Members of Mushin Karate travelled to England for a course on the motion application of kata (forms) and Modern Arnis (stick fighting) from the world renowned martial artist Professor Dan Anderson (8 th Dan ). Travelling from Belfast to Newcastle and then a train journey to Carlisle is the West of England could not dampen the spirits of Gerard Neeson, Ceara O Neill and Mushin coach Eric Forsythe as they anticipated what was going to be very thorough and enjoyable days training. We travelled over on the Saturday morning and spent the day soaking up the Carlisle culture and what Carlisle had to offer before the course the next day.
As was anticipated the course itself was extremely informative, enjoyable and each person came away with something new to add to their martial arts training. The position of the body in relation to your opponent was stressed and how to use all those funny movements within the forms to devastating effect and why you stand in a particular way where all given their combative application. All too soon the first session had finished. Now, the stick fighting. This for the guys travelling over was a new experience and for some of us was the reason for travelling, especially to train with such a high ranking individual such as Professor Anderson. The main concepts that were discussed were the trapping, angles and the template of what the fast track arnis system was all about.
All too soon the seminar was over and we had to be on our way for our journey home. A great time was had by all and the next seminar will certainly see Mushin Karate members making the journey across the Irish sea again.
Anyone wishing to learn a pragmatic and effective means of karate and self protection should contact Eric Forsythe on 02890604769, check out our website www.mushinkarate.com or call into one of our classes which are Monday (Adults and advanced juniors) and Wednesday nights (Juniors) from 7 – 8 p.m in St Luke's Primary School, Twinbrook.