A simple piece of rope is easy to carry and in trained hands can be utilized as a very effective and formidable means of self defence weaponry. Even modern day items such as a belt, a neck tie, a cord or even a hand bag strap can be adapted to help defend against and even subdue and control an aggressive attacker. In the dojo one’s obi can be used for training purposes but a small piece of nylon rope is easily obtained from any local hardware. The length you choose is up to you. Add a knot at each end for gripping. Some karateka prefer to add more knots along the length of the rope but that is a personal choice.

Techniques with a rope include, blocking, parrying, striking, whipping, trapping, sweeping, tripping, choking and binding just to name a few.

SEMPAI ROBERT DEMONSTRATES HIS TAI SHI KAI ROPE DEFENCES ON SEMPAI LUKE