4, "Strategies" by Jamie Clubb (CCMA Part3)
This is the third article in a series of four by Jamie Clubb. The first two parts have appeared in previous newsletters and, in case you missed them, they can also be found on the Articles Page of the website (http://www.iainabernethy.com/articles/article_home.asp)
This article follows on from part 2 and looks at "Strategies". I really like this series and I strongly recommend you digest the information they contain.
Strategies by Jamie Clubb
In CCMA common sense is accepted in simple terms as a combination of intuition and decisions drawn from obvious data. These lead to the formulation of basic natural principles that will lead to the development of efficient strategies. Whereas the common sense and principles parts of the CCMA process are a mixture of non-physical skills and physical skills, the strategies section is completely physical. To keep things simple and generic I found that there were two basic strategies in combat. These strategies do overlap, but I found that most martial arts orientate towards either one.
Strategy One
Strategy One is the strategy of maintaining distance. It is the priority strategy. The tactics of Strategy One include escape, the fence, striking, pushing and using anything that maintains a gap between you and your attacker.
As previously discussed in The Principles article, the drive to escape in the face of adversity is an incredibly strong instinct in animals. Therefore it makes sense that Strategy One comes first. This tactic is always the goal even if you employ tactics that completely neutralize your attacker. If you do not have escape in mind then you are in danger of being drawn into an alpha male contest, which is the last thing you want to consider in a fight for your life. Escape, it should also be remembered, does just mean running away, but also de-escalating or using your voice to prevent a situation from becoming physical. The concept of what Geoff Thompson terms "The Fence" is also a very natural tactic for controlling distance and gauging when an attack is going to become physical. Striking, when performed correctly, is an immediate attacking method that can end a fight before it has really begun. It also is good for maintaining distance. Pushing is also a good method to creating space in order to use other attacking or escaping methods.
Martial arts that orientate themselves towards Strategy One includes Muay Thai, Western Boxing, Karate, the most popular Chinese disciplines and essentially the strike-based fighting systems. Having said that, no one system is pure Strategy One, despite the ideal, unless we count Parkour, an art derived from escape, which I discussed in my previous article. Even Western Boxing, if we dismiss its pre-twentieth century roots that included grappling techniques, teaches tactics to close the distance and who can forget some of the great boxers who based their entire game on fighting an opponent's guard.
Strategy Two
Strategy Two is the strategy of closing distance. It is a supporting strategy, a "plan b", if you like, and should only been seen as transitional in order to gain or regain Strategy One. A good question here might be if we are talking about survival in a civilian environment why would someone want to close the distance? Well, the answer is that sometimes things go really wrong. When you are overwhelmed by strikes, particularly to the head, the most natural reaction is to cover and smother ........
CONTINUED ON IAIN ABERNETHY.COM
Please follow this link below to read the entire illustrated article:
http://www.iainabernethy.com/articles/Jamie_Clubb_10.asp
5, BCA Trevor Roberts Seminar
I've just received details on next month's BCA seminar (open to all, not just BCA members). I'll be at this event and look forward to seeing you there.
British Combat Association Seminar: Sunday 9th March 2008
Guest Instructor: TREVOR ROBERTS
March sees the return of one of our all time favourite instructors - Trevor Roberts. Trevor shouldn't need any introduction, but for those of you who are not 'aux fait'; Trevor is recognized as one of the most 'practical' Ju Jitsu people in the U.K. Also recognised as a truly 'hard man', Trevor's martial arts career goes back to age 9, when he started Judo. He has wrestled with some of Britain's top exponents, become skilled in Sombo and is now 8th Dan in Ju Jitsu.
It would be wrong to think of Trevor as simply a seasoned martial artist, as with 30 years' continuous doorwork and personal bodyguarding, Trevor's experiences of close-up violence have shaped his approach, not only to his martial arts, but, more importantly, to his mental resolve and focus during life-threatening encounters.
Through his work on KI energy, he has achieved almost perfect pain control, as he will no doubt demonstrate on the day. Trevor runs his own Association - 'Applied Ju Jitsu Institute' and is the BCA's Senior Grading Officer for Ju Jitsu.
Trevor is the prime example of that over over-used phrase - 'mental toughness', although in Trevor's case, the term doesn't actually do justice to where he has taken the principle!
Venue: Kyushinkai Martial Arts School, Court Works Industrial Estate, Bridgnorth, Madeley, Telford TF7 4JB
BCA MEMBERS: £25 NON-MEMBERS: £40 Time: 10a.m. - 3.30pm
To book the above seminar send either cheque/postal order to: British Combat Association, 4 Newmarket Mews, Castle Gate, Stanley, Wakefield WF3 4AL
Telephone bookings by credit card or switch/debit card please phone 0113 2429686 - 24 hours (CHEQUES PAYABLE TO: BCA)
6, World of Martial Arts TV . Com
From the director of the BBC Martial Arts Show; Mind, Body & Kick Ass Moves - WoMA.tv is an on-line video service screening everything you ever wanted to know about countless martial arts. Explore the roots of your favourite martial art: our great tv content includes programmes on philosophy, medicine, culture and spirituality. Make and share your own playlists, swapping warm-up techniques, exercises and tricks of the trade. Whatever your style and however you came here – through the fighting, the fusion of mind and body, or simply through the films – there's a community for you at WoMA.tv. www.woma.tv
7, Upcoming Mike Liptrot Coaching Seminar
I should have told you about this earlier really as around half the places has already gone. However, the good news is that there are still places available for those quick enough to act. The course is an instructor education seminar and it is being organised by leading judoka Mike Liptrot (as a side note; in the not too distant future Mike and I will be putting on a rather special joint event! More details to follow shortly).
The course will cover the basic building blocks of physical activity, the effective and appropriate delivery of those building blocks, and how to use modern technology to enhance performance in a safe and effective way.
This one day course will be very informative and educational and is designed to aid in your personal development and instructor / coach education.
Further details can be found below and via the following link: http://www.iainabernethy.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=9;t=000112
On a personal note, I train with Mike every week so I know from first hand experience how effective and innovative his training and coaching methods are. This is not a seminar on martial technique; rather it is an examination of coaching and training methods that will get the most out of you and your students. It's an amazing venue too and I hope to see you there. Further details can be found below:
The course is open to all and will cost £ 35 (including lunch) and cheques should payable to "Mike Liptrot". The course will take place on the 24th of February from 10am to 4 pm. The course will be held at:
The Dojo
Kendal Judo Club
Parkside Rd
Kendal
Cumbria
LA9 7EN
To book your place send your cheque to:
Mike Liptrot
The Dojo
Kendal Judo Club
Parkside Rd
Kendal
Cumbria
LA9 7EN
Any questions, or to chat about the details of the course, you can call Mike on 07708968194 or email him at mike@mikeliptrot.com
www.mikeliptrot.com
8, Kris Wilder Seminar & Interview
April 2008 will see Kris Wilder visit the UK, for the very 1st time, for a two-day seminar on Kata Bunkai and Effective Karate! Details of the seminar can be found here and if you'd like to read an in-depth interview with Kris, please follow the link below:
http://www.iainabernethy.com/articles/Kris_Wilder_Interview.asp
Iain Abernethy has invited renowned kata bunkai expert Kris Wilder over from the USA to teach an exciting and information packed two-day event on the 5th and 6th of April 2008! Kris Wilder is the co-author of the superb book "The Way of Kata" (along with Lawrence Kane). This book is widely regarded as one of the most thorough and practical books on the application of kata and has received praise from many martial artists including Patrick McCarthy, Loren Christensen, Dan Anderson, Rory Miller & Iain Abernethy. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to train with one of the "big hitters" of kata bunkai!
Information: http://www.iainabernethy.com/Kris_Wilder_April_08_UK_Seminar.asp
Date: Saturday 5th of April & 6th of April 2008.
Time: 10am to 4pm each day.
Cost: £35 for one day / £50 for both days (sessions stand alone as well as complement each other).
Location: Kendal Judo Club, The Dojo, Parkside Business Park, Parkside Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7EN
Clothing: Standard Karate Gi
Contact: Iain Abernethy c/o NETH Publishing, PO Box 38, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0GS. Phone: 01900829406 / Email: iain@iainabernethy.com
By Cheque: Cheques to be made payable to "NETH Publishing" and sent to address above
Credit Card: You may also book by credit card by calling 01900829406
Online: You may also book online at www.iainabernethy.com. Visit the site and click on "Order". Choose the option to order online. Select the UK section. On that page you find the link you need to follow to book your place. Alternatively, please follow the link below:
http://www.iainabernethy.com/acatalog/Kris_Wilder_April_2008_Seminar.html
IMPORTANT: This seminar is limited to 16 years and above. All participants must have a valid licence (to be produced on the day) and be practising martial artists. Purchasing a ticket guarantees your place, and as such all tickets are non-refundable. You will be sent (by mail or email) a booking number that you will be checked off against on the day.
Kris Wilder has been involved in the Martial Arts since 1976. Earning black belt ranks in Karate, Taekwondo and Kodokan Judo, which he teaches at the West Seattle Karate Academy. He has trained under Kenji Yamada; Shihan John Roseberry, a student of Seikishi Toguchi; and Hiroo Ito, a student of Shihan Kori Hisatake. Kris is the co-author of "The Way of Kata", the author of "The Way of Sanchin Kata: The Application of Power" and several other books. He is also a contributor to Traditional Karate Magazine and promoter.
What people have said about Kris:
"Kris Wilder is one of those rare martial artists who is highly-skilled and can also teach as well. While his (Wilder's) books are worth every penny, his hands-on instruction is beyond price." - Lawrence Kane. Author of: Surviving Armed Assaults and Martial Arts Instruction, as well as co-author (with Kris Wilder) of "The Way of Kata" and "The Way to Black Belt". USA
"I have worked on Sanchin several times with Mr. Wilder each time I learn something new and have something old clarified. I have been studying Sanchin for 26 years and his approach brings me back to the beginning each and every time." - Mike O'Leary, Sensei Abbotsford Isshin Ryu karate Club, Abbotsford BC, Canada.
"Kris is on fire. After 26 years in Goju, I am finally excited to study and practice this kata ... solid direction and guidance." - Dr. Jeff Cooper, M.D.Tactical Medical Director, Toledo (Ohio) SWAT, USA
"Kris Wilder is one of those truly rare traditional martial arts teachers who has gone beyond the outer form and technique of the art. He has reached into its very soul. If you're genuinely interested in learning the real thing, don't miss a chance to train with him!" - Phillip Starr, Founder, Yiliquan Kung-Fu. Author of "The Making of a Butterfly" &"Martial Mechanics" USA
"His (Kris') structural striking embodied the concept of short and simple... I've seen a lot of these things done in static positions. Kris can do them moving..." - Sgt. Rory Miller, Tactical Team Leader. Author of: Mediations on Violence. Oregon, USA
"Kris Wilder gives you functional techniques and skills that WILL improve your Karate. Serious stuff taught in an engaging way" - Brent Yamamoto, Instructor, Kei Shin Kan Karate, Northwest Martial Arts, Bothell, USA
http://www.iainabernethy.com/Kris_Wilder_April_08_UK_Seminar.asp
9, "The Principle of Perfecting Principles" by Chris Denwood
Chris Denwood is the Chief Instructor of the Eikoku Satori Karate-Do Kyokai (E.S.K.K), a small, recently formed group dedicated to the research and practice of what Chris has termed, 'adaptable karate'. In addition, he also works as a Senior Instructor for the British Karate-Do Chojinkai, one of the most successful associations in the U.K. To find out more about Chris's approach to karate, you can call him on 07801 531 914 or visit the club's web site at www.eskk.co.uk
Chris and I go way back. We only live a few miles apart and I was one of his instructors in his early years. He studies the martial arts in great depth and his writing seems to effortlessly communicate what are often very profound concepts. This two part article is a great read on the principles of karate that I'm sure you'll all enjoy. I'm very grateful to Chris for sharing this with us all.
All the best,
Iain
The Principle of Perfecting Principles - Part 1
Over the last fifteen years or so, karate seems to have been strapped to a roller coaster of a ride. All of a sudden, an emphasis on original practicality has become much more evident. In recent times, more and more karate-ka (karate students) are making an active effort in their study to bring the art more in line with its most important historical objective, as a civilian fighting system. This has created the need to concentrate on closer range combat applications, which when equated towards many of the movements in karate, all of a sudden help make the art come alive and prove it to be practically worthwhile once again. Others have chosen to practice karate for other reasons, may thoroughly enjoy and would rather stay with the more modern long-range sporting emphasis. Some may practice simply for the fantastic health benefits it offers. I personally think that the art of karate as it stands today has room for everyone to practice and take from it what they feel is personally appropriate. With the art now as widespread as it is, I don't think any person should have the entitlement to say what's right or wrong, apart from what may be personally acceptable to them.
Similarly, my own views of karate have changed a great deal since I embarked on my first karate lesson almost eighteen years ago. Personally, I have little time for sport. I don't even watch it on television. I've therefore always considered myself a traditionalist and tried to centre my training towards the kata and the way the art was originally intended. This is what drives me towards my own constant study. I don't think of it as being right or wrong, just my own individual view. Others may decide to share the same reason(s) to train - others may not. In this article, I'd like to present some of my own thoughts based around the study of principles within karate, in a hope that others may be able to use my words to help them towards their goals as dedicated karate-ka.
No matter why you decide to study karate (be it for sport, self-defence, health, enlightenment or a combination of these) there will be always something for you. This is because over time, the art has been able to develop in order to cater for the masses. Just look at how popular karate is now and the many varying reasons why people decide to train. In order to become competent in any physical skill though, you have to engage in what is termed 'repetitive motion'. This is something in which the practice of karate has a large abundance of. In order for an action to become ingrained into your subconscious, it has to be repeated many times. As they say, 'practice makes perfect'. A prevalent dilemma with karate though from a practical point of view is how we can actually perfect the technique(s) of something (fighting) that is by nature so diverse and ever changing. Before we take a look at this specific issue in more depth, it would be worth discussing at this point, what actually happens to us when we engage in any type of repetitive motion, be it through training or during any other everyday occurrence.
By continually undertaking a certain movement over and over again, our brains (over time) become more accustomed to the motion, thus it becoming more deeply rooted in our consciousness. This neural activity in the brain and how it can react and adapt to different stimuli is what makes our learning process so special. The more we repeat a physical movement (or rehearse a mental visualisation in the mind), the more we get used to it. The brain slowly builds neural pathways using synaptic connections and each time that a specific movement (technique or behaviour) is repeated; these pathways are made more efficient by matter, which is released by the brain called myelin. This substance is made up of lipids and proteins and lines the nerve fibres to protect and insulate neurons. This proves essential in the accurate and smooth transmission of electrical data from one nerve cell to the next. When we repeat a given sequence many times, myelin acts to increase the speed and ease of this 'travelling' information between dendrites, which are in general terms, the transmitters and receivers of the brain's neurons .......
CONTINUED ON IAIN ABERNETHY.COM
Please follow this link below to read the entire illustrated article:
http://www.iainabernethy.com/articles/Chris_Denwood_1.asp
10, Jamie Clubb Ireland Seminar
On Saturday the 29th of March, Jamie Clubb will be teaching a seminar in Dublin, Ireland. Jamie and I are good friends and he is one of the most thoughtful and pragmatic martial artists I know. Jamie and I have spent many hours discussing the martial arts / self-protection and his knowledge and insights never fail to impress me. Get to the course and learn from the man himself! You'll be sure to enjoy and benefit from it. This is a great opportunity and further details can be found below:
Jamie Clubb is a multi-faceted martial arts instructor who has worked with biggest names in the realistic self-protection industry. He regularly writes for both Martial Arts Illustrated and Combat Magazine among various other marital arts publications. He has certification to teach self-defence under Geoff Thompson and Mo Teague (World Combat Arts), and is a British Combat Association instructor under Peter Consterdine and Geoff Thompson. He also has instructor certificates in Muay Thai, Sakiado, Kickboxing and is a registered instructor and an A1 level 3 NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) Assessor with the Martial Arts Standards Agency under Steve Rowe.
Jamie has a wide experience of the martial arts and is a key creative coordinator at the European Festival of Martial Arts in Disneyland, Paris. He also has many years experience training in many different fighting systems, including a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the world-class black belt grappler, Braulio Estima. His DVD series, "Cross Training in the Martial Arts", was the fastest selling martial arts instructional series in Summersdale Productions' history. His system of Clubb Chimera Martial Arts is a revolutionary teaching method that reveals every individual has their own unique style, based on intuition and common sense. His course will cover self-protection for the individual and the most productive ways to utilize cross-training."
Course Curriculum:
Strategy one – striking, pushing and maintaining distance
Pre-emptive striking
Transitional hand striking drills
Transitional kicking drills
Strategy two – covering, grappling and closing distance
The cover
Transitional grappling drills
Primal grappling
Venue: Pobalscoil Rosmini, Gracepark Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9
Date: Saturday 29th March
Time: 9am - 1pm (lunch provided from 11-11:30am )
Price: €100:00
Certificate of completion awarded by Jamie. To book your place visit www.kravmaga.ie or call Aidan on 00353 87974 2566
11, Martial Artists United Website Coming Soon!
A great new website will be going live very shortly! This website is being launched by the same team behind Martial Arts Illustrated Magazine. The site will have the facility to share pictures & videos, there will forum and even the ability to set up your own blog on the site! You can also post information on upcoming events and find out all the latest news. The site will be a great resource for martial artists of all styles and grades. As soon as it goes live, I'll be sure to let you all know!
12, Recent Grading Successes
Since the last full newsletter I've sat on a few grading panels and have seen a few karateka receive well earned promotions. Ernest Tuff was promoted to 2nd Dan in December last year. Ernie put on a strong performance and looked like a 2nd Dan throughout his grading. Ernie was graded against Dan Redmond's Chujo Karate Association's syllabus. In addition to the physical side of the test, Ernie was also required to write an in-depth thesis on "The Book of the Five Rings". I found this thesis hugely impressive and I hope it will be published in due course.
At the same grading Steven Surgenour attempted his 4th Dan grading. Unfortunately, after a very strong start, Steven badly pulled his hamstring and his grading had to be cut short. A couple of weeks ago I returned to Northern Ireland and Steven successfully completed what was a very demanding grading. He looked strong throughout and gave a particularly impressive demonstration of the 12 Motobu Drills.
The most recent grading was with Richard Harvey. Richard already holds a 2nd Dan in Wado-Ryu karate and wished to also ratify that grade with the British Combat Association. We therefore agreed a test which included basics, kata, bunkai, pad-work, any range sparring etc. The test was tough and I'm pleased to say that Richard did really well.
Congratulations to all! Photos from the gradings can be seen on the news-page: http://www.iainabernethy.com/news_page.asp
13, Iain Abernethy in Canada (June 2008)
I'll be back in Canada in June of this year! I had a great time last Summer and I was really delighted with how much we managed to cover. There will be more details to follow but the over all plan is as copied below. Please feel free to contact James (or myself) if you have any questions.
June 6 evening: Toronto, Ontario
June 7/8 week-end: Delhi, Ontario
June 9-13 evenings: Edmonton, Alberta
June 14/15 week-end: Edmonton, Alberta
This clinics series is sanctioned by the Shintani Wado-kai Karate Federation, and sponsored by the Business Karate Association of Edmonton. For more information, contact James Freeman at contactbushido@edmonton-karate.com
14, Iain Abernethy Seminars
Below you can find details of the open seminars taking place over the next two or three months. If there are any questions about any of the seminars please don't hesitate to contact me (iain@iainaberenthy.com).
www.iainabernethy.com/news_page.asp#Seminars
17th February 2008 – Carlow, Republic of Ireland
This seminar is being hosted by Colin Keating of the Carlow Wado-Kai. I've really enjoyed my trips to Ireland and the seminars at Colin's dojo have always been a lot of fun. The seminar will take place on Sunday the 17th of February from 10am to 2pm, and will cost 50 Euros. Places for guests are strictly limited and you are therefore encouraged to get in touch ASAP to avoid disappointment. You can get further details from Colin at carlowwadokai@eircom.net or by calling 00353(0)879502333. You can also write to Colin at
2nd March 08 – Camelon, Falkirk, Scotland
On the 2nd of March Fudoshin Karate Club are hosting a kata bunkai seminar at Mariner Sports Centre, Glasgow Road, Camelon, Falkirk, FK1 4HK. The seminar will run from 12:30am to 4:30pm and will cost just £20 per person. For further details, and to register your interest, please email Craig Penman on craigpenman20@hotmail.com or call him on 07729922251. To book your place please send cheques (made payable to "Craig Penman") to Craig Penman, 68 Ochil View, Denny, Stirlingshire, FK6 5NH.
29th & 30th March 2008 – Lerwick, Shetland
On Saturday 29th March and Sunday 30th March 2008 I'll be teaching a weekend of seminars in the Shetlands! The training will be held in Clickimin Leisure Complex, Lochside, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0PJ from 10am to 3pm (with a lunch break) both days. The cost will be £30 for one day, or £50 for both days. Spaces are limited and people need to book and pay in advance. For further details, and a booking form, please contact Neil Pottinger on pottingerneil@yahoo.co.uk or call him on 01595 859326 or 07808 975083. Alternatively you can also contact Stuart Nisbet on 01595 692150 or 07767 093830
12th April 2008 – Niederstotzingen, Germany
This open seminar will take place from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm on Saturday the 12th of April 2008. It is to be held in the City Gym, 89168 Niederstotzingen, Germany. It will cost €20 (20 EURO) per person. No deposit needed. There are only on the door tickets available. You can get further details from Claudia at info@sk-kitai.de or by calling 0049 (for Germany) - (0)171-6102192 or on the homepage www.sk-kitai.de
27th April 2008 – Middlesbrough
The details of this seminar are yet to be confirmed. As soon as we have the details they will be posted on the website and included in the next newsletter. For further details and to register your interest, please contact Diane Bradley, Jiriki Karate Club, 34 Mansfield Road, Eston, Middlesbrough, Cleveland, TS6 9HG. Email: dianebradley@hotmail.com Telephone: 01642 291660. Mobile: 07810564054.
3rd of May 2008 – Bridgwater, Somerset
The seminar is to be held on the 3rd of May from 11:00am to 2:00pm and will cost just £20 per student (16 years+ only). This will be Iain's eleventh seminar for Bushi Karate. This seminar cover the two-man drills Iain teaches as the link between solo kata and its live combative use. The course will include drills for all ranges and will even advise on how to create your own drills. The seminar will be held at the NEW dojo: Plum Lane (end of), Dunwear, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 5HL. For further information please contact Andrew Daly at bridgwaterwado@tiscali.co.uk You can also call Andrew on 01278 685559 or 07904 857606. To secure your place, send a cheque for the full amount made payable to "Andrew Daly" to 47 Rowlands Rise, Puriton, Somerset, TA7 8BU. www.bushi.org.uk
10th May 2008 – Bromyard, Herefordshire
The seminar is to be held on the 10th of May. The doors will open at 12:00pm and the session will conclude at 4:00pm. The seminar will cost £25 per person. Payment will be taken on the day, but people should contact the hosts in advance to ensure they have a place. Please contact Dave Webster on 07870 948180 or Junior on 07970 307108. The seminar will be held at Bromyard Public Hall, Rowberry Street, Bromyard, HR7 4DU. All participants must have a current licence / insurance.
11th May 2008 – Renfrew, Scotland
On Sunday the 11th of May I'll be teaching a seminar at the Renfrew Leisure Centre, Paisley Road, Renfrew, PA4 8LJ. The seminar will run from 11am to 3pm and will cost £25 / person (cheques to be made payable to "Lenbukan Karate Club"). Please send your payment to Colin Steel, 20 Holmhead, Kilbirnie, North Ayrshire, KA25 6BW. For further details and for answers to any questions, please contact Colin via colinsteel677@btinternet.com or call him on 07837285404
www.iainabernethy.com/news_page.asp#Seminars
Details of Iain Abernethy's upcoming seminars can be found on the News Page of www.iainabernethy.com To organise a seminar for your club, write to seminars@iainabernethy.com or call 01900829406
15, Upcoming John Skillen Self-Protection Seminars
In this section you can find details of John Skillen's upcoming street effective seminars! John is a great guy who really knows his stuff. He is a real as it gets and I highly recommend these events. Further details (inc pics) can also be viewed on the website via the link below:
http://www.iainabernethy.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=9;t=000113
About John: John Skillen is one of the UK's leading martial artists and a legendary (ex-) streetfighter / doorman. John has trained extensively with Geoff Thompson, Peter Consterdine and a host of other world-renowned instructors. He has trained in the martial arts for over 30 years: Greco Roman Wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling, Black belt Kickboxing, Black Sash Kung Fu, Black belt Judo, A.B.A Coach, B.C.A full Coach, Former National Judo champion, Former Amateur Boxer, and over 20 years involvement with nightclub and venue security.
www.JohnSkillen.com presents "The Pentagon System": A five phase self defence awareness program that will give you the confidence and awareness to be successful in your self defence.
Fight back and win!!
Dates:
Phase 1: 10th Feb 08
Phase 2: 30th Mar 08
Phase 3: 1st June 08
Phase 4: 5th Oct 08
Phase 5: 6th Nov 08
For further details and to book your place please follow the link: www.johnskillen.com/pentagon-system.php
"This simple and direct street effective knockout system will open your eyes and dispel the myths behind martial arts self defence" - John Skillen
Street Effective Seminars
Pure Powerslap: 18th May 08
Pure Punching: 7th Sept 08
For further details and to book your place on the above two events please follow the link: www.johnskillen.com/seminars.php
16, Darren Davis Seminar
Join CSSD/SC UK and Diwang Panlaban Arnis on 16th February 2008 (10.00am until 3.00pm) at Brickhill Community Centre, Avon Drive, Brickhill, Bedford, MK41 7AF. CSSD/SC UK Director Darren Davies is being hosted by the Diwang Panlaban Arnis group for a five hour seminar in self-defence tactics, techniques and application using impact and edged tools presented in Grandmaster Bram Frank's unique modular format.
Learn cutting, striking, trapping and pressure point strategies employing empty hands as well as a variety of tools, including Bram's internationally-acclaimed family of edged and blunt weapons. CSSD/SC curriculum translates across the spectrum of personal self defence in real-world conditions, from law enforcement and military to personal safety.
The fiirst part of the seminar will cover instruction in Tactical Modular Abaniko. The second part of the seminar will focus on Modular Gunting-LLC and CRMIPT (Close Range Medium Impact Tool). COST: a one off chance to train in CSSD/SC concepts for £10 per person. CONTACs: Darren Davies, CSSD/SC Instructor (07737) 067589 or darren@cssdsc.co.uk Michael George: michaeltigercaneuk@yahoo.co.uk
17, Sombo Wrestling Seminar
From the August the 17th to August the 24th the International Budo Federation are running their 2008 summer camp covering Judo, Sombo, Wrestling, Jui-Jutsu & Combat Sombo. Further details can be found via the following link: http://www.budo-ibf.co.uk/Summer%20Camp%202008.htm
Warriors Grappling Academy, East Street, Sittingbourne, Kent present a Sombo Wrestling Course on Sunday the 17th of February 2008 (10am to 4 pm). Course Instructors: John Clarke – 9 x British Open Champion, British Team Captain, 7th. Place World Championships, Prague 2007. Colin Carrott – Former British Open Champion, 2 x World Masters Bronze Medallist. Cost £10.00. Open to Grapplers of all abilities and all ages from 12 and over. E-mail: sombogb@blueyonder.co.uk or delmaine@aol.com Tel: John 07825224940 or Colin 01303 258942
18, "Shaolin Chin Na Fa" by Liu Jin Sheng (1936)
I've just finished reading an English translation of a 1936 book called "Shaolin Chin Na Fa: Art of Seizing and Grappling. Instructor's Manual for Police Academy of Zhejiang Province" by Liu Jin Sheng. The book came highly recommended to me (thanks Dave!) and I found it to be a very interesting read.
Members of this newsletter may be particularly interested in this extract from the introduction (my highlighting).
Although recently the central authorities, following instructions of the prime-minister, encourage exercises in national martial arts and both in the center and in provinces palaces of national martial art were founded, but besides wrestling, only two schools, Shaolin and Wudang, were noticeably spread.
Also, individual training (mastering of forms, or TAO) is prevailed in those institutions but the applied aspect of techniques learnt is ignored. Therefore, if a man who has been exercising, say, even for twenty or thirty years and who engages a western boxer or a Japanese judo wrestler will be surely defeated. Striving for nice-looking movements without practical use and absence of fighting spirit are at the bottom of it. In this way we shall lose little by little all the heritage of our ancestors who brilliantly used all methods and techniques in combat.
Now foreigners say with a touch of irony that the Chinese martial art is nothing else but a dance with energetic movements. Our ancestors knew how to drill by twos, one against another, and alone. They were able to employ various techniques one after another in a fight, attacking continuously the enemy so that he had no time to defend himself, nothing to say about fighting back. That is why such well-known generals of the Ming dynasty as Qi Jiguang, Yu Dayou and others encouraged a practical approach to training and rejected all showy and perfunctory things. They made a glorious mark in history.
It's interesting that 72 years ago we had people writing about how forms were now wrongly practiced without application, that people put too much emphasis on how motions looked, and that the original two man drills and combative methods recorded in the forms were being lost.
This got me got me wondering if in the year 2080 someone would stumble across modern day writings on bunkai and again comment to their contemporaries that this problem is nothing new and they were expressing those concerns back in 2008! Personally I'd like to think that this "movement" has gathered too much momentum. However, "those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it" and I guess only time will tell?
The links to the Amazon pages for the book are copied below. Well worth checking out!
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shaolin-Chin-Na-Grappling-Instructors/dp/1847534546/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=gateway&qid=1201518069&sr=8-1
Amazon USA: http://www.amazon.com/Shaolin-Chin-Na-Grappling-Instructors/dp/1847534546/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1201518671&sr=8-1
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
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