‘The best protection for women is their intuition’

Philip and Julie Dutton have 57 years of karate experience between them, Philip has 38 years and Julie 19 years’ experience.

Sensei Dutton is an internationally recognised instructor who teaches Shotokan karate and both him and Senior Instructor, Julie, have been teaching karate and self defence in Bahrain, Cyprus and the UK. Karate is fighting art, however, it is not practised with careless or malicious violence, it is practised with courtesy, resolve and confident fighting spirit. GW spoke to them about karate and self defence for women.
Do you teach or train in any mixed martial arts?
Yes, we teach Shotokan karate and incorporate this with elements of other martial arts, including jujitsu and ninjitsu.
What is the etiquette and protocol for Karate?
Because karate is a martial art, we observe Japanese etiquette at all times within the dojo (training hall). We bow when entering or leaving the dojo and the instructor of the dojo is referred to as Sensei (teacher). Belt holders senior to you are sempai (senior) and belt holders junior to you are kohai (junior). Punctuality, discipline, courtesy and spirit are important and must be observed by every karateka (student) within the dojo.
What is the difference between self defence and martial arts?
There is quite a big difference especially where women are concerned. Martial Arts takes a great many years to master the techniques and get to perfection whereas self defense is geared towards more simple and practical situations. There are many moves in martial arts but in a real life self defence situation, you may only have one chance.
How is self defence incorporated with the martial arts training?
The last 20 minutes of our senior classes are dedicated to self defence. We show our students how to use two to three moves and techniques in different situations.
What do you think is a woman’s best way to protect herself from an attacker?
The best protection for women is their intuition because nine out of 10 times they are right. They should be sensible and aware of a dangerous situation and try not to put themselves in any danger as well as always keep a positive attitude if they are being attacked because their attacker is expecting them to be submissive.
What is a black belt in karate and how long does it take to become a black belt?
It takes a minimum of three years and there is no maximum. After you receive your 1st Dan there is a minimum of two years before the next one and eight years to get your 3rd Dan, the highest is 10th Dan.
How physically fit do you have to be to start learning martial arts? Is this something a person could do to lose weight?
It is like any sport, the fitter you are then the better. If a student is not so fit then we adapt to them and work more slowly with them. As instructors we know how hard to push depending on people’s fitness levels. Karate has similar benefits to gymnastics and dance as it exercises almost every muscle in your body and develops every parameter of fitness, strength, endurance, flexibility, co-ordination and body toning. Regular training will sculpt a healthy pleasing body and mentally, karate improves confidence, resolve, a sense of well being and reduces stress.
What if someone has an old injury or other physical limitations?
A student should make sure that the instructors are aware of any previous injuries and then it is down to common sense. Physically handicapped people can also learn self defence but we change the system to adapt to them.
Do you think women have to practice a lot to be effective?
Not necessarily only women, everyone should practice to be effective.
How long would it take the average woman to develop self defence skills?
We would be able to teach a women basic self defence skills in eight to 10 hours but afterwards it is very important that she keeps practising her moves. Despite having a million and one techniques available in martial arts, nothing can substitute experience and timing.
Do people get injured in training?
No because we are skilled instructors and our training is not full contact. However, at most advanced belt levels students will be introduced to fighting bags and ‘light’ contact which will eliminate any concerns of injury to a third party.
Can women really defend themselves against a bigger, stronger, violent attacker?
Without a doubt she can if she is trained properly and keeps a positive mental attitude. Being taught ways to use various parts of the body such as the elbow, knee and head in an effective manner and using the body correctly to attack the most vulnerable parts of the assailant, will enable women to make an effective escape.
Do you offer women only classes?
Not any more, the students we have are more than happy to have mixed classes.
Is there a minimum or maximum age requirement for a class?
Minimum age is five years and there is no maximum.
Should you wish to contact Philip and Julie call them at the World Beat Fitness Centre, Janabiyah, Bahrain (+973) 39477709 for further information.

· Jackie Kennedy