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Editorial as written by Bob Sykes at the time

More and more often these days the issue of politics within the martial arts appears to be raised, sometimes in a positive light but more frequently in a negative one. Okay, I agree, we do need to have a certain amount of political activity which should be directed in to affecting what we do for the better. Then why is it I feel sickened when I receive photocopied correspondence and letters from association heads saying "So and so who said such and such is now sorry, so he's now saying this and that?" They sometimes end their statement by saying, "We would just like to set the record straight by letting you know what the crack is regarding this political issue..." I'm sure our readers are really really interested in all this tripe.

I ask you, how can this sort of shambolic behaviour, back-stabbing and conflict, possibly effect the way in which we practice the arts for the better? All that happens as a result is fighters boycott certain tournaments and students don't practise at certain clubs because they are no longer members of the same political body.

On viewing many of the recent wrangles within our country's martial arts political arena, I feel that many of those involved in the cross-fire are simply side-tracked into political upheaval, often forgetting why they originally started practicing in the first place. Others can only be involved because chances are they would have in no way stood out in any other sphere of life.

Let's hope that with the end of yet another year approaching we see a decline in all this silly political upheaval and a return to hard training sessions and healthy competition.

Contents

p008 / Behind the Mask: Ninjutsu and Kata
p013 / Martial Artist of the Month: Keith Priestley
p015 / Tell us the truth: MAI talks to one of Lau Gar's leading lights, Chris Boughey
p022 / Fighting Feedback
p027 / Holding Drills
p034 / Bruce and Brandon Lee in the Media
p040 / Master Ching Ngee talks to Vinney Jones
p045 / An interview with Sharon Gill
p051 / Hard Target: A look at the John Woo & Jean Claude Van Damme actioner
p056 / Night of the Gladiators
p061 / The Kumite '93: Bob Sykes reports on this year's tournament
p067 / The Legend's Final Challenge: Benny 'The Jet' Urquidez's final career fight
p085 / A piece of mind: A journey to seek real martial arts substance
p095 / The Kancho Column with Brian Dossett
p103 / Creating Icons: Jeff Bullock talks about his stable of fighters
p108 / Video Review
p112 / Bits and Pieces
p118 / Calendar
p120 / Classifieds