Hi All,

Welcome to the latest newsletter! Lots to let you know about (see contents below)! To highlight a couple of key things:

We had our first live app gathering last Sunday! It was awesome to see everyone! On the back of that we have a live self-protection webinar and online class taking place very soon (see section 2).

Please also listen to the podcast linked in section 1! I recently chatted with Josh Peacock about the kata process and the importance of modern training methods. It was a fun conversation and I think you will really enjoy it!

I also hope to start addressing the backlog of podcasts now the pandemic has postponed the seminars! Watch this space!

Thanks for the support of the newsletters!

Speak soon!

All the best,

Iain

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CONTENTS:

1) Iain talks with Josh Peacock of the Combat Learning Podcast!
2) Upcoming Live Online Events!
3) The Protection Pyramid
4) Tips on losing the lockdown weight!
5) Christian Wedewardt in Brugge, Belgium!
6) Andi Kidd Lockdown Sale
7) Heian-Kata Bunkai Phenomenon (English Version)
8) Home Training Bassai-Dai Bunkai with Christian Wedewardt
9) Les Bubka on The Martial Arts and Life podcast
10) Martial Arts & Mental Health by Gareth FitzGerald
11) Pankration MMA Kickboxing Academy Solo Training App
12) Subscribe to the Iain Abernethy App!

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1) IAIN TALKS WITH JOSH PEACOCK OF THE COMBAT LEARNING PODCAST!

https://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/iain-talks-josh-peacock-combat-learning-podcast

INFO: The Combat Learning Podcast is about applying scientific research and practical experience to better teach and learn martial arts. It's a deep dive into the most cutting-edge methodologies underlying effective training today, discovered through the lens of some of the best thinkers inside and outside of the martial arts community.

My guest today is Iain Abernethy, a well-known expert on practical karate training and kata application, and an advocate of traditional martial arts practice.

In this episode, Iain presents his own view of kata as a process of 4 inextricable stages:

1. Solo Practice
2. Functional Application
3. Principle-based Partner Practice
4. Live Partner Practice or "Kata-based" Sparring

While most other traditional martial artists view kata as a solo exercise that must be translated into practical techniques, Iain sees solo practice, application, and sparring as all one and the same process entailed by the kata system.

Iain also explains what "kata-based sparring" is, why he hates one step sparring, and the necessity of bringing modern training methods into traditional martial arts practice.

No matter who you are, this episode is simmering over with interesting and helpful discussion. So,

if you're excited to dive in, hit the subscribe button on your podcatcher now!

https://anchor.fm/combatlearning

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2) UPCOMING LIVE ONLINE EVENTS!

## LIVE WEBINAR: TEACHING SELF-PROTECTION TO NON-MARTIAL ARTISTS! ##

At this event I will share the presentation I give to non-martial artist when asked to cover the basics of self-protection.

Topic covered will include:

What is Self-Defence
The Three Key Principles of Self-Protection
Awareness and a Healthy Attitude to Personal Safety
Personal Security Issues
The Threat Pyramid
De-Escalation
The Effects of Fear
Facilitating Escape
The Law
Basic Physical Techniques

Date: 8th of June!

Time: 2pm UK / 3pm CET / 6am Pacific / 9am US Eastern / Perth 9pm / Sydney 11pm

## JOIN MY ONLINE CLASS LIVE! ##

Warm-ups, Functional Kihon, Solo-Drills, etc.

Date: 25th of June!

Time: 6pm UK / 7pm CET / Pacific 10am / 1pm US Eastern

JOIN THESE EVENTS: You can find the app by searching “iain abernethy” in either the App Store (iPhone / iPad) or Google Play (Android).

Set up your account here: https://www.budocode.com/Account/Register?appid=2056

If you need help setting up an account, please email app@iainabernethy.com and we will get you set up with a free trial.

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3) THE PROTECTION PYRAMID

A new series has started in the app! This classic video covers all the key issues surrounding functional self-protection!

WATCH HERE: Main Menu > Core Concepts > The Protection Pyramid > Introduction, Part 1 and Part 2.

You can find the app by searching “iain abernethy” in either the App Store (iPhone / iPad) or Google Play (Android).

More info: https://iainabernethy.co.uk/iain-abernethys-applied-karate-kata-bunkai-app

Join Up: https://www.budocode.com/Account/Register?appid=2056

If you need help setting up an account, please email app@iainabernethy.com and we will get you set up with a free trail.

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4) TIPS ON LOSING THE LOCKDOWN WEIGHT!

I'm neither a doctor nor a nutritionist, but I have gained weight, lost weight and maintained that weight loss. For what it is worth, here are the tips I personally find most useful:

WATCH HERE: https://www.facebook.com/iainabernethy/posts/3276414449082448

1) Avoid fad diets and don’t believe marketing hype.
2) Eat a healthy balanced diet.
3) A slight calorie deficit over time will get lasting results.
4) Dramatic changes are not fun, sustainable, or effective.
5) Don’t overestimate the amount of calories burned by exercise.
6) Gentle activity (in addition to training) can contribute toward maintaining the required calorie deficit.
7) Every few days, weigh yourself in the morning before eating. Seek a slow and gradual loss; and adjust calorie intake as necessary.
8) If you are significantly overweight or underweight, seeking qualified medical advice is a good idea.
9) Maintain a healthy weight because YOU want to and to improve health. Don’t succumb to a marketed aesthetic (designed to invoke feelings of inadequacy so you can be sold the “solution”) or “societal pressure”. Doing so can be both mentally and physically unhealthy.

WATCH HERE: https://www.facebook.com/iainabernethy/posts/3276414449082448

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5) CHRISTIAN WEDEWARDT IN BRUGGE, BELGIUM!

https://www.martialartsseminars.be/product/seminar-christian-wedewardt-in-brugge-belgium-sept-12th-sept-14th-2020-3-day-pass/

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6) ANDI KIDD LOCKDOWN SALE

https://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/andi-kidd-lockdown-sale

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7) HEIAN-KATA BUNKAI PHENOMENON (ENGLISH VERSION)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Heian-Kata-Bunkai-Phenomenon-Systematical/dp/3751935495/

Iain’s Introduction:

Karate is undergoing something of a metamorphosis at the moment. It is simultaneously reaching back to its roots while also adopting modern training methods. Christian Wedewardt is a very influential karateka and his teaching is at the cutting edge of this metamorphosis. His teaching draws strongly from the roots of traditional karate – particularly in regards to the lessons drawn from the traditional kata – and yet it is innovative and contemporary. To me, it is a perfect example of what karate should be!

A tree needs heathy and strong roots. However, it should never be forgotten that one of the key purposes of those roots is to support new growth. If we don’t see new branches appearing, then it’s a sure sign that the roots are dead. The true tradition of karate has always been one of growth and constant change. As Gichin Funakoshi famously wrote in Karate-Do: My Way of Life, “Times change, the world changes, and martial arts must change too.” We are not talking about change for the sake of change here, but steady progress across the generations.

Another quote that I love on karate’s evolution is that of Choshin Chibana:

“Karate, as it is transmitted, changes every few years. This is a common phenomenon. It happens because a teacher must continue to learn and adds his personality to the teachings. There is an old martial arts saying that states that karate is much like a pond. In order for the pond to live, it must have streams that feed and replenish it. Without those streams the pond becomes stagnant and dies.”

Christian is certainly someone who adds his personality to his teachings! He’s an utter joy to be on the dojo floor with. His enthusiasm is hugely infectious, and his knowledge and insights are inspirational. His drills are functional and innovative; grounded in raw function while being fun to practise. There are not many like Christian and I’m delighted he’s written this book!

Christian’s approach to the Heian (Pinan) kata is indicative of his wider approach to karate: grounded in tradition while being innovative and contemporary. The approach recorded in these pages is rock solid. It all holds together as the system these kata are supposed to represent. Funakoshi told us in Karate-Do Kyohan that, “once [the Heian Series] has been mastered, one can be confident of their ability to defend themselves in most situations.” Christian proves the truth of that statement.

Well done for purchasing this book. You’ve made a very smart move!

Iain Abernethy 7th dan BCKA, WCA, EKF.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Heian-Kata-Bunkai-Phenomenon-Systematical/dp/3751935495/

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8) HOME TRAINING BASSAI-DAI BUNKAI WITH CHRISTIAN WEDEWARDT

https://karatepraxis.wordpress.com/2020/06/09/see-karatepraxis-live-online-training-part-14-with-christian-wedewardt-on-youtube/

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9) LES BUBKA ON THE MARTIAL ARTS AND LIFE PODCAST

“Les is an amazing man with a compelling story of self-development and service to his fellow human beings through karate and body movement.”

Listen here: https://www.stickmanpublications.com/category/podcasts/

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10) MARTIAL ARTS & MENTAL HEALTH BY GARETH FITZGERALD

https://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/martial-arts-mental-health-gareth-fitzgerald

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11) PANKRATION MMA KICKBOXING ACADEMY SOLO TRAINING APP

If solo drills for MMA and related skills are of interest then this app is well worth checking out!

https://www.facebook.com/116489405057445/videos/2713242352288438/

“Our solo training MMA app teaches you how drill correct striking, wrestling and ground technique while getting into awesome shape. Drilling makes killers and our solo training system will build your skills in a progressive way with exciting workouts.”

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12) SUBSCRIBE TO THE IAIN ABERNETHY APP!

It’s $8.99 / month via Budocode (you can also subscribe via iTunes) and you get access to hundreds of hours of exclusive content which is updated every week. You’ll also be part of a global community and have access to the exclusive live sessions I will be doing soon.

The revenue from the app is unaffected by the pandemic and your support of me through it would be greatly appreciated at this time. You can download the app from the App Store and Google Play and then set up an account:

More info: https://iainabernethy.co.uk/iain-abernethys-applied-karate-kata-bunkai-app

Join Up: https://www.budocode.com/Account/Register?appid=2056

If you need help setting up an account, please email app@iainabernethy.com and we will get you set up with a free trail.

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That’s all for now folks! I’ll be back with more soon!

All the best,

Iain