The first of an occasional series in which I talk to experienced martial artists about their history, their vision of their art and the martial arts in general, and why it's about a lot more than developing fighting skills.

Steve is one of the most well-known and respected martial artists in Britain and across the globe. We talk here about his history, the importance of the "internal" element of the martial arts - to all practitioners, not just doing the more overtly "philosophical" disciplines - and, of course, a little bit of politics and the Martial Artists Against Racism project.

Here are links to some of the martial artists that Steve mentions:

https://steve-rowe.com/2022/09/22/okimitsu-fuji/

http://findingkarate.com/wordpress/spotlight-toru-takamizawa-the-quiet-sensei-of-wado-ryu/

https://shinbukan.org.uk/?page_id=65

https://yeungfamilytaichi.com/blog/my-first-meeting-with-yeung-ma-lee-sifu/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu2wy7LgMUg

Some of Steve's books and articles:

Soft Front Strong Back

Concepts of Karate

Articles

Some videos:

Steve Rowe YouTube

Martial Artists Against Racism:

Statement of Intent

Myths about Immigration and Refugees