How one might get to sparring at home safely, when lacking padded equipment? I really would like to spar with my partner, but the lacking of padding worries her (justified) Any good approach here? Should we just focus on empty-hand? Even then, how to spar safely on empty hand, if not straight up punching each other, but also getting to build feedback, reflexes, attack, defense and counter attack?

One thing I’ve noticed about this community is that we’ve got a lot of experienced martial artists here. Different systems, different backgrounds, different journeys… and that’s what makes this place valuable. For people who are just starting out, hearing these stories can be really inspiring. Sometimes all it takes is hearing someone else’s path to realise everyone started somewhere. So I’d love to hear from you… How did you get into martial arts? What systems have you trained in? I’ll start 👇 I first became interested after watching The Karate Kid Part II with my dad back in 1986. I was 6 years old and completely hooked. I wanted to start training straight away, but my dad made me wait until I was 7. My journey looked like this: • Shukokai Karate • Boxing • Kickboxing / Thai Boxing • At 22 I started training in the Filipino Martial Arts (Eskrima / Kali / Arnis) And that journey is still continuing today. Now it’s your turn 👊 Drop a comment and let us know: • What got you interested in martial arts? • What systems have you trained in? • How long have you been training? There’s a lot of knowledge in this community, and your story might help someone else take their first step.

This space works best when we all take part, share, and grow together. To make everything easy to follow, we’ve organised the community into a few simple categories: 🟦 General Share ideas, questions, wins, challenges — anything that doesn’t fit a specific category. Think of this as the main room where everyone hangs out. 🟧 30 Day Challenge If you’re doing the 30 Day Kickstart Challenge, this is your home base. Post your: Daily progress Wins Struggles Short clips Reflections It keeps you accountable and helps inspire others. 🟩 Training This is where you can: Post your training videos Show your training area Ask for help on technique Share drills, ideas, or anything you’re working on If you’re stuck on something, post it — the group and coaches are here to help. --- 🎯 Levels, Points & Courses Right now, everyone has access to all Level 1 courses. This gives you a strong foundation to start training and improving straight away. To unlock Level 2 courses, you just need 5 points. You get points simply by: Posting Commenting Liking Engaging with others It’s our way of encouraging participation rather than passively watching. The Level 2 courses are completely free — they just require you to be active in the community. Think of it like training: The more you show up, the more you grow… and the more doors open for you. --- 🤝 Let’s Build This Together This community works best when we move together, support each other, and share the journey. So don’t be shy — jump in, post, comment, and connect. Your progress helps others. Their progress will help you. And we all get better together.