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2 - Jissen Magazine Launched!

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3 - Kris Widler Seminar: Early Next Month!

 

Next month will see Kris Wilder visit the UK, for the very 1st time, for a two-day seminar on Kata Bunkai and Effective Karate!

 

Day 1 will cover: Sanchin and Naihanchi (Tekki) the link you need to know / Generating more power, faster, and swiftly.

 

Day 2 will cover: Seeing your kata – what it says to you / Damashi: the concept of cheating to ensure victory / Him, Down, Now!

 

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.

 

 

http://www.iainabernethy.com/Kris_Wilder_April_08_UK_Seminar.asp

 

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4 - Martial Artists United Website is now Live!

 

A great new website has just gone live! The website is being launched by the same team behind Martial Arts Illustrated Magazine and it is now possible to sign up! One of the first features to be added is the ability to set up a profile and make friends (in a similar way to social networking sites). So far I have just 1 friend! (Hi Jamie!). I'd therefore be grateful if you could all join up and request me as a friend (my online name is "Iain Abernethy"). With your help I can be a record holder and feed my ego at the same time! :-)

 

I was speaking with the designer of the site recently and he tells me the following features are to be added over the following weeks: Groups, A Calendar of Events, A Latest News Section, Videos, An Articles Section and a Forum. All of the content will be user driven so the more people contribute the bigger the website gets!

 

I'll be sure to keep you updated and if you could sign up and be my friend it would be greatly appreciated: www.martialartistsunited.co.uk

 

 

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5 - "The Principle of Perfecting Principles Part 2" 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. The first part of this two part series was included in last month's newsletter and was very well received. The final part is now available:

 

All the best,

 

Iain

 

 

The Principle of Perfecting Principles - Part 2

 

In part 1 of this article, we discussed in depth about the idea and importance of principle based training. Now we will expand this idea further, answer some of the questions that have already been naturally raised and explain how this strategy can be implemented into your everyday training.

 

All of the genuine training in karate is derived from the kata. If we look more closely at the fundamental techniques in karate, it is my suggestion that these are essentially a physical method of being able to repetitively develop the principles contained within them. The key here lies in the principles rather than the actual techniques. I like to think of our common basic techniques as being the founder's way of best expressing those principles in 'formal' action. Remember that without a physical technique to exist in, principles hold no form at all. We have to think about what's inside the technique in order to make the repetitive training of it worthwhile, since many of these don't (at face value) indicate any strong practical benefits.

 

For instance, who in their right mind would ever use the technique of junzuki (as it's commonly performed and understood in kihon) in a live fight? Only the most brave or brainless I'd expect! But let me ask you this question in another way – how many individuals would use the principles gained from practising the technique of junzuki in a live fight? If you study the concepts contained in this seemingly impractical technique, a whole range of useful elements can be extracted and adapted to increase your overall ability to apply functional movements. This is of course only if you have an open mind. In reality, this is exactly what karate demands and is what I believe makes the art so special. Among other things, practising junzuki repetitively and with the right mind (one that assesses principles) can actually teach us about balance, co-ordination, weight distribution, movement, creating energy, transferring energy, stabilisation and efficient motion, which I'm sure you'll agree are critical in becoming proficient in self defence. It no longer has to be another 'boring technique used only to pass grade examinations'. Just by changing your thought process and methodology, junzuki has become a technique with extremely beneficial characteristics. Not only that though, you are also now able to see this and adapt the lessons learned in other aspects.

 

As an example of this and to extract yet another principle from Junzuki, I would like to look at the very common motion of hikite (pulling hand). Over the years, this movement has been literally scolded by the uneducated, in sharing the common sense argument that pulling the hand back to the waist in a 'real' combat confrontation would simply be suicide. To start with, I completely agree with this statement and I will raise my hand and admit to holding the very same view before my engagement into more committed research. Most of us who choose to look a little deeper now understand that the practice of hikite in kata or kihon can be viewed as a 'repetitive training method'. By constantly practising the motion of hikite, we are being physically conditioned and reminded of the fact that there is a large advantage to seizing and pulling an attackers limb, in order to control, nullify the potential hazards, obtain clear strike paths, create reference points or increase the net effect of your transmitted power.

 

 

CONTINUED ON IAIN ABERNETHY.COM

 

Please follow this link below to read the entire illustrated article:

 

http://www.iainabernethy.com/articles/Chris_Denwood_2.asp

 

 

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6 - 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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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7 - "Tactics" by Jamie Clubb (CCMA Part 4)

 

Tactics by Jamie Clubb

 

Tactics are the final methods put in place by the Clubb Chimera Martial Arts "Process". It is an outgrowth of the two strategies put in place, which are themselves derived from generic core principles, grown from common sense, which is defined as a combination of intuition and decisions based on obvious data. Tactics provide the student with the final base to develop their own techniques.

Strategy One Tactics

Strategy One tactics are designed to create space either before or during a physical encounter.

Evasion/De-escalation/Escape: From a tactical point of view evasive tactics include using your awareness and intuition to avoid a dangerous situation. In simple terms this might mean just not got into an area known to be dangerous when you don't have to or leaving before a dangerous situation escalates. De-escalation is used to describe the various methods used to talk a situation down if you cannot avoid being involved – for example someone has cornered you in some way. This is a whole area that many have become heavily involved in to the point of learning certain counselling skills. However, from a straightforward self-defence perspective it means being confident, appearing calm, but being firm where needed. Escape, of course, is a generic phrase and I have mentioned it throughout this series of articles. On a straightforward physical basis, this means literally running away and using every means possible to put as much distance between you and the confirmed threat.
 

The Fence: Geoff Thompson is the man responsible for bringing this concept to mainstream consciousness. However, even today the majority teach this highly effective and natural concept incorrectly. This has lead to some very unfair criticism. The fence is not a technique. It is a means for controlling the space between you and anyone who is a possible threat. It can be done by any means, but the best methods are those whereby the possible threat does not realize on a conscious level he is being "fenced-off" so to speak. A typical example of this is by moving your hands as you speak. The fence not only keeps distance, but also acts as an efficient gauge for knowing if the possible threat is, in fact, a real physical threat and gives you your cue for a pre-emptive strike. Clubb Chimera Martial Arts teaches two types of fence. The calm fence is used to talk a situation down and the angry fence uses aggressive language to psyche out possible attackers.

Striking: Strikes are best delivered with the hands. The hands are the most dextrous and accessible appendages we have and therefore it follows that they are the most efficient attacking tools we have at are disposal. Strikes are, roughly speaking, either straight or curved in nature. I say roughly speaking as some argue that even the straightest of strikes has a slight curve due the shape of our joints. Then there is the physics argument that even curved shots become straight as they hit the target. Elbows, head-butts, knees, forearm strikes and so on are all legitimate striking tactics, but dependent on the situation. For example, if you are on the ground trying to fend off someone's kicks, kicking may be the most accessible method of attack. Target areas and the open-hand/closed fist debate are covered the Principles article.

Pushing: Pushes and their close relative, shoves, are tactics best employed as a last passive resort to stop a conflict from happening – as in the angry fence – or as a means for creating space in a fight to either escape or strike.
 

CONTINUED ON IAIN ABERNETHY.COM

 

Please follow this link below to read the entire illustrated article:

 

http://www.iainabernethy.com/articles/Jamie_Clubb_11.asp

 

 

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8 - 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

 

 

 

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9 - Iain Abernethy in Canada 2008

 

In a few month's time I'll be back in Canada! I had a great time last Summer and I'm looking forward to getting back over there and talking martial arts with everyone. This year we've planned to cover the bunkai and two man drills associated with the Pinan / Heian series, Kushanku / Kanku-Dai and Chinto / Gankaku. We also have a special session planned introduce everyone to the kata-based-sparring concept!

 

Kata-based-sparring (KBS for short) is live drills - based on the techniques and principles recorded in kata - that develop the skills needed for civilian self-protection. There are many different ways to structure such live drills and my students engage in appropriate types of KBS as soon as they begin training (different types being required for different grades). KBS really does bring kata to life and, once people have been introduced to it, they always find it an enjoyable and extremely beneficial part of their training and teaching.

 

I was delighted by the enthusiasm for this material last year and I'm really looking forward to getting back out there and sharing further aspects of what I do with everyone. I'll be in Ontario for the first few days of the trip before moving across the country to Edmonton for the reminder of the time:

 

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10 - UK Enshin Karate Course

 

On Saturday the 7th of June Kancho Joko Ninomiya will be teaching a seminar in the Studio, Charnwood Leisure Centre, Browns Lane, Loughborough, Leics LE11 3HE. For further details please log on to www.enshin.co.uk or call Gary Chamberlain on 07870 351628

 

Please read the quote below to see what the highly respected realist - and a regular training partner of mine - John Skillen had to say of Kancho Joko Ninomiya. John is one of the most pragmatic and hard hitting martial artists I know and his recommendation should convince all who know him that this is a great training opportunity:

"Just before I had the opportunity to open my own fitness centre and dojo, I decided to take on another form of martial art to keep me from boredom and to improve my all-round ability. I looked into the - at the time little known - form of karate known as ENSHIN karate (karate in the inner circle) which utilises the strong sabaki method. Enshin karate was being taught by Gary Chamberlain, a former Kyokushin karate-ka. I decided to sit in and watch a session. What I witnessed was a well delivered, well balanced and disciplined class. What I'd expected good Karate to be. There was one difference I found in comparison to other styles I'd witnessed and that was that Enshin Karate used very strong pulling, sweeping, take down and gripping techniques as well as powerful kicks which added to its practicality. After witnessing the style I decided to join Gary's classes and take a study in Enshin Karate.

Shortly after joining, Gary invited me onto one of Enshin's regular seminars taught by Kancho Joko Ninomiya, a modern Karate legend. I hadn't been to a traditional Karate seminar before. Of course I have been to many RBSD seminars taught by Karate experts. The seminar was well attended and extremely well delivered. Kancho's power was obvious from the start, evident by his sheer physical presence. From my own experience I could tell he was a real combat exponent that trusted his own style and ability. A man that has worked hard to put together a serious form of Karate. We trained in Gi's as is the Karate tradition, which was fine by me as the Gi to me represents everyday modern clothing - trousers and a top!

I would recommend Kancho's Enshin seminars or Gary Chamberlain's classes to anyone who is serious about their training. Whether it's for martial arts or self protection you will gain massive awareness of a fresh vibrant style of real combat orientated Karate suitable for anyone regardless of age or gender"

John Skillen - Self Defence Expert and multi-style Black Belt holder.

 

 

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11 - Tony Terranova on WOMA.TV

 

WoMA.tv (www.woma.tv) is an on-line video service screening masses of information on countless martial arts. One of the great features of the site is the number of "gurus" that have their own dedicated sections. One guru I suggest that you check out is Tony Terranova of Fighting Fit Martial Arts: http://woma.tv/woma/gurus/channels/490.html

 

Tony is a good fried of mine and he has some superb training drills! By following the link above you'll be able to view video clips explaining some of his favourite drills. I'm sure you'll enjoy watching the clips and adding these drills to your training.

 

You can also explore Tony's own website at: http://www.fightingfit.gb.com

 

 

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12 - Gavin Mullholland's Book Coming Very Soon!

 

Gavin Mullholland's "Four Shades of Black: The Traditional Path to Building the Complete Fighter" will be available very soon. The book will be available from the 7th of April. I'm in the privileged position of having seen the manuscript of this book and I am certain when it hits the shelves it will be a big hit with the subscribers to these newsletters! I really can't recommend this book highly enough. Below I have copied the synopsis, the book's description, and what people who have seen the manuscript have thought of this long awaited book. A link to where you can pre-order the book from Amazon is also copied below:

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Four-Shades-Black-Traditional-Building/dp/1840246502/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1205683385&sr=1-1

 

Synopsis

'The secrets of karate are contained in the kata,' said the masters of old. What did they mean? For many years, people have struggled to understand where padwork, grappling, ground-fighting and even high kicks fit into traditional karate. While many people understand the purpose of individual kata, this book demonstrates how the various kata work together to create a logical fight progression from stand-up striking to close-quarter grappling and ground-fighting. "Four Shades of Black" decodes the kata in a radically different way, revealing how the traditional arts set out to develop a complete and rounded fighter. If you think you know karate, think again.

 

Book Description
In recent times many have come to view Karate as a `punching and kicking' art. Gavin Mulholland has long argued that this was never the case and that the original Karate was a complete and holistic fighting system. Now, through clear and compelling argument Gavin reveals the codes hidden within the Kata. Identifying and interpreting these training codes transforms the Kata from a disparate set of moves, into a logical and progressive training map, taking the student from the earliest stages of stand-up fighting, to the all-in, no-holds-barred of grappling combat.

 

Four Shades of Black guides the reader through this journey starting as a beginner and ending as a Black Belt based on the first four kata of Goju Ryu Karate. Each chapter covers the underlying purpose of the kata, focussing not on its performance, but on the training required to fulfil the spirit or mindset of that kata, including conditioning exercises with modern and traditional equipment, padwork, partner-drills and free sparring. Although Four Shades of Black is based on Goju Ryu Karate, the principles and logic behind the structure of the training programme will prove invaluable anyone interested in martial arts.

 

Karate was never just about punching and kicking. Kata was never simply about perfecting movement. Karate was, and remains, a total fighting system. Many people appear to have forgotten this simple truth, but as is often the case with `secrets', this whole training guide was right in front of us all the time - `hidden' within the system of Kata bequeathed to us by our forefathers.

 

The `secret' of Kata is that the richness and depth lies not within how many techniques we can pull out of a Kata, but within our understanding of the spirit of the Kata itself.

 

 

Geoff Thompson, sixth-degree black belt, writer, teacher, martial artist
I can't tell you how exciting it is for me to find such a like soul, someone else that is speaking the same language. I highly recommend this authentic book, its contents and its author and I implore everyone who is `searching' to read this book - it is both valuable and long overdue.

Iain Abernethy, fifth-degree black belt Author of Bunkai-Jutsu: The Practical Application of Karate Kata
Regardless of style, all karateka should read and digest the information contained within this excellent book. Gavin Mulholland is someone who fully understands the realities of combat and kata and if you wish to practise karate as the pragmatic fighting system it was intended to be, you should familiarise yourself with Gavin's work. This is a thorough and accessible explanation of everything you need to know to make sense of kata and become a complete fighter.

Nick Hughes, Chief Instructor of Fight Survival and Combat Karate
Gavin Mulholland is one of those rare karate instructors who actually impresses me. It's common knowledge that the bulk of "traditional" martial artists can't make their stuff work in the real world due to the emphasis placed on sporting applications over the last thirty years. Luckily, there are people like Gavin still out there proving that Traditional Martial Arts do indeed work

David Rubens, 5th Dan Yoshinkan Aikido
I find Gavin a truly inspirational martial artist. He embodies all that I think is good and worthwhile in the arts and it is always a pleasure to be in the dojo with him. I cannot recommend his teaching highly enough


About the Author
Gavin Mulholland holds the rank of 5th Dan in Okinawan Goju Ryu karate. He is the Chief Instructor of Daigaku Karate Kai in London.

 

Gavin began training at an early age with his father, who taught judo and unarmed combat to British Forces in Northern Ireland during in the 1960s. When Gavin moved to the South of England, he began training in Goju-Ryu Karate. In over 30 years of training, he has travelled extensively throughout Asia and trained in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia and China in arts as diverse as Aikido, Judo, Ju-Jitsu and Kyokushinkai.

 

Gavin is one of the most sought after Goju Ryu instructors in the UK and regularly teaches on nationwide seminars, appearing recently alongside Iain Abernethy in the new Practical Karate seminar. With 15 years' experience on the doors of pubs and clubs, he has been a regular instructor for one of the country's leading Bodyguard, Close Protection and Door Supervisor security companies.

 

Gavin has made numerous TV and film appearances, most notably a fortnightly slot on Bravo's Spy School. He is also a widely published author within the martial arts community and was inaugurated into The Combat Hall of Fame in 2002.

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Four-Shades-Black-Traditional-Building/dp/1840246502/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1205683385&sr=1-1

 

 

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13 - 2008 SENI

 

This year's SENI will be held on the 26th & 27th of April at the Excel centre in London. Unfortunately I am unable to make it this year as the weekend clashes with one of my Children's birthdays and an existing commitment. Those who can make it look to be in for a good weekend through!

 

As usual Summersdale (producers and publishers of my books & DVDs) will be having a stand and I'd encourage you all to pop along and meet everyone there. I'll have more details of what is happening at the Summersdale stand in the coming weeks and I'll be sure to forward all that on to you all.

 

There is a also a great array of seminars and workshops. The sessions are split into Survival, Fight-Sport & Classical Warrior. Training opportunities include:

 

Dennis Jones and Gavin Mulholland: Saturday 26th April @ 15:30 – 17:30 (Seminar Room 1)

 

Mick Coup: Saturday 26th April @ 13:00-15:00 (Seminar Room 2)

 

Steve Morris: Sunday 27th April @ 13:00-15:00 (Seminar Room 2)

 

Royce Gracie: Saturday 26th April @ 15:30-17:30 (Seminar Room 2)

 

Somluck Khamsing: Sunday 27th April @ 15:30-17:30 (Seminar Room 1)

 

Pat O Keefe and Ronnie Green: Saturday 26th April @ 10:30 – 12:30 (Seminar Room 2)

 

Dan Henderson: Sunday 27th April @ 10:30-12:30 (Seminar Room 1)

 

Steve Rowe and Ondra Musil: Saturday 26th April @ 10:30 - 12:30 (Seminar Room 1)

 

Hanshi Joe Carslake and Tony Pillage: Sunday 27th April @ 13:00-15:00 (Seminar Room 1)

 

Richard Bustillo: Sunday 27th April @ 10:30 – 12:30 (Seminar Room 1)

 

Robert Chu: Sunday 27th April @ 10:30 – 12:30 (Seminar Room 1)

 

Master Ewan Briscoe: Sunday 27th April @ 15:30-17:30 (Seminar Room 2)

 

For further details, and to book your places, please visit http://www.senishow.com/Seminars.htm or call 02476 331239

 

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14 - Dan Anderson & Bram Frank Seminar

 

Please find below a message I received from Dan Anderson about what sounds like a great seminar on the 19th of April at Dan's school in Oregon:

 

Hi All,
 
I hope your new year has started out prosperously and everybody is in good health.  I emailed you about the Presas Brothers Arnis seminar that was upcoming.  Well, it happened and it was an unprecedented success.  We had 54 attendees who all had a great time.  The DVD of this event is now available for you.  Here is the link to that page. http://danandersonkarate.com/store/presas_bros_arnis_seminar_dvd.html
 
I wanted to let you know of the next upcoming event: this is the West Coast Stick & Steel seminar.  Black Belt magazine Hall Of Fame 2007 Weapons Instructor of the Year, Grand Master Bram Frank, and I are putting on this seminar at my school in Gresham, Oregon.  We will be filming this event for later DVD release at a later date.  I will be covering the topics of double cane use (not just sinawalis again) and baston y daga (stick and dagger).
 
GM Bram will be covering the use of the knife and the bolo.  Here is the link for online registration.   
http://danandersonkarate.com/store/stick_&_steel_seminar.html
 
I hope you will be able to join us for what is going to be an exciting seminar.  All for now.
 
Yours,

Dan Anderson

 

 

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15 - BCA Dennis Martin Seminar

 

BCA Seminars of Excellence: Dennis Martin's 'Edged Weapon Defense' Seminar - 4th May 2008

 

Dennis Martin, founder of CQB Services, will host our May seminar. A professional bodyguard and a trainer for numerous international police authorities, including U.S. Hostage Rescue Teams, SWAT and Close Protection teams. Dennis's martial arts began in Karate in 1965 in Shotokan and Goju-Ryu, but as long ago as 1978, Dennis graduated from the renowned "GUNSIGHT ACADEMY", run by legendary GEOFF COOPER.

 

One of the world's acknowledged experts on both armed and unarmed Close Quarter Combat, Dennis is called upon to lecture and instruct for police, military and specialist units, particularly in the States. Dennis graduated some years ago from MASSAD AYOOB'S "LETHAL FORCE INSTITUTE" and for over 30 years has cemented his theoretical learning with continuous work as a doorman in Liverpool, working alongside such martial arts greats as TERRY O'NEIL and the late GARY SPIERS.

 

Dennis has one of the very best Edged Weapon Defense courses, and this is one not to be missed. He will also cover a range of Close Quarter Combat (CQC) skills.

 

To ensure a place call our 24-hour ticket hotline (for credit card bookings) or send cheques/POs payable to `BCA' to: British Combat Association, 4 Newmarket Mews, Castle Gate, Stanley, Wakefield WF3 4AL. TICKET HOTLINE 0113 2429686 BCA MEMBERS: £25 NON-MEMBERS: £40  

 

Venue: Kyushinkai Martial Arts, School, Court Works Industrial Estate, Bridgnorth, Madeley, Telford TF7 4JB Time: 10am - 4pm

 

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16 - Iain Abernethy & Mike Liptrot Seminar

 

Last year's joint seminar conducted by myself and leading UK grappling coach Mike Liptort was a big success. Mike and I have therefore decided to make this year's seminar a two day event covering a wide range of martial areas. Further details will be forwarded shortly!

 

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17 - Iain reduced to tears by leading martial artist!

 

Regular listeners to the Geoff Thompson.com podcast will be aware that I was mentioned quite a lot in a recent edition. You can listen to the podcast in question by following this link: http://www.geoffthompson.com/podcastListen.asp?ID=36

Having had my sense of humour questioned, ridiculed for being northern, and having been threatened (in a good humoured way), I felt compelled to write a letter of "complaint" (copied below). This letter contains quite a few in jokes, which will hopefully make sense if you listen to the podcast. The other thing is a parody of a stereotype of men from the north of England, which may be lost on those from overseas :-) All will be explained at the foot of my letter!:

 

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My Letter of Complaint:

Dear Producers of the Richard & Geoff Podcast,

I am writing to express some concerns relating to your recent podcast. I am ashamed, and a little worried, to admit that I did indeed laugh heartily at the "one with everything" Buddhist hot dog joke. My merriment quickly turned to shock upon the realisation that I was being spied upon! How was Geoff able to ascertain that I was indeed laughing? I can only assume there is some surveillance taking place via my computer! Perhaps you may even be in cahoots with that Nigerian General? I can only ask that you desist from invading my privacy in this way.

My mother - hereafter to be referred to as "Mrs Abernethy" - was in my home at the time and I asked her to join me in the office to listen to your "surveillance tape". This was most inconvenient as she feeding my whippet at the time. Sadly, far from being shocked at your big brother shenanigans, Mrs Abernethy was greatly amused by your attics. Indeed, so amused was she that mild "coffee spittage" occurred. Not content with an invasion of privacy, and causing coffee damage to some unfortunately positioned paperwork, you went yet further and proceeded to threaten me at the conclusion of the show!

Your instance that I make a decision on who is the funniest puts me in a very difficult position. As Geoff pointed out, he is indeed Joint Chief Instructor of the British Combat Association and as such there is a strong motivator there (let alone the additional motivation that could be provided by "Mr Bat"!). However, Richard is the webmaster for my website and my high level of technical ineptitude means I need to remain on his good side. I therefore feel unable to say who is the funniest.

What I can say is that your joint approach to comedy is truly revolutionary! I honestly cannot think of any double act before you who has utilised two straight men in that way! Normally you need at least one person to deliver the punch lines ... but through cleverly doing away with punch lines all together you have avoided that problem and hence changed the face of internet comedy (perhaps from a face with a broad smile to one with a look of uneasy bemusement?).

Whilst I have the greatest respect for your comedic innovations, the more sinister aspects of your broadcast are greatly worrying to me. As a long term fan of the show, I will be listening in future. However, I feel it only fair to say that I may stop listening if such unsavoury behaviour continues and thereby half your number of listeners (Hello Mrs Thompson!).

Right then, where's my flat cap and my bit of string? I'm off to take the dog out for a walk to calm down!

Yours Concerned,

Iain Abernethy

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This weekend Geoff and Richard retaliated in their new podcast and I have to say it made me cry! (In a good laughter induced way). This follow up podcast is called "Metaphysical Self-Defence" and you can listen to it here: http://www.geoffthompson.com/podcastListen.asp?id=37

 

BUT BEFORE YOU DO ... It's probably worth those not from the UK - or who are a little younger than Geoff, Richard & I (mainly Geoff and Richard) - to watch what was deemed the UK's favourite TV advert (aired in 1973): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Mq59ykPnAE The clip is what Geoff and Richard are parodying when they mock this Northern lad!

 

I can honestly say that I've not laughed that hard for ages. I thought you'd also enjoy listening to me being put in my place if you've not done so already.

 

I shall not be responding as I know when I'm beaten! :-)

 

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