Hi All,
Welcome to the latest edition of the newsletter! We have
news on podcasts, online videos, new books, courses, news and more!
Please be sure to check out Section 4 to find out where
the next seminar near you is! We have events in the USA, Finland, Germany and
the UK!
Jesse Enkamp has kindly offered us all 15% off Seishin Gis
on https://www.seishin-international.com
with the promo code "ABERNETHY" (ends 31st March). Be sure to act in
time to get a great gi at a reduced price.
If practical karate and kata bunkai are something that
really enthuses you, then be sure to check out my app. We add new and exclusive
videos every week (last week saw our 45th weekly update), so there
is loads of material for you to check out!
We also will have the 2.0 version out soon!
Thanks for the support of the newsletters!
All the best,
Iain
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CONTENTS:
1 – New Podcast! Reinventing Violence!
2 – Hit Harder, Be Stronger by Kris Wilder!
3 – Four New Online Videos!
4 – Iain Abernethy Seminars (USA, Germany, UK, Finland)
5 – New Full Instructor Awards!
6 – Karate Science: Dynamic Movement by J. D. Swanson
7 – Andrew Rheeston / Mick Tully Seminar
8 – Street Fighter Skills: Volume 1 by John Nawn (Author)
9 – Ippon Magazine
10 – John Titchen & Leigh Simms: Kata Bunkai and
Underpinning Principle
11 – The Vale Studio, Sydney, Australia
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1 – New Podcast! REINVENTING
VIOLENCE
This podcast discusses how martial artists often try to
reinvent criminal violence into a good fit for their chosen system; instead of
adjusting their system to fit the inescapable realities of criminal violence.
Problem should define the solution. The “solution” should
not try to reinvent the problem!
This is a widespread and insidious practise in the
martial arts. Traditionalists, modernists and even “reality” based systems do
it; albeit in differing ways. Because actual violence is thankfully rare, this
problem can go unnoticed but it has many serious problems.
This “art over reality” approach puts students in danger
if they do have to face real violence. It also promotes tribalism and division
within the martial arts because we spend way too much time arguing the “merits”
of various pseudo-realities, and their associated pseudo-solutions, instead of
addressing the reality of the common problem.
Once reality is accepted, and self-protection is
realistically addressed across the board, we can get on with exploring and
enjoying all the other beneficial aspects of the martial arts from the
perspective of our chosen system.
Above all, we need to remember that the only place we can
“reinvent reality” is in our minds. We can make up all kinds of falsehoods to
justify the way we practise, but actual reality remains unchanged!
People don’t attack with formal lunging punches;
criminals don’t stand idly by when their buddy is getting strangled on the
ground; criminals don’t put up a guard, square off and fight so “the best man
wins”; you will have to justify your actions when measured against the actual
law and not how you imagined you uber-violent “military” fantasy playing out;
and so on.
Pretending reality is something other than it actually is
in order to promote your chosen art as perfect and beyond criticism does not
actually advance or protect the reputation of your chosen system. It harms and
diminishes it.
In the podcast, we look at why people try to reinvent violence,
specifically how many of the most popular systems do it, and why it is vital we
all stop it.
So strap yourself in for what should be the least
controversial podcast ever … but the fact it’s unlikely to be received that way
ironically illustrates the very issue this podcast seeks to highlight.
All the best,
Iain
Listen and download here:
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2 – HIT HARDER, BE STRONGER by KRIS WILDER
“Highly recommended! Great info well presented!” – Iain Abernethy
Almost 20 minutes of video instruction and a 50+ page
manual = a 7-week program for you to internalize and generate more power.
Your technique should be as powerful and compelling as
you can make it. Get the edge, the edge of power at your pace, and in your own
time.
This program is designed for you to learn the traditional
methods of power generation coupled with modern understanding. Both of these
methods aiding you in making your martial art truly your own.
Get instant and unlimited access to the video instruction
and the downloadable manual within moments of your decision to elevate your
power.
You will be stronger, and you will hit harder.
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3 – four New
Online Videos!
A – THE FOUR STAGES OF KATA
In this video I quickly discuss the 4 Stages of Kata.
These stages are:
1 – Learning, training and refining the solo form.
2 – Training the bunkai (applications).
3 – Exploring the principles demonstrated by the bunkai
so we can adapt and vary (i.e. internalise sound combative habits).
4 – Gain live experience of freely employing the methods
and principles of kata.
It is when all four stages are correctly practised and
integrated that the purpose and value of kata can become fully realised.
To fully understand this model, you need to experience
the process first-hand. I nevertheless hope this brief overview is of value.
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B – TEKKI / NAIHANCHI WITH KUBOTAN
In this video we look at how the kubotan can be used to
augment methods found in Naihanchi / Tekki Shodan. The kubotan is a short staff
which is often made into keyring for everyday carry. The legality of the
kubotan is something you need to check in your locality. In the UK, you could
not carry the kubotan in public. Section 1 of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953
prohibits the possession in a public place of an offensive weapon without
lawful authority or excuse (potential use in self-defence is not considered a
good reason / excuse). The term 'offensive weapon' is defined as: "any
article made or adapted for use to causing injury to the person, or intended by
the person having it with him for such use". A kubotan is made to be a
weapon (“made for causing injury to a person”) and hence should not be carried
in public in the UK. The law is clear and people have been prosecuted for
having kubotan in a public place.
Studying the use of the kubotan, as it relates to kata,
is useful even if you live in an area where every day carrying of the weapon is
prohibited. The kubotan remains a good proxy for everyday items such as a pen
(shown in the video), keys (also shown), certain makes of cell phone, etc. The
use of everyday items – that are not carried as a weapon, but are nevertheless
to hand – in self-defence is something to consider.
In the 1934 book, “The Study of Karate Techniques”
Morinobu Itoman wrote, “Make sure you are in a position that allows you to make
use of the objects surrounding you.” He goes on say that the use of objects to
hand is a fundamental part of karate, “Karate is a martial art that completely
and freely uses the entire body, objects to hand, and a person’s surroundings.”
This is something we should practise in modern day karate.
As always, great care must be taken when practising with
weapons. Do not practise these methods unless under suitably qualified and
experienced supervision.
NOTE: This is the public version of the video. App users
have access to the full version which covers many more methods from Naihanchi /
Tekki Shodan using the kubotan and similar objects.
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C – KUSHANKU / KANKU-DAI / KOSOKUN LIMB CONTROL DRILLS
This video shows limb-control drills (trapping, locking,
gripping and re-directing) for the first quarter of Kushanku / Kanku-Dai /
Kosokun. The video begins by showing the two core drills for the opening
sequence and the following knife-hands. The video then goes on to explain how
the methods in the drill should be varied and recombined in differing orders.
The objective is the never the drill. The objective is to internalise the
methods within the drill so they can be applied freely and effectively as the
situation dictates. Kata, bunkai drills, variations and live practise are all
needed to make this happen. These drills are therefore just one part of a
holistic training matrix. I nevertheless hope they are of interest.
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D – NAIHANCHI / TEKKI SANDAN OPENING SEQUENCE
This video shows bunkai for the opening sequence of Tekki
Sandan / Naihanchi Sandan kata. The video also shows how the discrete motions
can be combined together into a single drill.
I am of the view that the Nidan and Sandan versions show
alternative expressions of the core principles of Naihanchi Shodan (the
original stand-alone kata once simply known as “Naihanchi”). Here we see
variations on the limb-control and trapping methods that are first introduced
in Naihanchi Shodan / Tekki Shodan
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4 – Iain Abernethy
Seminars (USA, Germany, UK, FINLAND)
Below you can find details of the open seminars that are
taking place in the next few months. 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.
Seminar in Alabama, USA!
Date: 31st of March to the 2nd of April 2017
Iain Abernethy and Don Came seminar (Haywards Heath, West
Sussex)
Date: 8th of April 2017
Seminar in Witham, Essex
Date: 9th of April 2017
Seminar in Eastbourne
Date: 22nd of April 2017
Seminar in Presteigne, Wales
Date: 23rd of April 2017
Seminar in Chesterfield
Date: 30th of April 2017
Seminar in Dresden, Germany
Date: 13th of May 2017
Seminar in Newton Ayclife
Date: 28th of May 2017
Seminar in Birmingham
Date: 4th of June 2017
Seminar in Stuttgart, Germany
Date: 1st and 2nd of July 2017
Seminar in Burton-on-Trent
Date: 9th of July 2017
Seminar in Vaasa, Finland
Date: 22nd and 23rd of July 2017
Seminar in Achim, Germany
Date: 19th and 20th of August 2017
Two-Day Seminar in Scotland!
Date: 2nd and 3rd of September 2017
Weekend Retreat in Franklin, North Carolina!
Date: September 8th to 10th 2017
Seminar in Swarthmore, PA, USA
Date: October 6th to 8th 2017
Please visit this webpage for details of seminars later
on in the year:
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5 – NEW FULL INSTRUCTOR AWARDS!
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6 – KARATE SCIENCE: DYNAMIC MOVEMENT BY J. D. SWANSON
Book Blurb:
Dynamics, motion, and sensation are karate's connective
tissue--and they are the heart of this book. As a lifelong student of martial
arts, J. D. Swanson, PhD, had searched through piles of books on form and
function. Stand here, they said. Step there. But where movement was concerned,
not one of them went deep enough. No one discussed dynamics--the actual feeling
of the moves. Martial instruction, both in print and in person, tends to focus
on stances and finishing positions. But dynamics, motion, sensation . . . they
are karate's connective tissue--and they are the heart of this book. Karate
Science: Dynamic Movement will help you understand the mechanics of the human
body. Swanson describes these principles in incredible detail, drawing on
examples from several styles of karate, as well as aikido, taekwondo, and judo.
Whatever your martial background, applying this knowledge will make your
techniques better, stronger, and faster. - Understand the major types of
techniques, including their outward appearances and internal feelings.- Master
the core principles behind these feelings.- Learn the biomechanics and dynamics
of core movement. Karate Science: Dynamic Movementis filled with examples,
anecdotes, and beautiful illustrations. Although Shotokan karate is the
author's frame of reference, the principles of human mechanics translate to all
martial styles. This book features - Clear and insightful explanations of
dynamic movement.- Over 100 illustrations.- Profound but accessible analysis of
the kihon, or fundamentals of Shotokan karate. "Karate Science: Dynamic
Movement is rooted in the teachings of the masters," Swanson says.
"This book nucleates that knowledge, clarifying and distilling the key
principles behind movement dynamics. This is the next evolution of karate books
Review by Iain Abernethy:
Karate has developed a whole host of myths and
misunderstandings over the decades. We have historical myths; such as the idea
karate was the art of the Okinawan resistance used to fight the invading
Samurai overlords. We have philosophical myths; such as the alleged links to
Zen Buddhism. We have practical myths; such as the idea that kata is a mock
fight against eight imaginary opponents who are also trained in karate. And we
have technical myths relating to things like the role of stances, hip movement,
kime, power generation, etc. It is that last set of myths that this book focuses
on. By washing the “mythological mud” off karate, we return karate to its most
functional and most pristine state.
This book does a great job of using biology and
biomechanics to explain, in an easy to follow way, why karate motions are as
they are, and what can be done to improve individual performance of them.
There’s no confusing pseudoscience here. No attempt to misuse scientific terms
to hide lack of knowledge or justify impractical practises. What we have is
solid science made very accessible through good wring and good illustrations.
While the author is a highly-qualified academic, you don’t need to be in order
to understand what is presented.
Reading this book will improve your understanding of
karate movements and principles of movement; which will in turn help to improve
your teaching as well as the function and even the aesthetics of your karate.
This is a great book that should be read by all karate instructors and
experienced students.
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7 – ANDREW RHEESTON / MICK TULLY SEMINAR
Sunday 25th June 2017, from 10:30 - 14:30
Location: Three Trees Community Centre, Hedingham Grove,
Chelmsley Wood, B37 7TP
Andrew Rheeston and Mick Tully are teaching a joint
seminar around the differing aspects of Kali training. We will be looking at the single / double
stick training and knife training including partner drills and disarms (for the
art) and practical self-protection. The
seminar will also include elements of Panantukan (Fillipino Boxing) including
trapping and limb destructions.
Cost for the seminar is £30 per person and can be paid by
cheque made payable to Andrew Rheeston and sent to Mr A Rheeston, 106 Piccadilly
Close, Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham B37 7LQ or via paypal (contact Andrew for
paypal details). Payments can also be
accepted on the day once your place is confirmed,
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8 – STREET FIGHTER SKILLS: VOLUME 1 BY JOHN NAWN (AUTHOR)
How to go beyond modern martial arts using the lost
secrets of real Street Fighting
How do YOU stack up against the TRUE Street Fighter?
No matter what level of martial arts skills you have
achieved its still likely there are some serious gaps in your training. Gaps
that are holding you back from your full potential.
John Nawn has made a brilliant step-by-step modular
system that can take you to an elite level. With consistent training in these
principles almost anyone can massively improve their fight game. Both in the
ring and on the street.
John Nawn has given you all the keys you will ever need
to open all the doors to REAL fighting. Even if you take only a fraction of
John’s material you will still be better than most fighters.
If you’re one of the chosen few who takes onboard the
entire system you will become a force to be reckoned with.
A TRUE Street Fighter has:
1.A Guard that’s almost impossible to get through. He can
even use his guard as a weapon to attack his opponent’s strikes, and his
opponent finds it almost impossible to land a meaningful strike on him
2.A mastery of Footwork. He can work angles, nullify
attacks, outflank his opponent, generate power and start to break his opponent
down all with positioning
3.The knowledge of how to punch (very few fighters and
so-called martial arts guys understand this) and he understands all the illegal
moves such as finger strikes, biting and headbutts
4.A true understanding of fear and psychology. He’s not just
a theory man, he can actually use psychology during the fight to destroy his
opponent, he can also recognize and deal with fear in himself, he can read body
language, he can read the “feel” of a room and instantly recognize a setup
5.The means to use all these things together
A top Street Fighter is incredibly difficult to defeat.
He’s not fighting to earn a belt or win a game of tig, for him fighting can
literally be a matter of survival.
The good news is that with enough training and dedication
you can be taught to reach this level.
You may be a highly experienced martial artist or a
beginner just starting out: this is the right place for you to take your skills
light years beyond most fighters out there and learn what really works on the
streets.
Listen, you’re not always going to be the strongest or
quickest fighter. It hurts me to tell you this but you’re not always going to
be the youngest fighter, either. Someday you may run in to a stronger, faster,
younger version of you. A guy who is just better than you. When that happens
you won’t be able to use brute force or aggression to beat him (he’s stronger
than you, remember) you need other options in case things don’t go as planned.
Top Dog Combat Solutions will give you options that work. Well give you Plan A,
B, C right through to Z.
Very often it can be the seemingly small details that
make the world of difference, just like salt in food -it’s a small ingredient
but it can make all the difference. Those little details can make or break a
fighter too. In addition to showing you how to fight right from scratch you’ll
find all kinds of vital insider information here so you don’t have to learn it
the hard way.
We’ve trained in Britain, Russia, Australia and even
Japan and we’ve never seen this stuff taught anywhere else. These are the real
keys you’ve been looking for. THIS is the information you could spend your
whole life searching for and still not find! We’ve laid it all out for you in a
logical system so you don’t have to waste years searching and training and
seeking the deeper meanings of martial arts. All that stuff is right here at
your fingertips.
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9 – IPPON MAGAZINE
Ippon Magazine is non-political and seeks to promote karate
for all levels including grassroots, traditional and sports karate. http://www.ipponmagazine.com/
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10 – JOHN TITCHEN & LEIGH SIMMS: KATA BUNKAI AND
UNDERPINNING PRINCIPLE
Karate Instructors and best-selling authors John Titchen
and Leigh Simms are teaming up to offer a fantastic four-hour seminar. Open to all grades, styles and arts!
Date: Sunday 17th September 2017
Time: 1pm - 4pm
Venue: Joseph Chamberlain College, 1 Belgrave Road,
Highgate, Birmingham, B12 9FF
Contact Leigh on 07581 443 637
Cost: £35.00
Session 1
A break-down and analysis of the techniques found within
Tekki Shodan/Naihanchi Kata and how the same can be applied in the chaos of
physical self-protection.
Session 2
An introduction to Heian Sandan bunkai dealing with
grabs, pushes, haymakers, tackles and headlocks and using strikes, arm and
shoulder controls, knees, throws and kicks - all while looking at underpinning
principles of good karate and good kata application.
Session 3
A Presentation explaining your legal right to defend
yourself under the Self-Defence Law of England & Wales. Followed by
Q&A.
Session 4
Looking at the flow in the Pinan Flow System. Moving from
static drills into fluid dynamic and alive training by taking the Session 2
drills (and maybe more) to the next level in order to test the ability to apply
under greater pressure and to train greater adaptability.
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11 – THE VALE STUDIO, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
The Vale Studio located just 90 minutes from Sydney is a
unique and specialist training facility set on 40 spectacular acres. Dedicated
to the practice of the eastern arts in nature, we invite traditional martial
artists of all styles to hold their special classes or events at a very special
venue that has been designed and built for them.
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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
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24 Hour Order Hotline (UK): 01900829406
24 Hour Order Hotline (Overseas): +441900829406 | 
