Subject: June 2007 Newsletter!
Iain Abernethy Newsletter: June 2007
Hi All,
Welcome to the latest newsletter! I'd like to begin by thanking you all for re-subscribing. I was moved by how many of you re-subscribed and how quickly you did so! I'm truly am delighted you all seem to like these newsletters as much as you do. I'll be sure to continue doing my utmost to bring you the best information on practical martial arts and kata application.
The first thing you've probably noticed is that these newsletters are now in COLOUR (that's COLOR for our American contingent!). Nothing overly remarkable I know, but hopefully the newsletters will now be a little easier on the eye. I'll also aim to further improve the look of the newsletters as the months go by and I get to grips with the system.
The new system actually sends out two versions of the newsletter: A HTML colour version and a plain text version. The version you receive is entirely down to the settings on your system.
Seeing as this is the first newsletter on the new system, I decided to make things a little special! A few minutes after this newsletter will be sent out; a second email will be sent to all subscribers with a PDF attachment!
That attachment is 29 pages long and contains a number of extracts from my Arm-Locks for All Styles book. The PDF is entitled "Arm Locks in Kata". It contains the entirety of the chapter on the principles of arm locks, a number of straight arm lock examples from kata, and instruction on one of the transition drills included in the book.
I hope you find this PDF useful. It's just a little thank you from me to you for your continued support of these newsletters.
The other thing I've done for this newsletter is add a Bag Workout Podcast to the blog! This contains a 9 minute long video that you can download or watch online which explains how to use the workout. The blog entry also contains a 20 minute podcast which will guide you through the punch bag workout. You can find more details in the main body of this newsletter.
The podcasts have now been added to iTunes and users of that service can find out how to subscribe to the podcasts in this newsletter (it is free to subscribe).
We've also got two new articles on kata and physiology for the martial artist! In addition to all that, we also have the usual mix of information and news that we hope will be of use to you in your martial training.
The final thing to mention is that I'm off to Canada in a few days time and won't be back in the office until the 21st of June. The office will still be manned and all orders, general enquires etc will be processed as normal. I'll also be dropping into the forum the same as always. However, I'd really appreciate it if people could hold off emailing me personally until my return.
I love receiving emails from everyone and it currently takes me a number of hours each day to answer them all. With that in mind, it's obviously not practical for me to answer all the emails whilst out of the country or to work my way through them all on my return. Any emails sent to me during my absence will receive a standard reply asking them to resend the email after the 21st. As I say, all orders and general emails will be dealt with as normal. It's just emails to me personally that will be affected. Thanks for your understanding.
In this newsletter you can also find more information on the new "Ask the Experts" column in Martial Arts illustrated, how you can take part, and some of the topics I've been asked to talk about.
The final thing to mention in this introduction is My New TV series! J Further details can be found in section 4 of this newsletter.
I hope you enjoy the PDF and the free punch bag workout and that these new look newsletters are to your liking. Thanks once again for your continued support. Please checkout the contents list below and see what interests you!
All the best,
Iain
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Contents:
1 – PDF Copy of this Newsletter
2 – Bag Workout Podcast and Video
3 – Arm-Locks in Kata PDF
4 – "Iain Abernethy: Combat in Action" TV Series
5 – Podcasts on iTunes / RSS Feeds from blog
6 – New Look Blog
7 – Understanding the Nervous System Article (Andrew Adams)
8 – Kata: A Zero Sum Game? Part 1 (Matthew Miller)
9 – Iain Abernethy "Ask the Experts" Magazine Column
10 – John B Will UK Seminar (6th June)
11 - The Way to Black Belt Update
12 – Kris Wilder UK Seminar
13 – Upcoming Iain Abernethy Seminars
14 – Iain Abernethy in Canada
15 – Iain Abernethy Norway Seminar Photos
16 – Shihan Chris Rowen Kata Tensho Seminar Report
17 – Upcoming Peter Consterdine Power Generation and Transitions Seminar
18 – Geoff Thompson Newsletter & Free e-book!
19 – Message Board and Blog Latest
20 – Monthly training sessions with Iain Abernethy & Mike Liptrot (Impact and Groundwork)
1 – PDF Copy of this newsletter
If you'd like a PDF version of this newsletter, you can download one from the News Page of the website: www.iainabernethy.com/news_page.asp
Because this newsletter is for members only, you will need a password to open the PDF. The password is "JUNE" (all capitals).
2 – Bag Workout Podcast and Video
This month's podcast and video lesson have been combined to provide a guided workout on the bag! I figured it was time we did something practical in addition to all the theory we have been discussing.
What you first need to do is follow the link below and watch the video clip found at the foot of the post:
http://blog.iainabernethy.com/?p=67
The video will briefly explain and demonstrate all the various drills included in the workout. You then should download the podcast, found below the video, (right click on "download") and burn it to a CD or put it on your MP3 player.
If you listen to the podcast whilst working out on the bag it will guide you through the drills and tell you when to stop and start. The whole workout lasts around 20 minutes and can be put at the start or end of your training sessions. Done correctly, the workout will develop aerobic and anaerobic fitness, explosiveness, muscular endurance, technique, power and the correct combative mindset.
The workout is structured as follows:
-
Hands only (1 min - moderate pace)
-
Kicks only (1 min - moderate pace)
-
Hand & Feet (1 min - moderate pace)
-
1 Minute Rest
-
Heavy Hands Single Shots (1 Min)
-
Explosive Combinations (1 Min)
-
Continuous Straight Punches (1 Min)
-
1 Minute Rest
-
Hands & Feet with Lots of Movement (1 Min)
-
Close-Range Strikes (1 Min)
-
30 Seconds Rest
-
4 Straight Punches – 4 Hooks (1 Min)
-
1 Minute Rest
-
Anything you want (2 mins)
-
Jab-Cross-Hook-Cross Pyramid (1 Min)
-
1 Minute Rest
-
Hands only (1 min)
-
Kicks only (1 min)
-
Hand & Feet (1 min)
If you watch the video clip, it will explain and demonstrate what each of the drills listed above involves, and the podcast itself will provide further guidance and reminders.
The workout is structured around time, and it will depend upon your skill level and fitness as to how much you get done in that time. The workout should therefore be suitable for martial artists of all levels. That said:
IMPORTANT: This workout can be both technically and physically demanding and should only be attempted by those in good health who have received prior instruction in the safe use of a punch bag from an experienced and qualified person. You attempt this workout entirely at your own risk!
Link to Bag Workout: http://blog.iainabernethy.com/?p=67
A discussion on the workout has been taking place on the forum. If you'd like to add you thoughts, the discussion can be found by following the link below:
www.iainabernethy.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=000125
I hope you all enjoy it!
3 – Arm-Locks in Kata PDF
As discussed in the introduction, an email with a PDF attachment should be landing in your in-box 10 minutes or so after this newsletter.
In this PDF, we have included one full chapter and a portion of two others from "Arm-Locks for All Styles"! It is hoped that you will enjoy the preview and it will add to your knowledge of kata.
Chapter 1 - The Principles of Arm-Locks: This chapter covers the six key principles of arm-locks, which are common to all styles, that need to be adhered to if arm-locks are to be as effective as possible. Knowledge of these principles will also help you to understand the motions we see in kata
.
Chapter 5 - Straight Arm-Locks: Twenty-nine straight arms-locks are shown the book. In this preview we have included the first five of them. The full chapter looks at locks that can be applied from many differing positions when the opponent's arm is straight in order to lock their elbow joint. Standing and ground-fighting locks are included. Additional photographs show where the elbow-locks covered can be found in the kata.
Chapter 7 - Transition Drills: Chapter Seven covers some transition drills that will help the reader develop the skills needed to integrate arm-locks with other techniques and to be able to flow from lock to lock. Only one of the drills is show in this preview.
"Arm-Locks for All Styles" (ISBN 0-9538932-3-5) is relatively lengthy book with around 270 photos. The book covers a wide range of wrist, elbow and shoulder locks and includes additional photographs to show where the locks can be found in the forms / kata where appropriate. The book covers over 55 standing and ground-fighting arm-locks.
The book has been quite popular and was recently translated into Russian. If you'd like to see the Russian version a picture can be found on the news page of the website: http://www.iainabernethy.com/news_page.asp
We hope that you enjoy the preview and that it will inspire you to learn all the remaining locks either from the book or the Karate's Joint Locks DVD series. We sincerely hope that you find it useful!
In the unlikely even that the PDF does not reach you, please email us at info@iainabernethy.com and we will attach the PDF to the reply.
4 – "Iain Abernethy: Combat in Action" TV Series
I just found out this week that I'm soon to have my own TV series! The series will have 15 one-hour long episodes and will be made using footage from my DVD series. It will be on free to view satellite TV and will be nationally broadcast … in Kuwait!
It's still early days with the negotiations, but the Kuwaiti TV company contacted the one of the international distributors last month and they are currently in talks with the production company (Summersdale).
OK, so most of you won't be able to see it. However, we do have a couple of members in Kuwait and I'll keep you informed as things develop.
It's quite remarkable to think how far interest in applied karate and kata application is spreading. An international TV show also looks good on the CV J
5 – Podcasts on iTunes / RSS Feeds from Blog
You can now listen to and subscribe to our podcasts via iTunes! If you have iTunes installed, please click the link below to be taken to the page, or type in "Iain Abernethy" to the iTunes search engine:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=254183101
As you'll see, the three most recent podcasts are listed. If you subscribe – totally free to do so - all future podcasts will be automatically downloaded for you.
For a full list of Podcasts please visit the blog:
http://blog.iainabernethy.com/?cat=3
Those who understand RSS feeds (can't say that I do!) can also subscribe to the blog feeds via the following link:
http://blog.iainabernethy.com/?feed=rss2
I'm told this will automatically tell you when any new videos, podcasts and entries are added to the blog. Loads of you have apparently subscribed already and I never even knew the function to do so was there! You clever people!
6 – New Look Blog
Those who have visited the blog recently will have noticed that it has a new look!
The blog can be accessed via the following link: http://blog.iainabernethy.com
7 – Understanding the Nervous System Article
By Andrew Adams
Last month's article by Andrew on posture was a big hit with the membership. This month Andrew continues this series with a discussion on the nervous system. It's a great article that all members should read:
The Nervous System by Andrew Adams
As mentioned in my previous article, the Nervous system is one of the three elements that make up the kinetic chain and also its controlling element. Not only does it allow us to learn and store movement patterns, it also monitors our environment and our reaction to it whilst regulating and monitoring the functioning of the body.
The Nervous system does much more than simply allowing us to learn movements and make improvisations to suit the task at hand. It is the body's "control centre" and as such is constantly assessing data through the senses and nerves in order to control the body and react accordingly to internal and external stimuli.
A simple example of this is that if we went out into the snow in a T-shirt, our body would asses that we were cold through our temperature receptors; known as "Thermo receptors". This information would be relayed back, assessed and the correct response activated, e.g. we would start to shiver and then seek extra warmth.
As martial artists we rely heavily on sensory feedback to tell us if we are in pain, if our muscles are being stretched too far or how fast/powerfully a technique should be performed. In addition, the Nervous system controls the Endocrine system in order to release and regulate hormones: "Hormones act as catalysts in that they affect the physiological activities of other cells of the body" (McGuinness 2006).
The "fight or flight" response is a typical example of the Nervous and Endocrine systems working together to effect a response to external stimuli.
Geoff Thompson has done extensive work examining this response and training people how to use it to maximum effect. It is the physiological result of this response that you feel every time you take a grading or spar with the best fighter in the dojo. This reaction is perfectly normal but unfortunately as a result of poor education, many students label these physiological effects as fear.
CONTINUED ON IAIN ABERNETHY.COM
Please follow this link below to read the entire illustrated article:
www.iainabernethy.com/articles/Andrew_Adams_2.asp
8 – Kata: A Zero Sum Game? Part 1 by Matthew Miller
The second article that has been added to the website since that last newsletter is the first part of "Kata: A Zero Sum Game".
Those of you who have viewed volumes 1 & 2 of my seminar series of DVDs will know I was assisted on some of the demonstrations by Matthew Miller. Matthew has trained with me on a one-on-one basis a number of times and runs his own training sessions on kata application.
To help his students internalise the applications he teaches for Kushanku (Kanku-Dai) Matthew developed a two-man drill which involves performing the entire kata – progressing from the start to the end – with a partner. Matthew wrote a book on this two man drill, and how to structure such drills for other kata, called "Fighting Forms". The book is available from the shopping side of the website:
www.iainabernethy.com/books/books_other_authors.asp
(Fighting Forms is found at the foot of the page)
In this article Matthew discusses the nature of kata, explores its benefits and looks at the possible contradictions presented by the various approaches to kata. It's a strong, though-provoking piece which I feel sure you will all enjoy.
Kata: A Zero Sum Game? Part 1 by Matthew Miller
The term, "zero sum game" comes from a somewhat obscure branch of mathematics referred to as gaming theory – but the term has come to be used outside of this since it sums up a very common concept.
A "zero sum game" is essentially one in which any winner is similarly balanced by a loser, meaning that the result across all the contestants is always equal. Good examples of this are most two player games, such as Chess or Go, or many betting games like Poker.
There is a tendency to apply this approach, even subconsciously, to many aspects of the martial arts. Sparring is the classic case of this; in most situations, people spar in an attempt to win, thus generating a loser by default and creating a zero sum game. The same is true in a genuine physical confrontation; you win by disabling your opponent, thus making them the loser.
In both of these cases, the "zero sum game" is a restriction that is applied by the people involved; sparring can be viewed as an exchange of techniques where you test each other, and both develop. Similarly, you can both "win" in a genuine confrontation. As a skilled martial artist, you may have the choice to prevent a violent aggressor causing harm, in a way that does them a minimum of harm; or you may have the choice to walk away before the confrontation escalates. Both options destroy the win/lose balance of the situation.
A similar mental approach is often seen when considering Kata. Many people are looking for a way to explain Kata:
* is it an exercise?
* is it moving meditation?
* is it a method for recording a fighting style?
* does every move have a fighting application?
* what is the correct application for each move?
* and so on….
Often, there is a belief that only one explanation is right – but that does not have to be the case. It is possible to view any or all of these options as correct or incorrect, and have them exist quite happily side by side.
CONTINUED ON IAIN ABERNETHY.COM
Please follow this link below to read the entire illustrated article:
http://www.iainabernethy.com/articles/Matthew_Miller_1.asp
9 – Iain Abernethy "Ask the Experts" Magazine Column
In previous newsletters I told you all about the new "Ask the Experts" column that will be featured in Martial Arts Illustrated. The column was launched in the most recent issue and includes a panel of UK martial artists with each being asked a number of different questions by readers each month. I'm very grateful to everyone who submitted questions to the magazines. The first set of questions sent to me by the editor was:
Hi Iain, I like your kata bunkai. We are using similar stuff in our shotokan club. Can you please tell me what the open hand hikite is for in a knife hand block? Thanks - James 3rd kyu, Shotokan
Hi Iain, I really love your kata fighting drills. Can kata really be used in a fight? I had a fight last year and could not use any of my kata moves - Billy Stonebridge 1st kyu Wado-Ryu.
Hi Iain, Why is there so much emphasis on tradition etc in the arts of karate? My sensei says that karate is hundreds of years old. Today I found out that Shotokan was only invented in the 1930's and Wado after that! What do you think about tradition and how old karate actually is? - Rob Thompson, Bolton.
I've answered all the questions and my answers have been submitted to the magazine. They will be published in the next edition of the magazine.
If you have any questions you'd like me to answer in the column, please send your questions to the magazine. You can email them to Martialartsltd@btconnect.com Or fax them to 01484422177.
Many thanks for submitting your questions. I really appreciate it and I hope you'll enjoy my responses.
10 – John B Will UK Seminar (6th June)
I recently received the information below from Tony Somers.
Breaking News!
Tony Somers & Matty Evans, in Association with the Combat & Exercise Centre, proudly announces:
John B Will Seminar
Wednesday 6th June 6pm to 9pm @ £30 per person
John will be teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Shootfighting. A Gi is not necessary for this seminar.
John Will
began his martial arts training in 1972. Through his friendship with
long-time training partner Richard Norton, opened many doors to him in the
Unites States that perhaps would have been closed to most people. So in the
late 80's, he began training with such notables as Benny 'The Jet' Urquidez,
Gene LeBell, Shuki Ron, Pete Cunningham, Rorion and Rickson Gracie and the
Machado brothers.
He was
awarded the rank of black belt by Rigan and Jean Jacques Machado in 1998;
making him one of the 'BJJ Dirty Dozen', the first twelve non-Brazilian BJJ
black belts in the world.
PLACES ARE STRICTLY LIMITED
CALL TONY 07708273376 or RICHARD 07725529281 to secure your place
118, york st, nuneaton. CV11 5PS
11 – The Way to Black Belt Update
"The Way to Black Belt" is the latest book by Kris Wilder and Lawrence Kane. Both authors have been very popular with the membership and their "Way of Kata" is a modern classic.
I've seen the manuscript of "The Way to Black Belt" and it's a great read. I was privileged enough to provide a small contribution and Dan Anderson (another regular to this newsletter) has provided the foreword.
The book won't be released until November but I thought it prudent to give you a "heads up".
The Way to Black Belt: A Comprehensive Guide to Rapid, Rock-Solid Results
Book Description: This book cuts to the very core of what it means to be a successful martial artist. Every chapter is packed with useful and actionable information about what you should and shouldn't do on your path in the martial arts. Includes expert advice from numerous leading martial artists, and offers a wide range of resources and specific plans of action that you can implement right away. This book will help you understand your martial arts better and faster. Foreword by Dan Anderson, 8th degree black belt.
Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594390851/ref=cm_arms_pdp_dp/002-0859706-1293652
Amazon.co.uk:
12 – Kris Wilder UK Seminar
"The Way of Kata" by Kris Wilder and Lawrence Kane is a book that is much talked about on the forum and at my seminars. People frequently ask when both men are to come to the UK to teach some seminars. I recently had a chat with them both about making this happen sometime in the not too distant future.
Lawrence is unable to make the trip due to commitments in the USA, but Kris will be gracing these shores in the coming months! Everyone who has read this great book will be keen to learn about the functional application of kata firsthand from Kris!
In order to help me plan Kris's trip to these shores (i.e. where and when the seminar(s) will take place) I'd appreciate it if ALL interested parties could drop me a note as soon as possible. I'll then keep you personally informed as things develop.
As I said in the introduction, I'm out of the country for the next few weeks, but Helen will collect all the emails about this trip for me and I'll collate a special mailing list from that on my return. Please make the subject of your email "Kris Wilder Seminar" and send to iain@iainabernethy.com
If you've not yet read "The Way of Kata" (where have you been!?) you can get further details from the following websites:
Amazon.co.uk:
Amazon.com:
13 – Upcoming Iain Abernethy Seminars
Below you can find details of the open seminars taking place over the next few of months. As you can see, my calendar is pretty full, so if you want a seminar at your dojo during 2007, I'd be grateful if you could get in touch ASAP. 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
7th to 17th of June 07 – Canada
From June 7th to13th I'll be in Edmonton, and from June 15th to 17th I'll be in Calgary. If you'd further information on these seminars please contact James Freeman via contactbushido@edmonton-karate.com You can also visit www.edmonton-karate.com for details of the host of this event.
1st July 07 – Oban, Arygyll
On Sunday the 1st of July I'll be teaching an open seminar in Oban. The seminar will run from 11am to 3pm and will be held in the Oban Budokan, Soroba Road, Oban, Argyll, Scotland. Places are strictly limited to thirty so please act quickly to ensure your place. The seminar will cost £20 and cheques should be made payable to "Oban Budokan". Please send payment to 'Oban Budokan', Benachie, No.1 Dalavich Park, Taynuilt, Argyll, PA35 1HN. The contact for this seminar is Chris Bruce and he can be contacted via the above address or via manufort1@supanet.com or on 01866 844 026.
8th July 07 – Swindon, Wiltshire
This seminar will run from 1:00pm to 5:00pm and will be held at the Walcot Dome Community Centre, Burghley Close, Walcot, Swindon, SN3 3BS. For further details and to book your place, please contact Andi Kidd at ANDI.KIDD@pparc.ac.uk You can also call Andi Kidd on 07818417181. The cost of the seminar is £20 (full amount or a £10 deposit secures your place). Cheques should be made payable to "Andi Kidd" and sent to Andi Kidd, 15 Dulverton Ave, Park North, Swindon, SN3 2NT. Places are limited so please be sure to contact Andi as soon as possible.
15th July 07 – Brighouse, West Yorkshire
On Sunday the 15th of July I'll be teaching an open seminar hosted by Halifax Wado Kai Karate Club. The seminar will run from 11am to 3pm and will be held in William Henry Smith School, Boothroyd, Brighouse, West Yorkshire, HD6 3JW. The seminar will cost £25 per person. Cheques (payable to "L Richardson") are to be sent to the following address: Iain Abernethy Seminar, c/o Lee Richardson, 53 Turner Avenue North, Illingworth, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX2 8LF. For further details and to book your place, please contact Halifax Wado Kai Karate Club on 01422 341934 and 07818 290146. You can also email Lee Richardson via leerichardsonwado@btinternet.com
22nd July 07 – Church Stretton, Shropshire
This seminar will be on the core techniques and principles of my approach; this time concentrating of survival / self-protection drills. The seminar will be held at Church Stretton School, Shrewsbury Road, Church Stretton, Shropshire, SY6 6EX. The cost will be £33 / head (discounts are available for seniors and members of Infinite Progressive Fighting Systems & the BCA) and the seminar will run from 11pm to 3pm. For further details please contact Phil Richardson on 07899801269 or progressive@salopian.wanadoo.co.uk You can also write to Paul at Phil Richardson, c/o 2 The Stables, Lower Botvyle, All Stretton, Shropshire, SY6 6JN.
28th July 07 – Lower Sydenham, London
On Saturday the 28th of July I'll be teaching an open seminar in Lower Sydenham, London. The seminar will run from 9:30am to 1:00pm and will be held in The Bridge Leisure Centre, Kangley Bridge Rd, Lower Sydenham, London, SE26 5AQ. The seminar will cost £25 per person. Cheques (payable to "Joanna Britton") are to be sent to the following address: Iain Abernethy Seminar, c/o Joanna Britton, 136 Croxted Road, West Dulwich, SE21 8NR. For further details please contact Jo Britton on 07748 184 093 or joannabritton7@hotmail.com
29th July 07 – Newton Aycliffe, County Durham
This seminar will run from 1:00pm to 5:00pm and is to be held at Woodham Community Centre, Woodham Village, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. The cost is £20 per head. For further details contact Dave Noble at dave.noble@zanshin-kai-karate.co.uk You can also get in touch by phone on either 01325 461424 or 07917203421. ALL PLACES MUST BE PRE-BOOKED. Full payment or £10 deposit secures your place. Cheques made payable to "Dave Noble" to be sent to Dave Noble, Zanshin-Kai Anshin Ryu Karate, 87 Park Crescent, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 5EG
15th September 07 – Newtonabbey, Glengormly, Northern Ireland
1pm to 5pm at a cost of £20 / Person. This course is being hosted by Danny Corr's Zanshin Karate-Jutsu group and will the held at The Hut, Newtonabbey, Glengormly. For details of the seminar and to confirm your place, please contact Danny Corr on 02890599976 or email karatejutsu1@ntlworld.com You can also write to Danny at 78 Carnmoney Road, Glengormley, BT36 6HU, N Ireland. If you'd like to book your place in advance please send full payment to the above address (Cheques made payable to "Zanshin Karate"). Zanshin Karate-Jutsu Website: www.truekarate.co.uk
23rd September 07 – Morpeth, Northumberland
1pm to 4pm at a cost of £20 / Person or £17.50 if paid in advance. Post course buffet included. Please make cheques payable to "Morpeth Riverside Karate Club" and send to 21 Postern Crescent, High Church, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 2JN. The location is Riverside Leisure Centre, Morpeth, Northumberland (on high-street, turn left at the clock tower. Leisure centre is than on your right-hand side next to the river). For further details contact Joan on 01670 515009 or email worhoos@hotmail.com
30th September 07 – Inverurie, Aberdeenshire
This seminar will take place in the Garioch Sports Centre, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire from 10am to 4pm. The seminar will cost £25 per person and must be paid in full at least two weeks before the seminar. Places are limited and you are encouraged to book early to secure your place. Cheques should be made payable to "S. Gordon" and should be sent to Steve Gordon, 8 Donald Gordon Court, Oldmeldrum, Inverurie, AB51 0GR. Further details can be gained by contacting Steve via st.gordon@btinternet.com or phone 01651 873563 (between 7pm and 9pm) or 07841721477 (during the day).
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
14 – Iain Abernethy in Canada
As
mentioned a couple of times already, I'm off to Canada in a few days time!
June 7-13 Edmonton
June 15-17 Calgary
I'm really looking forward to teaching in Canada, getting to meet some fellow
martial artist and make a few new friends. Should be a fun week!
If you'd
further information on these seminars please contact James Freeman via contactbushido@edmonton-karate.com
You can also visit www.edmonton-karate.com
for details of the host of this event.
15 – Iain Abernethy Norway Seminar Photos
Last
month I did three days teaching in Norway. It was the first time I have been to
Norway and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I am very grateful to everyone
for their enthusiasm and openness. I was very pleased with how much material we
covered and how well everyone digested that material. In particular I'd like to
thank Stein and Ragnhild for
organising the events and for their generous hospitality.
A number of pictures were taken at the event and if you visit the following website: www.karate-jutsu.no you can find the links to view all the pictures at the top of that page. I'll explain the banana to those who weren't there when I next see you!
The great news is that Stein and I are talking about another set of seminars in Norway later this year or in early 2008. I'll keep you informed via these newsletters. If you'd like to contact Stein, he can be reached on stein@webtrener.no or by phone: +47 90572698
"Iain's seminar really put the meaning back into the countless hours I have spent on kata practice during years of karate training. Iain is brilliant both as an instructor and a martial artist. He focuses on understanding the underlying principles rather than just teaching you the techniques. This puts you in a perfect position to continue studying the katas on your own. The seminar was great fun, I enjoyed every minute of it. I welcome Iain back to Norway any time!"
Stein Paulsen, Oslo, Norway.
16 – Shihan Chris Rowen Kata Tensho Seminar Report
On Sunday gone, Shihan Chris Rowen travelled to the north of England to teach a seminar on Tensho Kata and its applications. Chris stayed with me and my family the night before the seminar and it was a great opportunity for me to pick his brains about many things.
Shihan Rowen is an extremely knowledgeable martial artist and a very warm and likeable man. I always enjoy taking to Chris as I always learn a great deal from him. He also has a habit of communicating profound and important things in a very accessible and seemingly unintentional way. At a social event a few years ago I glibly remarked to Chris that he reminded me of Yoda … to which he replied "Who is Yoda?" How cool is that! He's never seen Star Wars! Shihan Rowen is definitely one of the martial arts' true characters.
The seminar was great! Shihan Rowen dissected the kata and after every move he got us to pair up and work on various applications and two-person drills. Everyone there thoroughly enjoyed the session and I hope to be organising further sessions with Chris in the future.
Thanks to everyone who attended for their support. A picture that was taken on the day can be found on the news page of the website:
www.iainabernethy.com/news_page.asp
Shihan Chris Rowen has a karate lineage which can be traced directly back to the fifteenth century. He has the honour and privilege of being one of the few westerners to be awarded a teaching certificate directly from the late legendary Grandmaster Yamaguchi Gogen, tenth clan in Goju Ryu karate-do, having spent years studying at the Hombu Dojo in Japan. His studies led him to Okinawa where he studied Kobudo under the late master Akamine Etsuke and he is now in his fourth decade of martial arts training and teaching.
17 – Upcoming Peter Consterdine Power Generation and Transitions Seminar
Those who are instructors within the British Combat Association will have received a letter a few weeks ago informing them that Peter Consterdine 8th Dan is soon to run a special seminar (open to all) on power generation and transitions. As someone who trains with Peter on a weekly basis I can strongly advise that you get to that seminar!
Aside from his extensive real life experience, Peter is by far and a way the most powerful striker I've ever came across and the way he combines his techniques should be studied by all strikers. Speed isn't only a physical thing with Peter; it's much more to do with how the transition is made from one technique to the next. Having had a lot of exposure to Peter's methods, the majority of people that I once considered fast and fluid, now seem "clumsy".
The seminar will cover in detail how to make fast transitions between punching and kicking, power at speed and how to develop training drills.
The date for the seminar is yet to be set, but I will certainly be there and I strongly recommend that as many of you as possible get there as well. Peter's methods have had a huge effect on my marital arts and I can't recommend them highly enough. I therefore thought I'd give you all this quick "heads up" as places are sure to fill up fast. As soon as Peter provides me with the details I'll let you all know.
A picture from last Thursday's training session can be found on the news page of the website (www.iainabernethy.com/news_page.asp). We were visited that day by Jason and Ian who bravely wanted to experience a "Training Day" session for themselves. If you think I exaggerate the severity of those sessions … just ask the guys what they thought J
Anyhow, watch this space for details of a very valuable opportunity.
18 – Geoff Thompson Newsletter & Free e-book!
Geoff Thompson has also been moving his newsletters over to this system. If you go to the following webpage and enter your details, you will be able to join his newsletter and download a PDF copy of Geoff's book "The Art of Fighting without Fighting":
www.geoffthompson.com/newsletter/Joinnewsletter.asp
The books covers a great many of the "soft skills" needed to avoid violence and is highly recommended.
19 – Message Board and Blog Latest
If you're not a regular visitor to the blog and forum, please find some links that may be of interest below:
BLOG: www.blog.iainabernethy.com
Free Bag Workout:
http://blog.iainabernethy.com/?p=67
Iain "Walks on Water"!:
http://blog.iainabernethy.com/?p=62
The message board continues to be very active and the discussions continue to be of a very high quality. I've picked a few topics out at random. Please follow the links below and check out what is going on.
MESSAGE BOARD: www.iainabernethy.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi
Picture of young Itosu, young Funakoshi and Mabuni:
http://www.iainabernethy.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=000127
When Masters Change Kata:
http://www.iainabernethy.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=000065
Self Defence (offence?) LA Style
http://www.iainabernethy.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000034
Value of one-step training?:
http://www.iainabernethy.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=000049
What's On:
www.iainabernethy.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=9
20 – Monthly training sessions with Iain Abernethy
& Mike Liptrot (Impact and Groundwork)
Many of you met Mike Liptrot at the recent training session we did together on Karate & Judo. Mike is my Judo coach and his throwing, ground work and teaching skills are all superb. He has many decades in Judo and is a fulltime coach.
Mike and I decided it would be fun to do some monthly training sessions together with Mike teaching all aspects of groundwork and myself teaching striking, training drills and impact development.
These sessions will be ideal for the martial artist – of all styles - looking to ensure that can hit hard and know what they are doing on the floor. The sessions will last for 90 minutes with the time being evenly split between the two aspects.
All of these sessions will be held in Kendal Judo Club, The Dojo, Parkside Business Park, Parkside Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7EN.
The first 6 sessions will be held on the following dates and will cost just £5 per session:
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Friday the 20th of July 2007
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Friday the 17th of August 2007
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Friday the 21st of September 2007
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Friday the 19th of October 2007
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Friday the 23rd of November 2007
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Friday the 14th of December 2007
They will we held from 8:00pm to 9:30pm to allow everyone time to get there. If you'd like to come along, please contact Mike on 07708968194. I look forward to seeing you there!
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
c/o NETH Publishing,
PO Box 38,
Cockermouth,
Cumbria,
CA13 0GS,
UNITED
KINGDOM
24 Hour Order Hotline (UK): 01900829406
24 Hour Order Hotline (Overseas): +441900829406
E-Mail: info@iainabernethy.com
Website: www.iainabernethy.com