"Circular movements means that, rather than meeting an opponent head-on, you should try to circle and move around him, pull him forward, turn him.. In other words, always try to stay at his side or back, those positions being the most difficult for him to attack.
If you can get into a safe position from which your victory is assured, there is no need to continue to inflict pain. However, unless your opponent realizes that he has been bested, he may resist forcefully, then you will have to knock him down. He will also have to realize that, having now been controlled, any further attack to him in that position will cause him massive injury." ~ Ashihara Hideyuki
The Sabaki SpiritThe pleasure in Ashihara Karate study lies in the philosophy of enjoying karate practice and creating an environment of mutual improvement.Practitioners regardless of age, gender and physical ability strive to embody the "sabaki spirit", where the weak and strong help each other advance step-by-step.
In our classes, Ashihara Karate is practiced as a martial art, rather than for sports competition or artistic appreciation.
As such, our practice is aimed at cultivating effective self-defence skills and continued personal development.
Training therefore involves drills, techniques and discussions based on these goals, with no definite rules of engagement other than upholding a culture of safety and good spirits.
Note: Participants interested in competition Karate are placed in a separate program, designed specifically to take into account the rules and regulations of the sport.