Subject: A Warriors view of fate, The case for kata & New bunkai videos
A Warriors view of fate / The case for kata
30 minutes of new online practical karate videos
Welcome
to the July newsletter! Lots to tell you about! The first thing to tell you is
that we have a brand new podcast which covers two topics: “A Warriors View of
Fate” and “The Case for Kata” (check out section 1).
Since the last newsletter I’ve added 30 minutes of new practical karate / kata
bunkai to the website. These videos cover cover a number of karate throws, an
arm-lock flow drill, and some bunkai from Wanshu / Enpi kata. I hope you enjoy
them! (section 2).
I’ve also added a new 55 minute long new video detailing the applications and
advanced drills associated with Pinan / Heian Godan to the members’ area of the
World Combat Association website! If you are not yet a member please check out
section 7.
This newsletter also has news on great new books from a number of friends of
these newsletters. All highly recommended! We also have details of upcoming
events and the latest news!
Please checkout the contents list below and see
what is of interest!
Many thanks for the support of these newsletters!
All the best,
Iain
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"A man's character is his fate" - Heraclitus (540BC - 480BC)
Contents:
1 - New Podcast: A Warrior's View of Fate / The
Case for Kata
2 - New Online Videos: Karate Throws, An Arm-Lock Flow-Drill, Enpi / Wanshu
Bunkai
3 - Kris Wilder and Iain Abernethy Seminar!
4 - Upcoming Iain Abernethy Seminars (UK, USA, Germany)
5 - Iain Abernethy 2014 Calendar filling up fast!
6 - BCA 20th Anniversary International Close Combat & Self Defence seminar
7 - Iain Abernethy Exclusive New WCA 55 minuite video on the drills and
applications of Pinan / Heian Godan
8 - WCA Syllabus Approval Latest
9 - Itosu's Legacy by Dan Anderson
10 - The Way of Knock-Down by Gary Chamberlin
11 - Ignorance, Myth and Martial Arts by Wallace Smedley
12 - Pragmatic Karate by Mark Jennings
13 - Gavin Towers Yang Style Tai-Chi Seminar (27th of July)
14 - Alan Petherbridge MBE 10th Dan: New WCA Head of Budo
15 - Iain Abernethy Instructors Course in Germany
1 - New Podcast: A Warrior's View of Fate / The Case for Kata
In
this month’s podcast we cover two topics! The first thing we cover is “The Case
for Kata”. The question is often asked if kata itself plays a meaningful role in
practise. If kata is nothing more than a repository for bunkai, then why not
just practise the applications and do away with kata? Does keeping the solo
forms, and devoting time to their practise, serve any meaningful purpose?
Naturally, I think the solo form does have an important role to play; and in the
first section I explain why.
The second section of this podcast looks at “A Warrior’s View of Fate”. I begin
by discussing my take on the character development / life-enhancing side of the
martial arts before moving on to the topic of “fate”. The warriors of the past
had well developed views on fate in order to ensure bravery in battle and to
help deal with the precariousness of their existence. It is also my view that
time in the dojo can teach us about the workings of fate, and that we can use
that knowledge to help shape our future outside of the dojo. To explain how I
see fate, I look at some for the ancient mythologies of Europe and see what they
had to say on the subject. We also touch on history, psychology, and the “do
ethos” in the martial arts as envisaged by it’s greatest proponent; Jigoro Kano
(the founder of Judo).
So this month we have a mix of the “jutsu” and the “do” and I hope you find it
an interesting listen! Many thanks for your support of these podcasts! Please
keep spreading the word to your friends and training partners and I’ll be back
with more soon!
Listen to the podcast on this webpage: http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/warriors-view-fate-case-kata-podcast
Listen to Iain Abernethy's Podcasts on Itunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/iain-abernethy-practical-application/id393104872#
2 - New Online Videos: Karate Throws, An Arm-Lock Flow-Drill, Enpi / Wanshu
Bunkai
Since last month’s newsletter 30 minutes of new online bunkai videos have been added to the website and my “Practical Kata Bunkai” YouTube channel. The videos cover a number of karate throws, an arm-lock flow drill, and some bunkai from Wanshu / Enpi kata.
To make them as easy as possible to find for newsletter subscribers, I have put all the videos on this webpage:
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/news/30-minutes-new-bunkai-videos
3 - Kris Wilder and Iain Abernethy Seminar!
On
November 16th and 17th this year I will be teaching a joint 2 day seminar with
Kris Wilder 5th Dan hosted by Grove Martial Arts in Oxfordshire. Kris has been
training since the 1970’s and is the author of over 5 critically acclaimed books
including the Way of Kata, the Way of Sanchin Kata, the Little Black Book of
Violence, How to Win a Fight – to name just a few. Kris is a great teacher and I
am really looking forward to teaching with him again, this will be the first
weekend we have taught together for a full weekend! It will also be a good
opportunity to spend a considerable amount of time getting to grips with the
fundamentals of the core principles that Kris and I teach.
If you would like to see all the topics we are covering, please take a look at
the poster provided.
Tickets cost £70 a head for both days. This is a flat fee so it is advised to
attend both days.
Cheques should be made payable to GROVE MARTIAL ARTS and sent to Peter Lord at
28 Bosleys Orchard, Grove, Wantage, Oxon, OX12 7JP.
If you would like to book places for this course or have any enquiries, please
contact Becky Webb –
beckywebb_3@hotmail.co.uk
More details on this webpage: http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/kris-wilder-and-iain-abernethy-joint-seminar
4 - Upcoming Iain Abernethy Seminars (UK, Denmark, USA, Germany)
Below you can find details of the open seminars that are taking place over the next few months. Details of others will be added as soon as details have been finalised. I look forward to seeing you at an event near you and if you have any questions about them, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Telford, England - 7th of July
On the 7th of July I will be teaching an open seminar on the applications of Wanshu / Enpi and Neiseishi / Nijushiho! The first hour will look at key kata principles using the Pinan / Heian kata to illustrate them. The session will then move on to the applications of Wanshu / Enpi and Neiseishi / Nijushiho! This is the first time I in the UK I have taught a seminar dedicated to these kata. The seminar will be held at Kyushinkai Martial Arts, Court works Industrial Esatate, Bridgenorth Road, Madeley, Telford, TF7 4JB from 11:00 to 15:00. The cost is £25 per person. Group discount: Five people can attend for the cost of four! Cheques should be sent to Sam Stuart, Kyushinkai Martial Arts, Court works Industrial Esatate, Bridgenorth Road, Madeley, Telford, TF7 4JB (cheques payable to “Kyushinkai Martial Arts”). Sam can be contacted via 07940726311 and info@kyushinkai.com
London, England - 1st of September
On Sunday the 1st of September, from 10am-2pm, I will be teaching an open seminar in London! The cost is £30 per person and the Dojo address is Winton Primary School, Killick Street, London, N1 9AZ. Cheques should be made out to “Adam Cockfield” and sent to Iain Abernethy Seminar, c/o Adam Cockfield, 83 Ashcroft Road, Luton, LU2 9AX. For further details and to ensure your place, Adam can be contacted on sski_london@hotmail.co.uk and 07838 608789. A map of the dojo location is also available on the club website: http://www.sski-london.co.uk/training-times-and-location
Kansas, USA - 13th to the 15th of September
From the 13th to the 15th of September I will be teaching a series of seminars
in Lenexa, Kansas, USA! These seminars are sponsored by Hanshi Dan Kennedy and
the United States Kenpo Kobujitsu Federation. The Friday session will run from
6pm to 8pm and will be held in the Cedar Ridge Christian Church Gymnasium, 8835
Lackman Rd., Lenexa, KS 66215 (Just south of 87th on Lackman). The Saturday
seminar will run from 9am - 5pm and will again be held in the Cedar Ridge
Christian Church Gymnasium. The Sunday session will run from 9am to 1pm and will
be held in the Lenexa Karate Academy, 13960 Santa Fe Trail Drive, Lenexa, KS
66215 (913-962-1640). All three sessions will coat just $125! Friday only $35.
$25 late fee for all registrations made after September 6th. Send completed
registration forms and payment to: Lenexa Karate Academy, 13960 Santa Fe Trail
Drive, Lenexa, Kansas 66215. POC: Dan Kennedy, 913-962-1640. Download forms and
brochure from this webpage:
http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-kansas-usa-0
Blairgowrie, Scotland - 22nd of September
On the 22nd of September, from 1pm to 5pm, I will be teaching a open practical karate / kata bunkai seminar at Blairgowrie Community Campus, Elm Drive, Blairgowrie, PH10 6UZ. The seminar will cover core applications from Wanshu / Enpi and Neiseishi / Nijushiho. The seminar will cost £25 and cheques (payable to “Karen Whytock”) should be sent to Karen Whytock, 27 Gean Grove, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, PH10 6TL. You can also call 01250 870061 and speak to Ally or Karen for more details.
Seminar in Vejle, Denmark - 28th of September and 29th
of September
This weekend I will be teaching an open seminar in Denmark! This seminar will
look at common occurrences during physical confrontations - as determined from
modern data - and how a variety of kata address these situations. The seminar
will show how the techniques of kata remain entirely relevant to the nature of
modern civilian self-protection. We will also be looking at the development of
mental strength through the martial arts and how this can help us in combat and
everyday life. Details are still being finalised and will be shared very soon!
Stalybridge, Cheshire - 5th of October
On Saturday the 5th of October I will be teaching an open seminar in Stalybridge, Cheshire! The theme will be Bassai-Dai / PassaI bunkai and karate locking drills! The cost is £25 and the seminar will run from 12pm to 4pm. The location for the seminar is The Karate Centre, Unit 11, Rassbottom industrial estate (behind Stalybridge fire station and next to train station), Stalybridge, Cheshire, SK15 1RH. Please send cheques to this address made payable to “Tameside Martial Arts Ltd”. If you have any questions, please contact Craig Murphy on 07947 791 314 of info@tamesidemartialarts.co.uk Website: www.tamesidemartialarts.co.uk
Chelmsford, Essex - 20th of October
On Sunday the 20th of October I will be teaching a seminar in Essex on advanced drills for the Pinan / Heian kata. This will involve instruction in lengthy flow drills that will permit the practise of both large sections and whole kata in single drills. This seminar will take place in Chelmsford, Essex from 12 to 4pm. The venue is Newlands Spring Centre, Dickens Place, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 4UU. Tickets cost £30 per person (there is a £5 discount of all those who pay before the 1st of July). All tickets must be purchased in advance (no “on-the-door tickets” will be available). Cheques should be made payable to “Kernow Karate club” and sent to Kernow Karate Club, 2 Abell Way, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6WU. For further details please email Paul Newman on paul@kernowkarate.co.uk or call Paul on 01245 460910 or 07968 632719. www.kernowkarate.co.uk
Ballymena, Northern Ireland - 2nd of November
On Saturday 2nd November 2013 I’ll be teaching an open seminar in Northern Ireland! The seminar will run from 1pm to 5pm and will be held in the Ballymena North Business & Recreation Centre, 120 Cushedall Road, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 6NU. The cost will be £35.00, but you can get the early-booking cost of £30.00 if pre-booked and paid before the 19th of October. Group bookings by arrangement. For further details contact Dan Redmond on chujo@hotmail.com or 07976987696 or write to Dan Redmond, 185 Dunclug Park, Ballymena, BT43 6NU, Northern Ireland
Kris Wilder and Iain Abernethy Joint Seminar!
On November 16th and 17th this year I will be teaching a joint 2 day seminar with Kris Wilder 5th Dan hosted by Grove Martial Arts in Oxfordshire. Kris has been training since the 1970’s and is the author of over 5 critically acclaimed books including the Way of Kata, the Way of Sanchin Kata, the Little Black Book of Violence, How to Win a Fight – to name just a few. Kris is a great teacher and I am really looking forward to teaching with him again, this will be the first weekend we have taught together for a full weekend! It will also be a good opportunity to spend a considerable amount of time getting to grips with the fundamentals of the core principles that Kris and I teach. If you would like to see all the topics we are covering, please follow this link: http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/kris-wilder-and-iain-abernethy-joint-seminar Tickets cost £70 a head for both days. This is a flat fee so it is advised to attend both days. Cheques should be made payable to GROVE MARTIAL ARTS and sent to Peter Lord at 28 Bosleys Orchard, Grove, Wantage, Oxon, OX12 7JP. If you would like to book places for this course or have any enquiries, please contact Becky Webb – beckywebb_3@hotmail.co.uk.
Tilbury, Essex - 24th of November
On Sunday the 24th of November I’ll be teaching an open seminar in Tilbury, Essex from 1pm - 5pm. The seminar will beon Karate Grappling Techniques and Drills. The location of the seminar is The Gateway Academy, Marshfoot Road, Tilbury, Essex, RM16 4LU. The cost is £30 per person and there is a group discount for 10 or more people (details from the host). The host is Richard Hang Hong (Seitou Ryu Karate) and he can be contacted via 07899 827 476 or richard@seitouryukarate.com Please make cheques payable to "Seitou Ryu Karate" and send to the address below: Seitou Ryu Karate, 39 Heathercroft Road, Wickford, Essex, SS11 8YA. Please note that cheques must be received by Saturday 9th of November in order to be processed in time. Payments received after this date may not get a place. When sending payment please include the names of all attendees and contact info (a mobile number & email address will be sufficient) so that the booking can be confirmed.
Augsburg, Germany - 30th of November and 1st of December
This seminar will cover the Bunkai of Wanshu / Enpi and arm-locks, wrist-locks, leg-locks and neck-cranks. The seminar will run from 10am to 5pm on Saturday (with breaks) and from 9:30am to 1pm on Sunday. You can find more details in both English and German on this webpage:
http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-augsburg-germany-1
To organise a seminar for your club, write to seminars@iainabernethy.com or call 01900829406.
For details of all seminars (including maps): http://iainabernethy.co.uk/seminar-dates
5 - Iain Abernethy 2014 Calendar filling up fast!
This is
just a little heads up for any group wishing to invite me to their dojo in 2014.
At the moment the first half of 2014 is fully booked and there is limited
availability in the second half. I have bookings as far ahead as October 2014
and I hate to disappoint anyone. If you are therefore wishing to arrange a
seminar in 2014 it would be prudent to contact me sooner rather than later.
6 - BCA 20th Anniversary International Close Combat & Self Defence seminar
BCA 20th Anniversary International Close Combat & Self Defence seminar with Geoff Thompson 8th Dan and Peter Consterdine 9th Dan.
To mark the 20th Anniversary of the British Combat Association (BCA), Geoff and Peter will be hosting their annual Close Combat and Self Defence Day seminar in Coventry on October 6th 2013.
No organisation has done more to further the progress of the practical martial arts. Whilst still supporting the traditional aesthetic, their unique teachings will encompass the physical elements of self defence, personal combat and the psychology of confrontation.
Widely regarded as pioneers in the field of self defence, Geoff and Peter go right to the heart of real world, up close and personal combat.
Their emphasis on the necessity for hard, stressful and dynamic training to prepare for such occasions is acknowledged around the globe.
This one day course will cover: Impact Development, Line-ups, Fear Control, Pre-emptive Strikes, Power Kicking, Practical Sweeps & Takedowns, Close Range & Impeded Striking. Performance under stress, Use of Force & The Law, plus a range of unique Combat Concepts.
This is an international open event, discounted for members of the World Combat Association, British Combat Association and the British Combat Karate Association, but open to all.
Sunday 6th October 2013, Centre AT7, Austin Drive, Bell Green Road, Coventry CV6 7GP.
All places need to be pre-booked – the course will fill quickly.
Registration 09.30am – Seminar 10am – 4pm.
Costs: BCA, WCA, BCKA members £85 – non-members £100. A £50 deposit secures a place.
To reserve a place contact the BCA on 01924 266016 e-mail: info@britishcombat.co.uk – www.britishcombat.co.uk
This one day experience has become legendary in the UK martial arts calendar.
For flyer go to: http://britishcombat.co.uk/diary/event-posters/
7 - Iain Abernethy Exclusive New WCA 55 minuite video on the drills and
applications of Pinan / Heian Godan
A 55 minute long new video detailing the applications and advanced drills associated with Pinan / Heian Godan has now been added to the members area of the World Combat Association website! If you are not yet a member, please visit this webpage to see how groups and individuals can join: http://worldcombatassociation.com/?page_id=31
8 - WCA Syllabus Approval Latest
Congratulations to Tony and all at Karate Asylum (I love that name!) for
achieving WCA Syllabus recognition! There syllabus is a great blend of the best
of traditional karate combined with a holistic approach to the needs of modern
self-protection. Tony can be contacted via:
tonym@karateasylum.com
About Karate Asylum: Karate Asylum is a small private group based in the
St. Louis area. We are committed to teaching students to learn to be safe and
understand violence with the proper mindset. We accomplish this through a
progressive and systematic curriculum that study traditional values of the past
master using today's training methods. The key principles have been designed to
help students achieve ranking objectives and emphasize character building with
development of discipline, confidence, and mental strength.
http://worldcombatassociation.com/
9 - Itosu's Legacy by Dan Anderson
It’s
no secret them I’m somewhat of a bunkai enthusiast! I’m constantly researching
to further my understanding of my beloved kata and how the information they
contain can be used in actual conflict. The great news is that with every
passing year more and more martial artists are taking another look at their kata
while others are sharing their knowledge and insights. It’s therefore really
exciting for me when I get to read a book that I instantly know will be hugely
significant and influential! Dan Anderson’s latest book is one that all
pragmatically minded karateka will want to draw inspiration from.
Dan Anderson 9th dan is a world renowned martial artist that I’ve had the
pleasure of training under on his visits to the UK. I’ve also had the pleasure
of having Dan stay at my home. I therefore know first hand that Dan’s humour,
superb teaching skills and in-depth knowledge are second to none. It’s therefore
no surprise that I was very excited to receive his latest book, “Itosu’s Legacy:
The Mysteries of the Pinan and Naihanchi Katas Revealed”. It did not disappoint!
If you are a fan of realistic kata application you are going to love this book!
As with all Dan’s work, the accessible no-nonsense writing and clear photographs
communicate the information with ease. The applications are a million miles away
from the static, highly–choreographed, exaggerated distance stuff that so often
passes for “bunkai”. The “aliveness” of Dan’s take on these kata leaps from the
pages and I would direct anyone who mistakenly believes that kata can’t be used
in a live fight to this book. Seriously, it’s great! All pragmatically minded
kata enthusiasts need a copy of this book!
Iain Abernethy, 6th Dan
Itosu's Legacy - The Pinan & Naihanchi Katas Revealed
Kata practice has been an integral part of karate training since time
immemorial. The meaning of the movements of the katas, however, has been a
mystery of practitioners the world over. In this volume, Prof. Dan Anderson
reveals the meanings behind the motions of the five Pinan and Naihanchi katas.
This book contains a template for the reader to dissect any kata within any
martial arts system and is an excellent resource for every student of the
martial arts from beginner to advanced practitioner.
Purchase from this webpage:
http://www.danandersonkarate.com/shopping/product_info.php?products_id=78
10 - The Way of Knock-Down by Gary Chamberlin
A
journey of self-discovery in a tough combat sport.
“Loved
this book! A true page-turner that all karateka will gain insight and
inspiration from. A modern classic that everyone should read.” – Iain Abernethy
“A great many books claim to teach the 'secrets' of karate, or indeed of success
in general. Most fail. This book from Gary Chamberlain however, hits the nail
square on the head. The secret of karate is hard work. Hard work, pain, sweat
and facing fear and that's what I loved about this book. In many ways it is a
simple account, and I was left wanting more detail in places, and specifically
on the fights. But on reflection, i realised that the book's simplicity is its
true genius. This is a book for all of us; it's for anyone who ever thought they
couldn't do it; for everyone who ever thought that success is complicated; and
for anyone who ever wanted to be more than others believed them to be. If I had
read this book before I started karate, I would have joined the Kyokushinkai...”
– Gavin Mulholland
“Gary's writing style is open, straightforward and pulls few punches. He is not
afraid to share his own doubts and fears, nor sugarcoat difficult memories from
his past. Nor does he idolise his instructors or his peers, but instead paints a
real and somehow even more engaging portrait of the characters of Kyokushinkai
in those days … In the telling of his journey in Kyokushinkai, Gary shows how a
young man is transformed through the rigours of hard training, overcoming
adversity and, in the end, taking control of his own destiny. In this, he
succeeds perfectly in illustrating the mental/spiritual strength derived from a
tough fighting art like Kyokushinkai. Short, intense and highly engaging... The
Way of Knockdown is a must for anyone seeking the underlying purpose of the
martial arts.” – Goran Powell
“Gary Chamberlain does not just talk about training and fighting knockdown
karate, he has shed blood and sweat and broken bones in becoming a successful
fighter and coach. He has achieved this even under extremely trying conditions
which most would simply have given up, unless they have trained in the mindset
to push on no matter what. The spirit and attitude of a real fighter is
encapsulated in the way of knockdown in a very real and raw account born of his
personal journey through karate. The smartest people learn from the experience
of others... This is certainly a book worth reading to learn from tough
experiences of a real knockdown fighter. A fantastic, real and engaging read
with raw substance and amazing value for money! Worth every penny! Excellent!” -
Rikesh Chandarana
Amazon Link: www.amazon.co.uk/The-Way-Knockdown-Gary-Chamberlain/dp/1490334785/
11 - Ignorance, Myth and Martial Arts by Wallace Smedley
I’ve
always really enjoyed Wallace Smedley’s writing on his website and our forum.
I’m therefore really pleased he was written a book! With a title like
“Ignorance, Myth and Martial Arts” you know it’s going to be a book for martial
artists like us! Please checkout the details below (an pay particular attention
to the discount code :-)
"Within
the martial arts a person will find outrageous claims, and subtle lies. There
are tales of ancient masters who had powers usually reserved for Superman or
Santa Clause, but there are also instructors who use misleading marketing
tactics to entice students to pay to be safe. Few instructors actually tell
students that the best way to be safe is to be nice to people and not act like a
raving ding-dong anytime someone rubs you the wrong way. One will also find
absurd practices and a near brainwashing process where you surrender your
critical thinking in favor of herd mentality. It is easy to not question the
instructor, or the procedures and policies of the class and organization. There
is a much more difficult road in questioning, but questions must be asked.
Wallace Smedley has trained in the martial arts since the early 1980’s. He has
traveled the path of esoteric and mystical martial arts, spent a few years
wandering the musky halls of a McDojo, and trained in very rough self-defense
schools. He uses his experience to give the reader an enjoyable and thought
provoking book. Plain hard facts, statistical based points, and stories from his
many and varied experiences give the reader much to consider, and re-examine."
Over 62,000 words and only three pictures, it is not the standard martial arts
book.
Paperback edition:
https://www.createspace.com/4273407 At checkout website readers can use the
discount code FWX2KUNR for a little savings.
Kindle Version:
http://www.amazon.com/Ignorance-Myth-Martial-Arts-ebook/dp/B00DGSMG00/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1371728992&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=Ignorance%2C+Myth+and+Martial+Arts
12 - Pragmatic Karate by Mark Jennings
Hello,
Iain has very kindly allowed me to use his mailing list to tell you a few things
about a book I have written which has just been released.
I have been practising karate for over thirty five years and have been a police
officer for nearly twenty four years. Over this time I feel like I have learned
as many lessons outside the dojo (if not more) than I have learned inside and
they weren't always physical.
One of the main reasons for me choosing to write this text is that there are a
lot of books being published addressing the physical elements of karate but not
too many which address the internal, with particular reference to self
protection.
Whilst the first section of the book does take into account the physical aspect
of the art and how it is trained, the main body of the text seeks to concentrate
more on the traditional concepts and place them in a modern setting.
It covers concepts such as karate ni sente nashi, zanshin and mushin, and how to
use these for the purposes of target hardening with some practical techniques
which would hopefully assist in cultivating them.
All in all my main aim was to produce a book which treats karate as a holistic
self protection system.
It is available from Amazon as either a paperback or Kindle edition or
alternatively, can be obtained directly from Memoirs Publishing.
If you do choose to read it, I hope you enjoy it and it at least gives you some
food for thought!
From the Publisher: http://www.memoirspublishing.com/Books%20Pages/markjennings-pra.html
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pragmatic-Karate-Traditional-techniques-everyday/dp/1909544574
Amazon USA: www.amazon.com/Pragmatic-Karate-Traditional-techniques-everyday/dp/1909544574
13 - Gavin Towers Yang Style Tai-Chi Seminar (27th of July)
While
many of my students are avid cross-trainers and we are all regular seminar
attendees, there are only four instructors that I have personally invited to
teach in my dojo. One of those was Gavin Towers. I met Gavin through the Judo
and was very impressed by him as a person, martial artist and athlete. I
therefore asked him to teach at my dojo so my students could have a look at
Bagua; one of a number of Chinese systems Gavin has studied since childhood.
Gavin has studied Shaolin Kung Fu, Baji Quan, Chen, Yang, Yang Ban Hou and Sun
Style Tai Chi, Xingyi Chuan and Bagua Zhang and Health Qigong. Additionally he
has also practised boxing, Judo, Wing Chun, Hapkido, Aikido, MMA, and he has
also trained with Karate practitioners. Gavin is also currently a member the
team GB VI Judo squad.
Gavin is a great teacher, he moves and fights incredibly well, and he’s a
thoroughly nice guy too. My students and I really enjoyed Gavin’s teaching. I
highly recommend him to all martial artists who want to broaden their horizons.
Gavin is running an open seminar on the 27th of July which I’m sure will be of
great interest to many of you. More details can be found on Gavin’s website and
in the poster below:
http://empoweringqigong.wordpress.com/
Email Gavin at
gavin@empoweringmovement.co
Please also be sure to read the text below the poster which explains the
benefits of what this course will be covering.
All the best,
Iain
http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/gavin-towers-yang-style-tai-chi-seminar-27th-july
14 - Alan Petherbridge MBE 10th Dan: New WCA Head of Budo
We are
very pleased to announce that Alan Petherbridge MBE 10th Dan has accepted the
position of Head of Budo within the Association. Alan has been the British
Combat Association’s senior Coach for many years and it’s an honour to have Alan
keeping an oversight on the Budo elements of the WCA. However, as you’ll see
from Alan’s abridged CV below, his skills, and experiences are not limited
solely to the martial arts arena, having had a very extensive career in the
security industry, both from an operational and teaching perspective.
Alan Petherbridge 10th Dan Budo, 9th Dan Judo
Alan began his Judo/Jujitsu career when serving with the British Army at Spandau
Barracks in 1945, subsequently joining Swansea Judo Socirty in 1949, as well as
the famous Budokwai in London in 1950, when it was based in Lower Grosvenor
Place.
In 1953 Alan represented Wales in the Home International, becoming Captain of
the Swansea Judo Society, winning the Baron Matsui Challenge Cup, the first time
we think that the Budokwai had lost it. Alan holds the distinction of being the
first person to obtain a 1st Dan Judo in Wales, which in fact was the first dan
grade in Wales in any martial art.
After winning the Goldberg Vass Memorial Trophy at the Royal Albert Hall in
1955, Alan was chosen to represent Britain in the European Championships in
Austria in 1956, but with the events in Hungary causing the meet to be
cancelled. He went on, though, as a member of the British team to win the
European Championships in 1957/8/9 – the first country to achieve this feat.
In 1961 Alan was on the British team to compete in the 1961 World Championships
in Paris and also chose, at this event, to represent Europe in the
Intercontinental World Championships in which Europe won Gold. Alan went on to
secure four European Championship Gold, two Silver and one Bronze medals, and
was both a team member and Captain in numerous internationals during this
period.
The 1964 Tokyo Olympics saw Alan attend as Captain of the British Judo team and
although he retired from personal competition in 1956 due to injury he was
appointed the first official British Judo Team Manager, and Chairman of the
Technical Board of the British Judo Association (BJA) as well as being Britain’s
representative to the European Judo Union (EJU). Within the BJA Alan was
appointed the Senior Examiner’s Examiner and the Senior Coaching Awards
Examiner’s Examiner.
Alan also holds the distinction of founding the Welsh Judo Association, becoming
the Welsh and British National Coach. He was also Honorary National Coach to the
British Police Judo PSUK.
In 1977 (Queen’s Silver Jubilee) Alan received the Queen’s award for services to
Judo.
On a commercial front, Alan, together with his daughter Sharron has run one of
the countries most successful training delivery consultancies, specialising in
conflict management, with particular emphasis on the UK Health Services.
Developing the practical aspects of martial arts has been Alan’s passion
translating both through his professional career and his teaching of Judo and
Jujitsu.
Visit this webpage to watch an interview with Alan Petherbridge:
http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/alan-petherbridge-wca-head-budo-talks-neil-adams
15 - Iain Abernethy Instructors Course in Germany
Can everyone based in Germany and nearby countries who is interested in doing my introductory instructors course please drop me an email at iain@iainabernethy.com There are a number of people in Germany and surrounding countries who are very familiar with my methods so it makes sense to organise a course on German soil. I will make a list of interested parties and work from there. The course will be held in the Stutgart area (in 2014), and the exact date will be organised, as far as possible, around the attendees. This course is aimed at existing black belts who are regulars at my seminars in Germany. Please let me know if you have any questions. Speak soon!
PS I'm looking to sort out a UK one soon too - watch this space! :-)
Do you want to Join Iain's international group? Find more information here: http://iainabernethy.co.uk/news/world-combat-assocation-live-video / http://worldcombatassociation.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iainabernethy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iainabernethy (@iainabernethy)
That’s all folks! If you’ve any comments or suggestions relating to the website or these newsletters, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line: iain@iainabernethy.com
All the best,
Iain Abernethy
E-Mail:
info@iainabernethy.com
Website:
www.iainabernethy.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/iainabernethy
Twitter: www.twitter.com/iainabernethy (@iainabernethy)
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