary people, I don’t mean to sound disparaging but I refer to the type of person who is never going to be an Olympic athlete, or “Champion.” It’s the silent majority who have to put age, infirmity, family, or work first before embarking on any physical challenge.

The setting of achievable goals or objectives is important for many people. These sign posts along the path to karate mastery can be a powerful motivator for the student.

Of course like most things there is a darker side. Jealousy and desire linked to ambition and the acquisition of power can unfortunately result in a misuse of the belt ranking system. Also the use of coloured belt awards as rewards is open to abuse by some instructors whose income depends on student numbers. I have seen such instructors unfortunately influenced by the prospect of a student leaving if not awarded their new belt. For those leaders, the temptation to reward, and therefore retain the student, must be a constant challenge.

Instructors, group leaders and those with this responsibility, should also be alive to the impact promotion of a student to a new rank can have on the micro culture found in karate clubs. On balance

if managed correctly, with integrity and appropriate value, the coloured karate belt system provides many students with a sense of context, and the opportunity to set meaningful goals; such a system also allows instructors and leaders to plan lessons more effectively, providing appropriate practices in line with the students experience and ability.

Keeping this perspective helps encourage achievement with challenge, and healthy competition, but at the end of the day, a belt is just something to keep you trousers up!