I attended a martial arts seminar hosted by Sensei Steve Leak of Karate International this weekend at Fearnville Leisure Centre on the outskirts of Leeds.  The venue was pretty easy to get to from the M62 and there was plenty of parking available.  Another positive was that the sports hall floor was immaculate and completely free from dust – having trained barefoot at many different venues I can assure you this is a significant occurrence!

After quick introductions and a thorough warm-up from Sensei Peter Clarke we split into two groups.

Sensei Nick Beech taught a session using Sai.  Firstly we were taught how to hold and flip the Sai so that the blades and tines can be used for stabbing/trapping or reversed for protecting the upper arms during defensive techniques and how to carry them tucked in the back of our obi (belt).  The weapons seemed quite light to start with, but after practising some kihon (basic) techniques for a few minutes it quickly became apparent that the muscles in my upper torso were going to get some punishment during this session, as the Sai began to feel heavier and heavier.  Sure enough, after some repetitions flipping the weapons with fully extended arms, I couldn’t hold a proper Jodan age uke (rising block) posture without feeling my shoulder muscles scream at me!  Finally we ran through two kata (Ni cho sai and San cho sai), the second of which included techniques in which you throw the Sai at your opponent… awesome!

I’ve decided to buy a pair of Sai for training with at home, partly because I’m interested in traditional kobudo, but also from the added muscle toning exercise this offers!

When the weapons class finished, the group I was in swapped back over to the matted area and Sensei Clarke taught us some practical self-defence techniques.  Escaping from a double-handed choke was the first challenge and I was reminded of a very important principle – strike to disrupt your opponent’s balance and concentration and then any grappling techniques become more effective.

After all the concentration of the previous two sessions the crash mats came out and everyone lined up to try out their flying kicks.  According to Sensei Leak, we were supposed to be trying practicing our Yoko Tobi Geri technique, but between you and me a fair few somersaults and forward rolls were going off around me!

Next we moved upstairs where Sensei Clarke and Sensei Beech demonstrated some of the more subtle uses of the Sai for exploiting nerve points in order to disarm or disable an opponent.

Knife defences were next on the programme, and I learned quickly that if someone holds knife to your back always look around carefully to CHECK THAT IT REALLY IS A KNIFE!  Sensei Clarke chose me to demonstrate on and he easily fooled me by holding a finger into my back, I spun and tried to deflect it and suddenly found the knife (which had been in his other hand) straight in my gut.  Oops.  I guess this is an aspect about which I have much to learn.

We practiced defensive techniques against an over arm stab and an under arm stab

We practised these responses in our pairs/threes and then demonstrated them infront of the rest of the class under the watchful eye of Sensei Clarke.  Needless to say there were press-ups dealt out to all of us who made errors in the demonstrations!

In all, the afternoon was lots of fun.  I learned a great deal from the instructors and my training partners too.  I am very grateful to Sensei Leak for organising such a great event, and also to his students for making me feel very welcome.
 
Mike Renouf
1st Dan Kusano-ha-Shitoryu Karate do