Stan, I had a go at karate in the seventies when I was working at the RAF Mildenhall gym. I was the Athletic Director then, responsible for Varsity level sports, (interbase sports.) There were then nine American Air Bases involved in sports throughout the UK. I was also the Boxing Coach and Football Coach, (soccer,) and I trained the American Football team. We had a total of 22 sports running at any one time. I had a hand in introducing Karate to the list. We imported a Korean 7th or 8th Dan for instruction. Back in those days I was still playing local football at a reasonable level, coaching and playing in the East Anglian Combination League. I was not the most skilfull of players but I was one of the fittest. I ran between five and ten mile a day to maintain that level. When the karate class began I watched from the sidelines ensuring that all was going well. Eventually I was encouraged to have a go. I looked forward to it, I purchased a ghia, (I think that's how it's spelt.) joined in with the forms, then began sparring, (randoori I believe it's called,) with a well built black fellow wearing a black belt. Now remember, this is without gloves on. Anyhow, he kept caling me to punch him as we danced around. I was reluctant to at the time as his jaw was always fully exposed, but he kept insisting, pushing his left shoulder toward me. Finally I dispatched a right cross fully loaded from my shoulder aiming for his left one. His arm lifted slightly and my ungloved fist connected with his elbow. He collasped on the floor in agony with a broken elbow. That was the end my short career in the sport of karate. However, the team did become quite good in the future, but I kept myself in the backgound. Bill Ewing.
