Overcoming size with sabaki technique!

Karate draws people from all walks of life – young and not-so-young, students and retirees, men and women, of all shapes and sizes. But why take our word for it? In this series, we hold a quick Q&A with our students to find out about them.

This time around we’re talking to Sarah, 20, who joined us about three years ago. She is currently a brown belt and studying in university.

Don't be fooled by our petite brown belt Sarah, whose hard work and regular practice makes her a hardy sparring partner.

1. Why did you join Ashihara Karate?
I wanted to try a new sport and learn self-defence. So I’d thought I’d join Ashihara Karate to kill 2 birds with 1 stone. I'm not very tall or big (140cms, under 40kg) so I like that the club teaches us sabaki techniques to defend ourselves against bigger opponents.

Sarah helping the younger students in class hone their techniques.

As a brown belt, Sarah's been helping out with classes. This includes guiding juniors in their basic techniques (Kihon) and assisting during grading.

 
2. What is your favourite part of learning karate?
Stress-relief and meeting new friends. 

3. What’s your target/goal in class for now? (Example to do a technique well, or master some skill, anything)
I started out very stiff and not able to raise my legs high for kicks. After help from my seniors (lots of stretching!) and a lot more stretching on my own, I’m able to go higher.  

I aim to be able to stretch beyond my toes and to improve my sparring/sabaki techniques, and also to get even better at mitt practice. One day I’ll put a dent in the tyre we use for conditioning! ​

---