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Owen Culverhouse
Founder of City Krav Maga |
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I started martial arts when I was
still at school, studying Judo, and moved on to Karate three years later
when I was 15. Although Seni Tiki Donovan taught me well, I felt that
this style was not for me, and I left after two years, determined to
find the 'right' art for me.
Around this time, like many people, I started watching the BBC TV
series 'The Way of the Warrior'. I had discovered Kung Fu and Wing
Chun! I studied under
Master Simon Lau, and thought that I had finally
found the art for me. However, internal politics split the Wing Chun
world, and the class was closed.
Another martial art, another path, soon opened before me: Aikido, which
I loved. Its moves and style amazed me, but I |
soon discovered that few strikes are shown in
Aikido, because traditionally a student was already a first Dan in
Karate. Although I stayed with the art for over four years, I finally
left after being told that 'some techniques won't work on someone my
size' Surely, I reasoned, it either works on all opponents, or it's
pointless.
I moved on to traditional English Martial Arts: swords, daggers and
archery. This was my first experience of 'pressure testing'. Any art or
style can be taught in the dojo, but when it's for real? That's a
different story. There's no time to consider size, techniques and fancy
footwork when someone has a sword or knife and is really attacking you!
I moved on to ju-jitsu for three years, but despite enjoying the
lessons, I felt that this style too was not for me. I felt dispirited,
and wondered if I would ever find the 'right' art.... |
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