Contents:

 

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1 - New Podcast: Banned Methods!

WARNING: This podcast discusses the use of banned techniques in real world violence. It therefore may not be suitable for younger and more sensitive listeners.

In this edition of the podcast we discuss “banned techniques”. This is a topic I’ve wanted to cover for a while as I personally feel there are many myths and illogical statements presented as “accepted truth” within the various sub-sections of the martial arts.

We start by analysing the prohibited actions of MMA and draw out a list of the techniques banned on safety grounds. We then look at each of these techniques in turn and ask how effective they would be in self-protection and when used against a trained fighter. We also ask how effective the banned methods are when compared to legal methods, and if we realistically need to worry about using these methods and making our enemy mad as a result (as has been suggested by some).

The podcast also discusses the “rules paradox” which suggests that prohibiting certain methods permits more vigorous live practise, and that such practise can develop attributes that are more effective than the “dangerous” techniques that have been prohibited.

While not the main thread of this podcast, we also touch on some of the differences between consensual combat sports and non-consensual criminal violence.

It’s a nuanced topic with lots of avenues to explore!

Agree or disagree, I hope you find this an interesting and entertaining listen.

Thank you for the support of the podcasts!

All the best,

Iain

 

 

Listen to the podcast on this webpage: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/banned-methods

 

Listen to Iain Abernethy's Podcasts on Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/iain-abernethy-practical-application/id393104872#

 

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2 - Five New Applied Karate Videos!

 

1 - Some Karate Gripping

In this video we look at some karate gripping, including bunkai from Gojushiho, Chinte and Gankaku / Chinto. Although the grappling side of karate is not as widely practised as it once was, it is once considered to be a fundamental part of the art. Indeed it is impossible to understand the nature of kata without understanding the grappling methods contained within them.

In the 1935 book “Karate-Do Kyohan” Gichin Funakoshi – who is often referred to as “The Father of Modern Karate” – wrote “In karate, hitting, thrusting, and kicking are not the only methods, throwing techniques and pressure against joints are included … all these techniques should be studied referring to basic kata”.

There is no doubt these locks and throws fell out of favour though and concern about with was expressed by Kenwa Mabuni (founder of Shito-Ryu Karate) in 1938:

“The karate that has been introduced to Tokyo is actually just a part of the whole. The fact that those who have learnt karate there feel it only consists of kicks & punches, and that throws & locks are only to be found in judo or jujutsu, can only be put down to a lack of understanding … Those who are thinking of the future of karate should have an open mind and strive to study the complete art.”

Sadly Mabuni’s warning fell on deaf ears and grapping did indeed fall out of favour as karate evolved into a “partial art”. However, the grappling methods were apparent in the kata and recorded in the writings of the past masters. Even in the 1960s and 1970s we see people being encouraged to go back to a more holistic and traditional form of karate.

Shigeru Egami, in his 1975 book “The Heart of Karate-do” wrote about the neglect of karate's grappling methods. Egami wrote, “There are also throwing techniques in karate… Throwing techniques were practised in my day, and I recommend that you reconsider them”. Another relatively recent book that makes reference to karate grappling is H.D. Plee's 1967 book “Karate: Beginner to Black Belt”. In the book, Plee – who was one of the pioneers of karate in Europe – wrote "One must not lose sight of the fact that karate is "all-in" fighting. Everything is allowed … This is why karate is based on blows delivered with the hand, the foot, the head or the knee. Equally permissible are strangulations, throwing techniques and locks.”

It seems that the time is now right for a return to the karate of the past. More and more people are seeing the many benefits of returning to a more holistic version of karate. The older version is more logical, effective and satisfying to practice.

Of course, online videos are no substitute for hands on instruction. It also needs to be remembered that a short video can’t capture the totality of a full day of training. Nevertheless I hope this short clip if of interest and encourages people of find out more.

http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/some-karate-gripping

 

 

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2 - How Pinan Shodan (Heian Nidan) teaches us to get past our enemy's defences

This video briefly summarises how Pinan Shodan (Heian Nidan) teaches us to get past our enemy’s defences so we can strike the jaw and neck to knockout our enemy. The video shows how we progress from solo-form (kata) to application (bunkai) to flow-drill and then to free-drill.

The final free flowing drill helps us develop the ability to automatically get past the enemy’s attempts to defend their vulnerable areas – in accordance with the teachings of the kata – so we can deliver decisive strikes. The drill aims to isolate that specific skill set so that those methods and concepts can be applied as a matter of subconscious action in more open live drills, and from there in actual conflict.

It must always be remembered that kata, bunkai and flow-drills, while vitally important, are not enough without the live practise of the methods and principles encapsulated by the kata. It is vital we have many differing types of live drills in order to isolate specific skills; and then give those skills free reign in live drills which seek to mimic the totality of self-defence situations.

As is always the case with short videos such as this, the uninitiated are not going to be able to understand how the methods shown in the video fit into the wider training matrix. A five minute video is no subsite for hands on instruction. It is therefore important to remember this clip is simply bullet points from a much more in-depth program of training. I nevertheless hope you find it of interest.

http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/how-pinan-shodan-heian-nidan-teaches-us-get-past-our-enemys-defences

 

 

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3- Pinan / Heian Sandan Two-Person Flow Drill

This video shows a two-person bunkai flow-drill for Pinan / Heian Sandan. The video is a short summary of several hours of practise and therefore it should not be viewed as an “instructional clip”.

The flow-drill shown puts several piece of bunkai from Pinan / Heian Sandan end to end in the same order they appear in the kata. It is but one form of practise and the bunkai also needs to be drilled live (Kata-Based-Sparring), individually, and in alternate sequences. A four minute video can obviously not convey the entirety of a training regimen.

The opening part of the drill shows the “soto-uke” (#) and “double blocks” as attacks to the enemy’s elbow joint. The arm is then redirected over the top of your head (soto-uke to the front) before a slam across the chest and winding throw (nuki-te and turn).

For the sake of the drill, the enemy is able to resist the winding throw so a grip is established. The next part of the kata we use is the head-lock (turn and hands on hips) before executing a “cross-buttocks throw” (commonly mislabelled as a “forearm block”). We then release and punch (as the kata does following the third of the throws) before executing a hip throw (turn with “rear elbow and punch”).

The basic drill for the last sequence has us go straight for the hip throw. To avoid repetition we first assume a side grip in this longer drill. This is more realistic as it is easier to get the hip throw from this position than it is from directly in front (although both are possible and should be practised).

If you wish to have the component parts of this drill explained in more depth please watch “The Pinan / Heian Series: The Complete Fighting System Volume 1” which is available from iainabernethy.com as a DVD or download.

The drill is shown here on one side, but it should obviously be drilled on both sides

http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/pinan-heian-sandan-two-person-flow-drill

 

 

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4 - Chinto / Gankaku Drill

In this video we quickly show a flow drill for the first part of Chinto / Gankaku kata. It was filmed at an event in the UK in February, 2016. What is shown in this clip is not the instruction that the group received (over some hours) but is a very quick summary of what had been covered. This is therefore not an instructional video.

This drill should also not be thought of as THE way to drill the bunkai; instead it is one of many ways that fit into a wider training matrix. This particular type of drill is good for time efficient practice and as a complementary drill to be done alongside practise of the solo-form. On it’s own it is not enough because the methods should also be done singularly, in alternate order, should be varied in line with underlying principles, and included in unscripted live drills (kata based sparring).

IMPORTANT: All martial arts techniques are potentially dangerous and must only be practiced under the supervision of a suitably qualified and experienced person.

http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/chinto-gankaku-drill-video

 

 

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5 - Matsukaze bunkai opening sequence

This video shows a small amount of Matsukaze bunkai. The sequence covered is the first few moves of the kata. This footage was filmed at a four day residential course where we explored more of the kata. This clip is therefore an incomplete snapshot and needs to be watched on that understanding.

We can see many common kata bunkai principles at play in this sequence i.e. the angle in the kata representing the angle we assume relative to the enemy, the stance adding bodyweight to the motion, the use of both hands, the kata addressing where to flow to should a motion fail, and so on.

http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/matsukaze-bunkai-opening-sequence-video
 

 

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3 - Upcoming Iain Abernethy Seminars (Germany, USA, Norway, Canada, UK, etc)

 

Below you can find details of the open seminars that are taking place in the next few months. I look forward to seeing you at an event near you and if you have any questions about them, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

 

Seminar in Watford
Date: Saturday the 12th of March 2016
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-watford

 

Seminar in Chesterfield
Date: Sunday the 13th of March 2016
For more details please follow this link: http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-chesterfield

 

Iain Abernethy and Don Came seminar in Eastbourne
Date: 19th of March 2016
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/iain-abernethy-and-don-came-seminar

 

Seminar in New Jersey, USA
Date: 1st to the 3rd of April 2016
For more details please follow this link: http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-new-jersey-usa

 

Seminar in Whitby
Date: 9th of April 2016
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-whitby

Peter Consterdine and Iain Abernethy’s Combat Karate Course
Date: 10th of April 2016
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/peter-consterdine-and-iain-abernethy-combat-karate-course

Seminar in Norway
Date: 16th to the 17th of April 2016
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-norway

Seminar in Birmingham
Date: 24th April 2016
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-birmingham-0

Seminar in Cardiff, Wales
Date: 30th of April 2016
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-cardiff-wales-0

Seminar in Achim, Germany
Date: 7th and 8th of May 2016
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-achim-germany-0

Seminar in Meckenheim, Germany
Date: 21st of May 2016
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-meckenheim-germany

Seminar in Winnipeg, Canada
Date: 4th and 5th of June 2016
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-winnipeg-canada

Seminar in Dorking, Surrey
Date: 12th of June 2016
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-dorking-surrey

Seminar in Stuttgart, Germany
Date: 18th and 19th of June 2016
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-stuttgart-germany-3 

Seminar in Montrose, Scotland
Date: 26th of June 2016
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-montrose-scotland-3

Seminar in Bradford
Date: 10th of July 2016
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-bradford-1

Seminar in Watertown, Connecticut, USA
Date: 29th - 31st of July 2016
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-watertown-connecticut-usa-0
 

 

Please visit this webpage for details of seminars later on in the year: http://iainabernethy.co.uk/seminar-dates 

To organise a seminar for your club, write to seminars@iainabernethy.com
 

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4 - Peter Consterdine and Iain Abernethy’s Combat Karate Course - Sunday 10th April
 

For everyone who has been waiting to know where the course is being held, the Dojo address is;

The British Combat Academy, 25 Wakefield Commercial Park, Bridge Road, Horbury, W.Yorks, WF4 5NW

As a reminder, Iain and I will be covering the dynamics of impact development, explosive speed and transitions, together with a range of Bunkai and the strategies and tactics for both street and competition combat. As many of you know the dynamics of the combat system we teach is relevant to, and can be applied to, any Karate style, or combative martial art - whatever the emphasis.

We will also be covering takedowns from kicking defence, and Pre-1940‘s Karate throws and takedowns (now largely forgotten), and ‘limb-control drills as found in traditional Kata. All these techniques fit with any combat or competition discipline.

This is a course that will appeal to both the traditionalist as well as the more practical oriented Karateka, Kickboxers and modern combative instructors.

The cost is;

Non-member of the Combat Group (BCA/BCKA/WCA) – £75

Group member - £65

NB. For every 5 members enrolled from a club the Instructor goes free.

The doors open at 0900 for registration with the course commencing at 1000 and we will be running through to around 1530, so a long day.

Bring refreshment and lunch and with regard to equipment and clothing, for Karateka we will be training in Gi, but anyone from a Kickboxing background shorts or training bottoms are fine.
 

If you have registered an interest or want to attend please telephone (01924 266016) or email the office (info@britishcombat.co.uk) and we will ensure you have a place.

Regards

Peter Consterdine 9th Dan Karate

World Combat Association

British Combat Association

British Combat Karate Association

Office: 01924 266016 email: info@britishcombat.co.uk

 

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5 - Craig Stuart becomes the first person in Australia to complete Combat Coach Programme to Instructor Level!
 

Craig Stuart becomes the first person in Australia to complete Combat Coach Programme to Instructor Level!

Craig’s Thoughts:

“I had been considering for a long time to sign up for the Self-Defence Award and Self Defence Instructor courses but distance had always been an obstacle. I thought I would be too far away to benefit from this type of instruction. Once my wife had bought the course for my birthday, how wrong was I!

The course is well written and there is plenty of information within each unit. I had set a timeframe for myself to complete the course and although I didn’t stick to it, Iain was very patient with me.

Writing and researching the information for the papers helped me understand the subject even more.

Each subject was thoroughly read and all my questions answered so I was well versed before I moved on. I cannot recommend the course enough. Iain was a very helpful tutor and without his guidance I would not have achieved as much as I did.”

Learn more about the program via this link: http://iainabernethy.co.uk/news/combat-coach-programme-iain-abernethy-and-peter-consterdine
 

 

 

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6 - Jesse Enkamp Seminar in Scotland

 

On the 25^th and 26^th of June 2016, Jesse Enkamp is teaching in Scotland!

 

More details via this link: https://m.facebook.com/events/148245925533232?ref=m_notif¬if_t=plan_edited&actorid=119518074727894

 

 

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7 - The Unequal Equalizer by John Johnston
 

The “Unequal Equalizer” was a phrase I first heard over 40 years ago. It was used by my old Sensei, Richard Jackson to illustrate how within a well structured Karate class, everybody has the same opportunity to perform at their highest level.

It is still true today, especially in regard to people with disabilities.

Having recently attended two championships for people with disabilities, The British Open at Stoke-Mandeville and The European Championships in San Sebastian, Spain. More than ever I think I begin to understand that phrase.

The style of the championships isn’t that of the usual Karate / martial arts competition, far from it in fact. It differs in so many ways and for me it like a breath of fresh air. The athletes are not pitted against one and other in an arena to see who is the strongest, fastest and most skilled. Their challenge is to demonstrate their ability. There are so many categories for people with disabilities that you could not hold a standard tournament, nor do I think you would want to. It would be unfair to all involved, participants, officials and spectators.

Let me try to give you a flavour of the events.

You may see Kata being performed by wheelchair users. This ranges from novice to higher grades, or you may see self defence demonstrated from a wheelchair …

Read the full article here: http://www.adaptivekarate.com/2016/01/the-unequal-equalizer-by-john-johnston/
 

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8 - The new Seishin Kit Bag!

 

Message from Iain: Just got myself a new kit bag! The old carrier bag was looking “less than professional” :-) A very cleverly designed bag which appeals to me as someone who likes his gadgets. Very functional with lots of pockets and straps!

 

http://www.martialartskit.com/brands/seishin/seishin-bag/

The Seishin Bag is here – and it has been worth the wait!

Available now at Martial Arts Kit!

Karate is more than a sport. It's a way of life.

The Seishin Bag has been brought to us by the renowned Seishin brand and it provides a seamless transition between dojo, work and leisure. Its timeless design merges traditional quality with modern details.

A medium sized bad with lots of room for your everyday training needs and a specially designed oversized zipper to provide ease of use, convenient access and a stylish look.

Packed with great features such as inside mesh pockets, straps across the top for additional storage of your equipment and hidden optional straps on the back to transform the bag inso a rugged rucksack!

This is the kit bag you will DEFINITELY want to have!

Includes main compartment, inner mesh pocket & 2 side pockets.

3 unique ways to carry: rucksack, shoulder strap & classical handles.

Made of faux leather with Seishin logo & embroidery on both sides

Double straps on top for securing & ventilating protective gear.

Top quality tested SBS zipper opens and closes the Seishin bag.

The perfect companion for your Seishin gi and belts!

 

 

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9 – Mark Boner Seminar
 

On the 24th of April 2016 I will be teaching an open Seminar on the defensive & counter offensive applications of Naihanchi kata, with influence from Fujian White Crane Kung Fu. The seminar will take place at my dojo at: Serbian Orthodox church, Heap Street, Boothtown, Halifax. HX3 6JE The session will start at 10am - 2pm, and costs £10 pp for the four hours training. The session will begin with pad drills & two person exercises which will inform the close quarter applications which follow. The aim of the seminar will be to focus on receiving the opponents energy (Uke Waza) to instinctively apply a practical response to HAOPV based around the combative principles as taught in Naihanchi. My hope is that each attendee will leave the session with the knowledge & knowhow to truly apply their karate in response to unscripted attacks of the most likely HAOPV & their continuations. If you are interested in coming to the seminar please contact me either on this forum or by PM, or via email to : jikokaizenkoryukarate@gmail.com
 

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10 - The World Combat Association

 

Iain’s Introduction To The WCA

The exponential growth in those returning to practicing the martial arts in a practical way means that there is now a pressing need for a global dedicated association so practitioners of applied martial arts can band together for the benefit of both the arts and themselves.

The bodies set up to promote sporting offshoots or a particular style or methodology – as useful as they can be for their members – do little to promote and enhance what we see as an extremely important aspect of the martial arts.

An open and inclusive worldwide association is needed for pragmatic traditionalists and practitioners of functional martial arts. The World Combat Association (WCA) fulfils this need!

Many martial arts bodies have a recurring bad habit of trying to limit the freedom of their members and hence the WCA aims promote and enhance the wide variety of pragmatic approaches without imposing unnecessary limits upon people.

The WCA will wholly dedicated to the promotion and furtherance of applied martial arts. Your standard association will typically deal with things like insurance, providing representatives for competitions etc. That is not the role of the WCA.

The WCA has been set up to be an independent association of likeminded individuals who believe that applied martial arts needs a body to address the specific issues associated with our pragmatic approaches ....
 

Read more: http://worldcombatassociation.com/?page_id=230

 

WCA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorldCombatAssociation

 

WCA on Twitter: https://twitter.com/worldcombatassn