When people ask what it was like doing karate in the 70’s, it was: David Carradine, Bruce Lee and Saturday ‘late night’ movie Kung Fu mystic and magic. Changing rooms stank of tiger balm, spray starch, cold gi’s being warmed under hand dryers, hai karate aftershave and old spice. No one said ‘sparring’, it was ‘fighting’, no gloves or padding and full contact. Club rivalry, ‘visits’ and ‘challenges’ were commonplace. Emotions of fear, dread, camaraderie and friendship made from blood, sweat and never any tears. Pain, permanent black eyes, cracked and broken ribs, noses, broken teeth, hands, fingers, toes, feet … Continue reading Karate in the 70’s