TSUYOI KARATE ALEKS IN ACTION


ALEKS WULFF DISCUSSES THE UNORTHODOX STYLE OF TSUYOI KARATE AND ITS ABILITY TO SURPRISE AN OPPONENT...


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peak of Karate and the unfortunate stereotype that springs to mind is of an overdramatic sensei in a deep stance, single mind-


edly shouting and to all outsiders achieving very little. Stereotypes may change but one should not spend energy worrying about what another thinks of his personal interests. Truthfully, I would find it quite easy, perhaps enjoyable, to stereotype most sports, academic activities, jobs and even martial arts. But this article has no such purpose in mind because, having not experienced what the reader may involve themselves in, how can I give an accurate interpretation? However, what I do have a lot of experience in is Tsuyoi Karate and I hope to remove our style and simulta- neously, other Karate styles, from this ill-thought stereotype.


This article intends to analyse a particu- lar asset of Tsuyoi Karate, taught under Shihan Joe Ellis, which is both unique and arguably most influential to many of the students who practice it. The asset is unorthodoxy.


Having an unorthodox Karate is valuable in many ways but I focus on its benefit from two perspectives, namely ‘children’ and ‘adults’. Having practised Karate from the age of 8-13 and then returning from age 17 onwards, I feel expe- rienced enough to give a respectable analysis from both perspectives. The im- portant thing to remember is that Karate is interpreted differently by children and adults but the unorthodox style taught under Joe and Sandra Ellis benefits both.


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Karate for a child should always be enjoyable. ‘Kids, if you don’t like your class then leave!’ Children have a particular talent for being able to learn techniques much faster than adults whilst their (often excessive) energy allows them to practise confidently even if they feel shy. But, if a child lacks confidence, social skills and mental focus then a Karate class is an ideal place to establish these abilities. Tsuyoi Karate provides its students with much wider


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