Hello Everyone!

Just a quick update to let you know  three new videos have been added to the website since the last newsletter!

VIDEO 1: Passai / Bassai-Dai End Sequence Bunkai Drill

This bit of dojo footage covers a bunkai drill for the end sequence of Passai / Bassai-Dai. It begins with the “c-punch” (also called “u-punch” by those who don’t know the difference between a U and a C ;-)) and finishes at the end of the kata. It is not a “technique” and the discrete parts can be used independently and as applicable. The total drill is simply a time efficient form of practise.

In terms of instruction, this video mainly focuses on the tai-otoshi (“body drop throw”) in the middle of the sequence. It is also possible to perform the same throw by holding the lapel or griping the bicep. In this instance we were working the “elbow to elbow” version. The second half of the video shows how the shutos can be applied should the throw fail.
This clip also has some outtakes at the end :-)

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/passai-bassai-dai-end-sequence-bunkai-drill-video

VIDEO 2: Standing Choke and Throw

This short clip covers a “game play” standing choke and takedown. The footage was filmed in our dojo during a training session in June 2014. It’s very important to understand that these techniques are part of “grappling play”. They are “fighting techniques” and must not to be confused with “self-protection” methods. There is a place for “martial arts”, “fighting” and “self-protection” and all have their inherent value. They key is to not mistake one for the other. I hope you enjoy the clip!

http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/standing-choke-and-throw-video

VIDEO 3: Final shuto-ukes of bassai-dai bunkai

This video looks at the last three shuto-ukes (“knife hand blocks”) as found in Shotokan’s Bassai-Dai, Wado-Ryu’s Passai, etc. A comparison with other versions of Bassai / Passai will reveal that the second shuto (the one where you are “not looking”) is not there in most versions. It therefore seems to me that the “push” we see in other versions of the form has been stylistically over formalised into a distinct shuto-uke in the versions of the kata that posses that movement i.e. it is an “error” in transmission.

The bunkai sequence shown in this clip acknowledges that, but nevertheless makes use of the motion in a way that both fits with the modern version of the kata and uses essentially the same bunkai as the versions with the more subtle push. This enables the karateka to have an effective purpose for the modern version (i.e. the kata can remain as is) that also retains a connection to the underlying concept as demonstrated by other versions of the kata.

The video was filmed on my iphone at a seminar in Stuttgart, Germany. The clip is shorter than intended because I ran out of storage space! I nevertheless think the clip is easy enough to follow and should still give the general idea. As always, this short clip cannot explain the details nor can it show how such methods fit within the wider combative and training methodology. It is what it is :-)

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/final-shuto-ukes-bassai-dai-bunkai-video

I hope you enjoy the videos and I’ll be back with a full newsletter soon!

Please also be sure to checkout the list of upcoming seminars! We have upcoming events in the USA, England, Scotland, Germany, Norway etc. Details will also be shared soon on events in Denmark, Canada and Finland!

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/seminar-dates

Have a great weekend!

All the best,

Iain