Steve Austin
Did all the sensei demonstrate something? What techniques did they
show you?
Nick Adamou
Well, first of all let me say that the atmosphere was electric as
we just sat there, crossed legged on the dojo floor and watched the
incredible speed, power and energy that was generated by these amazing
karate-ka. What was also impressive to observe was the incredible
control of their techniques when they performed Kumite (sparring)
as every punch, strike and kick was pulled just a hairs width from
the target. What they noticed immediately after having watched us
perform karate, was that we were not using our hips and also that
our stances were too high.
Therefore Kanazawa sensei demonstrated how we should twist our hips
sideways for Age-Uke (rising block), Soto-Ude-Uke (outside forearm
block), Uchi-Ude-Uke (inside forearm block), Gedan Barai (downward
block), and how we should twist them forward for Gyaku-Zuki (reverse
punch). These blocks were all performed in Zenkutsu-Dachi (front stance).
Kanazawa sensei then went on to show how the hips should be used for
Mae-Geri (front snap kick), Yoko-Geri-Keage (side snap kick) and Yoko-Geri-Kekomi
(side thrust kick).
All of Kanazawa sensei's kicks were brilliant of course but I have
to say that, the speed and power of his side thrust kick was beyond
belief. Mick (Michael) Randall was sitting crossed legged on the floor
when Kanazawa sensei performed this kick as it shot out like a bullet
over Mick's head. Kanazawa sensei then paired up with Enoeda sensei
and performed a whole series of elbow strikes which, when he performed
these at speed, were over in an instant.
S.A.
What happened after the class Nick? I imagine that you all had so
much to think about and discuss?
N.A.
Well, we all went to the usual Friday night pub, 'The Admiral Napier'
which was just a few yards down the road. Dr. Bell along with the
four Japanese sensei as well as Terry Wyngrove and Jimmy Neal were
also there.
S.A.
Did you get a chance to talk to any of the sensei?
N.A.
No, I was too timid and felt as if I was in the presence of Royalty.
It was just not my place to approach them. I was completely overwhelmed.
S.A.
You mentioned that Dr. Bell had organised demonstrations for the
four JKA sensei, when were these held and where?
N.A.
The first of the three demonstrations ever to be given by the JKA
in the United Kingdom was held at Kensington Town Hall on 21st April
1965. Before the four Japanese sensei came onto the stage to perform
their demonstration, Terry Wyngrove took a mini karate class and,
as far as I can remember, Eddie Whitcher, Mick Randall, Mike Peachey,
my brother, myself and few others from the usual group, were the
students training in this 'mini' class. This was organised in order
to show that British people were also practicing karate.
S.A.
What did you have to perform in that 'mini' class Nick?
N.A.
We had to do some simple basic techniques such as; Gedan-Barai (downward
block), Oi-Zuki (stepping punch), Age-Uke (rising block), Heian
Shodan (first kata) and Gohon -Kumite (five step sparring).
S.A.
Did the lesson under Terry go on for long?
N.A.
Again, I find it hard to remember but I think it was something like
ten or twelve minutes perhaps.
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