New Podcast! - 10 things the martial arts should have taught you about life!

Hi Everyone!

Happy new-year folks! Welcome to the first newsletter of 2015! The main purpose of this newsletter is to let you know a new podcast was added to the website today. It is called “10 Things The Martial Arts Should Have Taught You About Life” and the title is pretty self-explanatory. Hopefully it will include some information that will make you pause for thought and that will be helpful to you in 2015.

The newsletter also has links to information on the upcoming seminars over the next few months, news of Rory Miller’s and Marc MacYoung’s impending visit to the UK, and a list of all the DVDs and downloads.

Right then, must dash as I need to pack for tomorrow’s trip to Norway! :-)

Speak soon!

All the best,

Iain

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“Put Karate into your everyday life and you will find its subtle secrets.” – Gichin Funakoshi

The Pinan / Heian Series: The Complete Fighting System Vol. 1

This DVD series reveals, for the very first time, a unique set of two-person drills for the Pinan / Heian series that will enable karateka - of all styles and levels of experience - to return practical combat skills to the heart of kata training. The drills are logical and structured in a way that ensures the gap between solo kata and live combat is effectively bridged.

Volume 1 shows the two-person drills associated with the first three of the Pinan / Heian series (Shodan, Nidan and Sandan). Viewers will see how these drills perfectly follow the kata sequences, with each drill building on the next, so that the practitioner becomes versed in a holistic set of combative methods. This includes striking, breaking balance, controlling limbs, takedowns, a variety of locks and cranks, grappling and throws. This DVD also includes demonstrations of the kata themselves and a discussion of the background and history of the Pinan / Heian series.

Note: In combination with Bunkai-Jutsu Volume 1 - which gives an overview of the various ways in which the motions of the Pinan / Heian series can be applied - the specific two man practise drills shown in this DVDs series will give the viewer everything they need to practise the wide variety of bunkai that these kata have to offer.

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 The Pinan / Heian Series: The Complete Fighting System Vol. 2

This DVD series reveals, for the very first time, a unique set of two-person drills for the Pinan / Heian series that will enable karateka - of all styles and levels of experience - to return practical combat skills to the heart of kata training. The drills are logical and structured in a way that ensures the gap between solo kata and live combat is effectively bridged.

Volume 2 shows the two-person drills associated with the final two Pinan / Heian kata (Yodan and Godan). This DVD also shows a series of extra drills to demonstrate how the lessons taught by the entire kata series can be developed, varied and progressed. Viewers will see how these drills perfectly follow the kata sequences, with each drill building on the next, so that the practitioner becomes versed in a holistic set of combative methods. The drills in this volume form a "master class" on the principles and concepts introduced by the drills in the first volume. This DVD also includes demonstrations of the kata themselves and a discussion on the four stages of kata training.

Note: In combination with Bunkai-Jutsu Volume 1 - which gives an overview of the various ways in which the motions of the Pinan / Heian series can be applied - the specific two man practise drills shown in this DVDs series will give the viewer everything they need to practise the wide variety of bunkai that these kata have to offer.

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Beyond Bunkai: A Holistic Naihanchi / Tekki Shodan Close-Range Flow Drill

This DVD presents a unique non-scripted flow drill that includes all the motions found within Naihanchi / Tekki Shodan. Ideal for the more experienced bunkai practitioner, and essentially infinite in its variations, this drill shows the depth of Naihanchi / Tekki Shodan and includes gripping skills, head-butting, biting, gouging, seizing, locking, controlling limbs, chokes, cranks, takedowns and close-range kicking.

This drill is also unlike most flow drills in that it is not carefully scripted nor does it involve giving up a position of advantage so your partner can have their turn. The drill instead enables the practitioner to dominate at close-range, flow past any obstructions the enemy may present, safely escape, and practise applying the bunkai of the kata in a realistic context. This DVD also includes a breakdown of the kata itself and a discussion on the history of Naihanchi / Tekki Shodan.

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Bunkai-Jutsu: Practical Kata Applications Volume 1- The Pinan / Heian Series

Bunkai-Jutsu is the analysis of the karate katas (forms) and their application in real combat. The fighting applications of the katas is one of the most fascinating and sadly misunderstood aspects of karate practice.

Volume 1 covers the applications of the Pinan / Heian (peaceful mind) series. The great Anko Itsou formulated these katas in the early 1900s. They are a complete system of fighting in their own right and were designed to be a collection of the most effective methods being practised in the Shuri region of Okinawa at that time.

This DVD examines the strikes, locks, throws, chokes, strangles, traps, ground-fighting and combative strategies recorded within the Pinan / Heian series.

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Bunkai-Jutsu: Practical Kata Applications Volume 2 - Naihanchi / Tekki & Passai / Bassai-Dai

Bunkai-Jutsu is the analysis of the karate katas (forms) and their application in real combat. The fighting applications of the katas is one of the most fascinating and sadly misunderstood aspects of karate practice.

Volume two covers Naihanchi (Tekki) and Passai (Bassai-Dai). Today, Naihanchi / Tekki is often undervalued due to its simplistic appearance. This DVD shows the highly effective close-range fighting applications of the form and reveals just why the kata was so highly regarded by the masters of old.

The second part of the program covers Passai / Bassai-Dai kata and demonstrates the strikes, throws, takedowns, locks, neck-cranks, chokes, combative strategies etc that have made this form one of the most popular in the history of karate.

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Bunkai-Jutsu: Practical Kata Applications Volume 3 - Kushanku / Kanku-Dai

Bunkai-Jutsu is the analysis of the karate katas (forms) and their application in real combat. The fighting applications of the katas is one of the most fascinating and sadly misunderstood aspects of karate practice.

Volume 3 covers the applications of Kushanku / Kanku-Dai. The kata is a record of the highly effective striking and grappling methods taught by the Chinese martial artist Kushanku. It is said that the kata was constructed by the legendary Tode Sakagawa, who became a student of Kushanku’s when he came to Okinawa in 1756.

This kata is also known as Kosokun (alternative pronunciation) and Kanku-Dai (Japanese name for the form). This DVD provides instruction on the no-nonsense fighting techniques hidden within the kata.

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Bunkai-Jutsu: Practical Kata Applications Volume 4 - Seishan / Hangetsu

'Bunkai-Jutsu' is the analysis of karate kata (forms) and their application in real combat. The fighting applications of kata is one of the most fascinating - and sadly misunderstood - aspects of karate practice. These DVDs are a must for anyone who wishes to practice karate as a complete and practical fighting art, regardless of style.

Volume 4 covers the applications of the kata known as Seishan (thirteen) or Hangetsu (half-moon). This kata is one of the oldest still in existence and it is widely practised. Bushi Matsumura - a great karate master who was also the chief bodyguard to three Okinawan kings - is said to be the one who introduced this kata from China to Okinawa. This DVD examines the wide range of close-range fighting techniques recorded within Seishan / Hangetsu.

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Bunkai-Jutsu: Practical Kata Applications Volume 5 - Chinto / Gankaku

'Bunkai-Jutsu' is the analysis of karate kata (forms) and their application in real combat. The fighting applications of kata is one of the most fascinating - and sadly misunderstood - aspects of karate practice. These DVDs are a must for anyone who wishes to practice karate as a complete and practical fighting art, regardless of style.

Volume 5 covers the applications of Chinto / Gankaku kata. The kata is named after a Chinese martial artist and sailor who became shipwrecked on Okinawa during the 1800s. Chinto eventually taught his fighting methods to Bushi Matsumura: a legendary karate master and the chief bodyguard to three Okinawan kings. It is Matsumura who is credited with creating this kata to record Chinto's fighting methods. This kata is also widely known as Gankaku (crane on a rock) in reference to some of the distinctive postures the kata contains. This DVD examines the wide-range of close-range strikes, locks, throws, strangles, chokes, cranks and escapes recorded within Chinto / Gankaku.

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Iain Abernethy Martial Arts Drills: Interactive Solo Training!

This DVD is revolutionary! So much more that your standard martial arts training DVD, this unique training tool is fully interactive and can provide an huge variety of workouts to match your aims for any given session and your long term training goals. Designed to be of use to all styles and all levels, this DVD will help you develop a whole host of martial attributes on the days where you don't have a training partner or can't make it to the gym or dojo.

No equipment is required other than your player, its remote, and a little space. The DVD is constructed such that Iain will ask you to make selections from the onscreen menus as he guides you through each workout. It is therefore totally up to you what each workout consists of, how hard it is, and how long it is! This one of a kind DVD contains all the timers, counters, instruction and motivation you need for a fun and productive solo training session!

Important: This DVD is only available in PAL Format

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Kata-Based-Sparring

Kata and sparring are two essential elements of karate. The kata were created to record the techniques, concepts and methodology that the past masters used in civilian combat. However, in many modern Dojos sparring is now entirely based on the rules of competitive karate and therefore has little in common with the principles of traditional kata or the needs of self-protection.

In this unique DVD, karate expert lain Abernethy returns to a traditional approach to sparring, with the kata as its foundation. Learn the building blocks of lain's kata-based-sparring concept through the numerous live drills shown on this DVD, and gain the confidence and ability to apply the combative methods of the kata when it really counts.

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The Seminars Volume 1 

This double disk set is the first in a series of DVDs recording the seminars of Iain Abernethy 5th Dan. This DVD features Iain's seminar at the first 'Yin and Yang of Karate' event (January 2005). This very popular and well attended seminar included discussions and instruction on the following topics: Karate as a self-protection system, no first attack in karate?, pre-emptive striking from a traditional perspective, the role of 'guards', the basics of limb-control, drills, cross-training and karate, the role of ground-work in karate and self-protection, developing the correct mindset for combat, and more!

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The Seminars Volume 2

This is the 2nd in a series of DVDs recording the practical karate & kata application seminars of Iain Abernethy 5th Dan. At this very popular seminar Iain gave detailed instruction on the following topics: The real life limitations of blocking, what to do if you're getting hit, how to use 'knife-hand block' to open an opponent up for strikes, the application of the 'pulling hand', using 'rising block' as a strike, counter and takedown, basic seizing and clinching skills, how to apply 'x-block' from a clinch in order to choke out an opponent, 'x-block' as a takedown and wristlock, the opening move of Naihanchi / Tekki as a highly-effective neck crank, and many more eye-opening applications! This Double Disk Set also provides full instruction on a limb-control drill hidden within Pinan Nidan / Heian Shodan and concludes with one of Iain's infamous 'will-drills'.

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The Masters Seminar: Seminars Vol. 3

This DVD records Iain's teaching at the Summersdale Master's Seminar in August 2005. This landmark seminar saw some of the UK's leading martial artists - from a variety of differing arts and styles - teach together for the very first time.

On this DVD you'll get to see Iain Abernethy 5th dan Karate (BCA & EKGB) teach a detailed session on covering and clinching. These vitally important close-range skills are a must for all martial artists, regardless of style or system.

Aside from the simplicity of the techniques themselves, what is remarkable is that Iain clearly shows how the techniques taught are found within Naihanchi / Tekki kata! This aspect of Iain's teaching enthralled both karateka and non-karateka alike. No other DVD on the market shows how Naihanchi / Tekki records all aspects of fighting from a clinch. Indeed, this aspect of the kata has never even been previously presented in Iain's own works!

The techniques shown include covering, clinching, taking away the opponent's weapons, escaping from the clinch, striking from a clinch, countering an opponent's grip and more! All aspects of clinch fighting are covered and this DVD is a must watch for any martial artist wishing to enhance their understanding close-range combat.

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Karate Joint Locks - Volume 1: Elbow-Locks

In modern times karate is most frequently practised as a limited mid- to long-range striking only system. However, it wasn't always that way! Originally karate was a holistic fighting system that covered all ranges and all martial aspects.

Through studying these DVDs karateka will learn where joint-locks are recorded within the traditional kata, and also how they can expand upon the examples of the kata to yet further develop their knowledge.

This volume covers elbow-locks and shows how the elbow can be attacked and manipulated from both a standing position and from on the floor.

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Karate Joint Locks - Volume 2: Shoulder-Locks & Neck-Cranks

In modern times karate is most frequently practised as a limited mid- to long-range striking only system. However, it wasn't always that way! Originally karate was a holistic fighting system that covered all ranges and all martial aspects.

Through studying these DVDs karateka will learn where joint-locks are recorded within the traditional kata, and also how they can expand upon the examples of the kata to yet further develop their knowledge.

This volume covers both shoulder-locks and neck-cranks. This DVD shows how the shoulder and neck can be locked - both whilst standing and on the floor - and also how the joints can be manipulated to manoeuvre an opponent and take them off their feet.

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Karate Joint Locks - Volume 3: Wrist-Locks & Leg-Locks

In modern times karate is most frequently practised as a limited mid- to long-range striking only system. However, it wasn't always that way! Originally karate was a holistic fighting system that covered all ranges and all martial aspects.

Through studying these DVDs karateka will learn where joint-locks are recorded within the traditional kata, and also how they can expand upon the examples of the kata to yet further develop their knowledge.

This volume covers both Wrist-Locks & Leg-Locks and shows numerous ways to manipulate and lock the wrists, ankles, knees and hips, both from a standing position and from on the floor.

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Applied Karate Volume 1: Punches, Hand-Strikes and Limb-Control

Applied Karate Volume 1 includes detailed instruction on: close-range punching, power generation, the practical reason for the hands coming to the hip, the frequently misunderstood and ignored lessons of kata, the role of a 'guard' (where should the hands be held?), bringing underused karate punching techniques back onto the syllabus, the use of open-hand strikes, the use of impact equipment, combination punching, controlling the opponent's limbs to create openings, freeing your limbs from an opponent's grip, punching drills, and more!

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Applied Karate Volume 2: Kicking, Defending, and the Real Use of 'Blocks'

Applied Karate Volume 2 includes detailed instruction on: the impractical nature of blocking at close-range; the 'hidden' practical use of 'blocks' such as rising-block, lower-block, knife-hand-block, inner-block and outer block (key techniques for understanding kata); defending, parrying and covering up; the dangers of kicking and how to effectively apply karate's kicking techniques; etc.

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Applied Karate Volume 3: Close-Range Control and Close-Range Strikes

Applied Karate Volume 3 includes detailed instruction on: making karate work at close-range, controlling the opponent at close-range, the grips and holds needed to make kata techniques work, fighting from a clinch, ways to counter an opponent's grip, limiting the opponent's striking possibilities whilst increasing your own, close-range strikes, kneeing techniques, elbows, head butts, and more!

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Karate's Grappling Methods - Volume 1

See the Karate katas brought to life with this professionally produced DVD. The Karate's Grappling Methods DVDs provide in-depth instruction on the highly effective close-range techniques and concepts recorded within the karate katas.

Volume one covers the application of a wide range of kata techniques and principles relating to close-range strikes, neck-cranks, arm-locks, wrist-locks and leg-locks.

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Karate's Grappling Methods - Volume 2

See the Karate katas brought to life with this professionally produced DVD. The Karate's Grappling Methods DVDs provide in-depth instruction on the highly effective close-range techniques and concepts recorded within the karate katas.

Volume two covers throws & takedowns, chokes & strangles, finger-locks, ground-fighting holds, keeping it simple, nerve points and live kata-based sparring.

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Combat Drills: from Form to Function

This DVD presents 20 two-person combat drills which are designed to cover all ranges of fighting in a fluid and pragmatic way. These drills are suitable for all martial artists who understand the importance of possessing skills at all ranges and the need to be able to flow from one technique to the next whilst maintaining dominance over an opponent.

The drills shown on this program include numerous applications from many different katas (forms). For those martial artists who practice forms, these drills will aid in the progression from Form to Function and may be used as an alternative to classical one-step practise

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Do you want to Join Iain's international group? Find more information here: http://iainabernethy.co.uk/news/world-combat-assocation-live-video / http://worldcombatassociation.com

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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

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