The first half seminar was given by Sensei Kevin O'Hagan, 5th Dan Chief Instructor at the Bristol Goshin Jutsu Academy and also a regular feature in the British martial arts press as a columnist and author.  After a good warm up session Kevin demonstrated some close quarter combat fighting and how techniques could be used against empty hand, knife and bat attacks.  Kevin's hand speed is amazing, most of the time his hands are just a blur and he had everyone's attention in no time.  Next, we were taken through closing down knife and bat attacks and then launching the defence or counter from the same side which meant that thinking time was reduced and practice would make it an automatic reaction.  Kevin also went on to demonstrate some of the throws, pins and finishing techniques of Goshin Justu.  A popular move was to parry a punch with the outer forearm and delivering a strike to the face with the same hand whilst moving forward.  This was quickly followed by positioning yourself behind the attacker, bending down and pulling on both shins as you stand up to slam your attacker on his face.  Also very effective was the way kevin used kneeling pins on the Jaw, Face or back of the neck to both control and by increasing the pressure induce pain compliance.  The great advantage of this is that you are left in a good position to take in your surroundings and can quickly be on the move if necessary.  We were left in no doubt as to the skill and knowledge of this man both in fighting skills and physiology. 

Next up was Bob Spour, a leading figure in traditional Muay Thai in Britain who has trained extensively in Thailand.  Bob started with an exhaustive workout and at the same time telling us about Muay Thai whilst not seeming to be out of breath (unlike the rest of us).  An art with such an awesome reputation as Muay Thai is bound to attract misconceptions borne of ignorance, it is not just 'two blokes kicking the s*** out of each other' there is a fine and complete system with a long history.  Bob explained the finer points of the 'push bang kick' the Muay Thai front kick from targeting the bladder to using the toes to achieve extra penetration and power and using the hip.  Also covered were some of the blocks used in Muay Thai using both the legs and as shown in the picture below the elbow to damage in instep which hurts like like hell (trust me! KF) as well as blocking elbows to the head.  Bob was assisted by two of his fighters who were constantly on hand to correct technique and answer questions.  Bob also demonstrated and explained the symbolism of the Ram Muay traditionally performed before a fight.  Everyone walked away with much greater appreciation and understanding of this complex fighting art.