Mushin Karate coach Eric Forsythe travelled to Telford, England to train with a whose who of the UK's elite Self-Protection, and Practical Martial Arts instructors around. Such notables as Mo Teague, John Skillen, Iain Abernethy, and Peter Consterdine who is probably one of the most innovative Self-Defence and Practical Martial Arts teachers on the world scene.
The day was Sunday 16 th September 2007, the time 10 a.m to 4 p.m. The content for the day was how to make fast transitions between kicking and punching, power generation, how to develop training drills and power at speed. Here is a quote from Iain Abernethy to whet the appetite on how Peter delivers massive impact “ After over a quarter of a century in the striking arts, I thought I knew how to strike. In fact, by any other standard I would have been considered a strong striker. However, there is a level way above what most people ever see or experience, and until you experience it you are unlikely you appreciate just how powerful and fast it is possible to be. In all my travels I have never came across anything that even comes close to the power, speed, explosiveness and skill exhibited by the regulars at Peter's Training Day sessions. Training at these sessions has done wonders for my martial arts. If you think you know how to strike, do the smart thing and think again! ”
The day started with drills to burn out the shoulders as Peter stated that most martial artists strike with their musculature instead of using their hips to generate massive power and impact. In doing this, it mean t that you could not rely on muscle but on technique from which to build on. Jabs, crosses, hooks, speed drills all timed to 1 minute and 2 minute rounds for eternity it seemed like for the “warm-up” Peter stated.
We moved onto correct hip position and the door hinge analogy of striking without any recoil or wasted energy going away from the pad instead of into it and with depth. Speed, power, aggression were emphasised when working with the pads.
Five hours of this with a 15-minute lunch break and you could see the exhaustion on a lot of the participants. Then to finish off the day we had plyometric exercises – you could sense the fear and anxiety on everyone's faces. When all was said and done, the course was a massive success with over 80 participants travelling the length and breadth of the UK, and Mushin Karate from Belfast to learn and train with a legend in his field. Old acquaintances were reformed, new friends were made, new knowledge was gained, and a lot of aches and pains developed, and a fantastic days training was had.
If anyone is interested in learning applied and pragmatic karate you can contact Eric on 02890604769 or visit our website on www.mushinkarate.com . Alternatively, you can come to our classes, which are on a Monday night from 7-8 p.m in St Lukes School for adults and advanced juniors or a Wednesday night for everyone else. Everyone welcome.