Makiwara training.

The Makiwara is a traditional tool used to test the power, accuracy and technique of a strike. If you get it wrong it speaks to you. It is a good teacher. Listen to the sound when I strike it. You can hear a difference when I hit it true.

Wayne Otto Kumite Course - 25th September 2010

Myself and Sensei Shaun Arrowsmith attended a 4 and a half hour course with Sensei Wayne Otto, 9 times gold medalist at the WUKO workd Karate Championships. Although I am still aching from the day, it was extremely enjoyable and informative. Some very practical kumite techniques were demonstrated by Wayne.
The first part of the afternoon was based around getting your opponant to throw a gyaku-zuki punch, the blocking and countering. The second part was around using the sweep, which included his signature move where a feint mi geri is thrown, whilts keeping the body covered, then dropping the foot done behind the opponents front foot, punching reverse punch, then sweeping and following up with another gyaku-zuki, when the opponent drops to the floor.

The course was only £20 for the 4 and a half hours and very good value for money. My thanks to Sensei Wayne Otto for his time and answering my numerous questions on the day.