Karakuri general ruling.

The Karakuri say they must attack if able, does this mean they're forced into attack mode and have to attack or can this be stopped by going in defence mode?

It says they must attack IF ABLE. And in defense mode, they are not able to attack.

yes it can be stopped they only must attack if they are in attack position

Okay so I was playing them right until this duel were it was argued I was wrong.