The Borehamwood-based Minakami ZKD karate club has had a busy start to 2002.

Around 30 Minakami ZKD students attended the second Shootfighting seminar to be held with Miguel Acamacho earlier this month.

Two students, Saowanee Jones and Alex Ball, proved the technique's effectiveness with a superb demonstration, showing great balance, timing, speed and agility. Next the Karateka were shown variations on the figure four-arm lock from the side mount and various ways to make an opening for the lock.

Finally the seminar was brought to close with some sparring from the knees. This proved very enjoyable for all, as the whole session came together, from the acrobatic agility drills in the warm up to the side control, escapes and techniques from the seminar.

First Degree Black Belt Simon Hall enjoyed the seminar and said: "The seminar was both informative and enjoyable, if not painful on occasions."