Struck with swine flu for a fortnight last month gave me much time to sit back, and put everything into perspective. Sometimes life can just drag you along kicking and screaming (pun partially intended), and you can lose sight of what you are doing, why you are doing it, and perhaps where you are going. But in nostalgic and reflective moments that broke up the sprinted runs to the bathroom to vomit, I started to ask myself where my karate is going – not a good idea when you are feeling fragile. Laying still I designed myself a little plan of what I need to develop my karate and while I will keep that plan close to my chest, something positive came out of the sickness.

Here we have an Interview with Vilaca Pinto JSKA Portugal. It’s always a nice occasion publishing interviews that have not been conducted or written by myself, as it’s fresh material to me as much as anyone else. JSKA Portugal is hosting the JSKA World Championships, so in preparation for this Allan Shepherd conducted this excellent interview for TSW. Here in this interview we learn of Sensei Pinto’s long and eventful training career looking at his early training career, his travels to Japan, his karate in Portugal and his training philosophy. This is a very interesting interview with a karateka some of you may not have necessarily heard of, but you will agree I hope that this is an interesting piece!

The article in this edition comes from Richard Garrelts, entitled ‘Collision Dynamics in Karate’. This is a superbly detailed article exploring the fundamental physics involved in punching, addressing some of the more common arguments and indeed, misconceptions. It is an incredibly detailed exploration of power in technique, and gives a grounded insight into the physics of karate.

In ‘Is there evidence to show Kata help make someone a better fighter?’ Dr. Rafael H. Gutierrez discusses the relationship between kata practice and kumite, using psychology and neurology to back up his arguments on kata practice and its benefits.

The review this month features Mark Carroll’s excellent Kanku Sho – Applying the Principles. In this DVD – part of a series of DVDs based on senior kata – we observe Carroll using his innovative ‘street kata’ approach to explore and develop a deeper understanding of the kata Kanku Sho. Presenting real, gutsy bunkai, the DVD is a must for any kata enthusiast!

I would also like to bring to your attention that the newest issue of SHOTOKAN KARATE MAGAZINE is out to buy!!! This issue holds some great content including an excellent article by Colin Smith and Nigel Jackson. Most importantly for me however it contains a new interview with my dear friend Paul Herbert.

I first met and got to know Paul Herbert when I started travelling, following Sensei Dave Hazard around the UK. Prior to our meeting, I had heard a great deal about Paul; of his outstanding competitive career, his study under Sensei Keinosuke Enoeda and later Sensei Dave Hazard, but also of his excellent reputation as a teacher in his own right.

Meeting him that first time led to a truly significant and important friendship in my life and karate career. Seeing him in action, whether training or teaching, is nothing short of inspirational, and he has become a real source of inspiration for me.

A karateka always emphasising the function behind karate, Paul’s focus goes beyond kihon and line-training. If it doesn’t work, or doesn’t serve a purpose, then he doesn’t want to practice it. Simply put, he makes his karate ‘do the job’.

Paul is, in every sense, an ‘Eternal Student’ – someone on a lifelong voyage of development and study, but always keen to share this vast wealth of knowledge.

This interview, I really feel, gives an insight into the experiences and excellence of a karateka still searching, still developing, and simply getting better and better. Go buy yourself a copy!!!!

Can we say a huge thank you for all of your support and interest in TSW!!!