This demonstration of self-defence was an actual situation relived from Arthur’s time working ‘on the door’. The only difference being Arthur was grabbed around the neck. Same result however, the aggressor ended up heavily on his back and slid several feet away.

 This demonstration was part of a course held in Norway. His assistant in the picture is Jeremy Wilson who was Arthur’s first student to pass 1^st Dan during the days of Ken-yu-kan during the 1980s. Jeremy now resides in Norway and has his own Wado Ryu Karate club within the WadoAcademy.

Self-defence must surely be in the minds of everybody when taking up and training in a martial art. However the individual seldom trains correctly for that real life nightmare that could be just around the corner. It must surely be the responsibility for students to train with reliable techniques religiously so that they may be on hand. It is also in the hands of the instructor to often address the issue. Of course, it is not at all prudent to seek a real life situation to test your ability. An alternative however is to get the boxing gloves on or roll the floor, this will try both your stamina and your mental strength. The ability to fight back after already being struck is very much ‘self defence’ so boxing glove training will help in that department.

It is unwise to try to work out an application for this or a defence for that. It is far better to spar as often as possible so that reaction is more natural. A few techniques drilled over and over on a punch bag for example can also give a person confidence with one or two well chosen techniques that can be delivered decisively and effectively.
 
Remember, as aesthetic as a martial art may look it is sometimes necessary to get down and dirty to be effective. You can draw your own conclusions as to what that may mean but fighting is not always neat and tidy.

 
Arthur Meek