The main feature of this edition is An Interview with Alistair Mitchell Part 2. I had been eager to interview Alistair Mitchell for a long time, and in early 2012 I got the chance.  I’d had several correspondences with him over the years, but finally got to meet him at the JSKA World Championships in Manchester, UK. Over coffee, whilst watching people fight in the background, he and I talked about Shotokan and his experiences training with some of the best in the world. Upon my return from the trip, I noted several questions inspired by our discussions, ready for the interview. It wasn’t until 2012 however that we started.

This interview was conducted over several months, and throughout this time many things changed for Alistair Mitchell. This interview, whilst being current, contains many questions that were posed at an earlier time, when his situation was slightly different. This interview was launched whilst Alistair remained a member of the WSKF, but in late 2012/ early 2013 Alistair moved to the JKS. 

Within this second part of the interview, Alistair talks about his time with Kasuya Sensei, his training in Japan and his work within the Police Force. This interview was a slow and detailed process – resulting in a two part interview, but at the end I feel like I got to know Alistair and his karate far better, and I hope you do too.

The second instalment in this edition comes from Simon Flint, in his article ‘The Four Stages of Learning’. Here, Simon discusses the four stages a learner will experience, an article that will be of particular interest to instructors and coaches.

The final instalment comes in the form of Emma’s review of the website ‘Karate by Jesse’. Read Emma’s thoughts about a website that has kept her entertained in recent weeks.