I have had another busy weekend.  On Saturday afternoon I had a jaunt out to Chester to track down just the right present for a friend who has recently become a gentleman of a certain age.  The present was obtained, leaving me time to peruse M&S looking for a pair of trousers and some tops for my next holiday.  I know it must seem like I have been on holiday for most of the year

Yesterday I spent the day watching the demonstration and practice of martial medicine.  The demonstration was taking place at a friend’s Dojo and he had invited me along (with my camera) to watch.

The talks and demonstrations were fascinating. Some of the attendees had their minor ailments treated.  This included one man that had had a shoulder injury many years ago, putting it out of line.  After he had received a combination of Japanese acupuncture and physiotherapy everyone could see a marked difference in the shoulder.  We were even treated to a demonstration of acupuncture on an Alsatian dog which took it very well considering a group of people were crowding round as the needles were inserted.

The importance of good nutrition and the relationship between martial arts and martial medicine was explained and how they are broadly equal and opposite.

There is a fine line between killing & curing/healing & hurting!

The display of martial arts towards the end of the day looked rather painful as people were flipped over by their wrists and toes. At this stage I was glad I was only a spectator although one of the students insisted that I tried out one technique that made my arm go floppy. It was a very strange effect and sensation.

There were many other talented people in the room including some that practiced in acupuncture, one person even specialised in equine acupuncture.