Multiple Assailants: An Inconvenient Truth

 

WARNING: This video contains footage of real world violence! This includes people getting struck, knocked out, and stabbed. This video should not be viewed by those under 18 or by those who are likely to find such images distressing.

These examples are used to show the real danger posed by multiple assailants and the highly irresponsible way many martial artists approach the topic. I have converted all videos to black and white to soften the impact, as well as reducing definition, but they remain unpleasant to watch. Please take this warning seriously.

This video discusses the need for any worthwhile approach to self-protection to address multiple assailants and the three key “tricks” martial artists use to deny this reality.

Note: The Office of National Statistics has multiples assailants recorded at 43% for all violent crime where the assailants are not acquaintances (24% muitiples) or partners (1% multiples).

Watch here: https://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/multiple-assailants-inconvenient-truth

 

 

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Escaping Groups: Showcasing the App

 

As you know, we recently shared a video called “Multiple Enemies: An Inconvenient Truth”. If you missed that one, you can find it on YouTube. One thing we discussed in the video was the need to practise escape skills, and a lot of our app subscribers asked for more information on that. The app exists to serve the membership, so I have added two new videos on the methods and tactics associated with pre-emption to facilitate escape in group situations. This is something everyone should be practising. These videos are exclusive to the app. If you watch this video, it will explain how you can view them.

Watch here: https://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/escaping-groups-showcasing-app

 

 

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The Need to Critique Karate

In this video I discuss the need for those that love karate to be prepared to criticise it. As Winston Churchill said, “Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfils the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things.” We need to critique karate in order to make it the best it can be. In this way we can start to repay the previous generations for the wonderful art they bequeathed us by continuing their work. We also ensure future generations can practise the best version of karate possible.

Watch here: https://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/need-critique-karate-video

 

 

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Nipaipo (dropping ippon ken sequence)

In this video we look at bunkai for the motions surrounding the dropping ippon ken (single knuckle fist) in Nipaipo kata. Nipaipo translates as “28 Steps” and the kata was created by Kenwa Mabuni (1889 – 1952). It is said the kata is a summation of the instruction Mabuni received from Chinese martial artist Go Kenki (1886-1940).

Nipaipo is a very popular competition kata and it is aesthetically pleasing. However, it is important to appreciate that the kata was designed to encapsulate combative methods. Its real beauty is therefore in the application of its methods.

This footage was filmed at a four-day residential course. As you will see, it is my view that the kata provides a “flow chart” of sorts by sequentially showing options depending on the enemy’s actions.  Techniques within this section include a grip escape, a takedown, a counter to begin pulled to the floor, a front strangle should the takedown fail, and a neck crank should the front strangle fail.

As always, videos like this one cannot encapsulate all that was covered, and they are no substitute for hands on instruction. I nevertheless hope you find the video interesting.

Watch here: https://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/need-critique-karate-video

 

 

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Kata Based Sparring

In this video I talk about the Kata-Based-Sparring concept. I also share footage of methods from Chinto (Ganakaku), Naihanchi (Tekki Shodan), Jion, etc being applied in live sparring.  

Live practise is a must and Kata-Based-Sparring is a core part of my four-stage approach to kata (explained in this video: https://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/four-stages-kata-video). Kata was never intended to be an alternative to live practise. Kata is a repository of knowledge to inform us what to do in that live practise:

“Kumite is an actual fight using the methods of kata to grapple with the opponent.” – Choki Motobu

“Sparring does not exist apart from the kata, but for the practise of the kata.” – Gichin Funakoshi

“Through sparring practice, the practical meaning of kata becomes apparent.” – Chojin Miyagi

And so on.

The traditional link between kata and kumite has been severed in many schools. Skewed ideas about kata are all too common. Therefore, many people can’t see how their notions of “kata” and “kumite” can be reconciled. However, when both practises are viewed from the correct perspective, the true beauty of karate becomes clear. 

Watch here: https://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/kata-based-sparring-video

 

 

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Karate Pad Drill: Elbows, Knee and Takedown

This is footage from a recent dojo session where we practised a basic drill using elbows, knees and a takedown. All of the motions within it can be found in kata and it is vitally important that we drill these methods on the pads so powerful impact is developed.

The elbows, knee and takedown can all be found in Pinan Yodan (Heian Yodan); although obviously not in this specific order. To make the kata live and breathe it is important to apply the methods in alternate orders, and to explore variations in keeping with the core combative principles of the kata.

Watch here: https://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/karate-pad-drill-elbows-knee-and-takedown

 

 

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2 – Christian Wedewardt in the UK!

 

On the 29th of April 2018, Christian Wedewardt will be teaching his first ever UK seminar! Iain and Christian have taught together in Germany. Iain is a big fan of Christian’s material and way of teaching! Christian teaches practical karate in a structured, fun and extremely practical way. We are delighted that UK karateka have the opportunity to learn from Christian and enjoy his teaching style!

 

Christian speaks English fluently and the entire seminar will be in English (you can put away the German phrase books!).

 

Iain Abernethy will be in attendance for the full day. Iain will be assisting with the instruction and on hand to answer any questions.

 

The theme of the day will be practical karate drills that will be applicable to all styles. This will include two-person drills, impact drills and kata bunkai.

 

The seminar will run from 10am to 5pm and will be held at: The Beacon, Portway, Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 9BX.

 

Cost is £35 per person (for groups, when 4 pay, the 5 person goes free). Please contact iain@iainabernethy.com for details of how to book your place and payment details. Places are limited and all places must be pre-booked. There are no “on the door” places.

 

About Christian: Christian Wedewardt (43) holds a 5th dan in karate and has been training for 30 years. He believes in martial arts that have strong traditional roots and that are also entirely relevant and applicable to today’s world. Christian passionately believes in a version of karate that is exciting and attractive to everyone interested in art, fighting and self-defence

 

See Christian in action on this webpage: https://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/christian-wedewardt-uk

 

BOOK ONLINE HERE: https://iainabernethy.co.uk/shop/product/christian_wedewardt/

 

More info in this video!

 

 

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