Contents:

 

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1 - New Podcast: Karate 3.0

In this podcast I discuss the future of karate. While some like to think that “traditional karate” is an unchanging entity; a quick look at the history shows us that is totally untrue. Karate has never stopped evolving and changing. Indeed, the past masters recognised and encouraged this. In his book, “karate-do: my way of life”, Gichin Funakoshi wrote:

 

“Times change, the world changes, and obviously the martial arts must change too. The karate that high school students practise today is not the same karate that was practised even are recently as ten years ago, and it is a long way indeed from the karate I learned when I was a child in Okinawa”.

 

While Funakoshi did not use modern computer terminology to reflect this ceaseless evolution, he would certainly recognise the sentiment that there are many versions of karate; with each building on what went before.

 

In the podcast I discuss what I feel have been the two main types of karate that have gone before, the history of their development and passing, and what I feel the karate of the future needs to look like if the art we love is to thrive.

 

The core of the podcast looks at the key components of Karate 3.0 and includes discussions on modern bunkai, practicality, context, styles, karate for life, karate myths, the role of sensei, and more besides.

 

I hope you enjoy it!

 

View the video and Listen to the podcast on this webpage: http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/karate-30

 

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

 

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2 – The New Applied Karate / Kata Bunkai App!

 

Thanks to all for the great start!

 

More here: http://iainabernethy.co.uk/iain-abernethys-applied-karate-kata-bunkai-app

 

In partnership with BudoCode™, we have created the “Iain Abernethy Applied Karate App” for your iOS & Android smartphones and tablets. What this means is that you can have masses of applied karate / kata bunkai information at your fingertips! I update the app each week with new material, and it is suitable for all karate practitioners; irrespective of style. The app gives access to many hours of video on the following topics:

Weekly Info from Iain

Core Kata Concepts

Impact and Pad Drills

Exclusive Seminar Footage

Karate Throws, Locks and Ground Drills

And LOADS of kata bunkai instruction!

So far we have videos on the following kata: The Pinan / Heian Series, Naihanchi (Tekki), Passai (Bassai-Dai), Kushanku (Kanku-Dai), Chinto (Gankaku), Seipai, Seienchin, Wanshu (Enpi), Gojushiho, Kururunfa, Jion, Jitte, Chinte, Gekisai-Dai, and more!

 

There is many hours of footage on the app that you cannot find anywhere else! We are also adding new and exclusive content all the time! You don’t want to miss out on what is sure to be the world's most in-depth practical karate / kata bunkai electronic encyclopaedia!

 

To learn more please visit this webpage where you can watch a video explaining it all:

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/iain-abernethys-applied-karate-kata-bunkai-app
 

NOTE: Monday’s App Update will include an exclusive video on advanced bunkai and drills for Chinto / Gankaku!

Subscribe so you don’t miss it and all the other great stuff coming soon!

 

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How to get the App:

1) Download the app to your phone or tablet from the app store by searching “Iain Abernethy”

2) Make an account on the following webpage to get your free three-day trial!

https://www.budocode.com/Account/RegisterNewUser?appName=Iain%20Abernethys%20Applied%20Karate

3) After your trial period, you can continue to have access to this ever-growing database for just $8.99 USD per month. KinApptech™ (the parent company of BudoCode™) will take payments and you can cancel at any time at www.budocode.com
 

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I want to use the app to develop a strong online community. Subscribers are strongly encouraged to email me (iain@iainabernethy.com) and let me know what topics they want to see explored in the app. I will then endeavour to address these requests in the weekly videos updates!

Go download the app, visit the sign up page to open your account, and then start exploring all the content! See you in the app soon!
 

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Content questions for subscribers: iain@iainabernethy.com

Technical questions for subscribers: https://www.budocode.com/Home/Contactus / Direct Email: help@kinapptech.com
 

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POWERED BY BUDOCODE™:

The simple way to have an curriculum & engagement mobile app for your students! https://www.budocode.com/
External Links icon

BudoCode™ is a mobile curriculum delivery system developed by KinAppTech for smartphone and tablet users who practice various disciplines of martial arts. Christopher Folmar, one of the co-founders of KinAppTech, made his career by developing and marketing mobile technology solutions. He is also a martial arts instructor and school owner with over 35 years of experience in multiple combative systems. His vision for BudoCode™ is to make learning martial arts more efficient, effective and fun.

KinAppTech is a start-up mobile application services company focused on providing curriculum management platforms for the sports training & recreational activity market. Its mission is to encourage people to continually improve their physical skills, mental performance, and overall health through motion-based exercise study programs.

KinAppTech is the DBA for Kinetic Application Technologies, LLC

More Info: https://www.budocode.com/

 

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3 – Sixteen New Applied Karate Videos!

1) Naihanchi Crash and Crank
 

This video looks at the opening motion of Naihanchi kata (and quite a few others) where the hands come up and pivot down. The first arm motion represents a “cover and crash” to be applied if the initiative has been lost and the enemy is raining down strikes. We then clinch so that the enemy’s ability to rotate, and hence generate power, is limited. This buys us a moment to get back into the fight and regain the initiative. The first option the kata then gives us is to apply a neck crank in order to escape (the downward arm motion). In some versions of the kata this movement is followed by the head turning right then left. This represents an option should the crank fail: we can grind the head left or right to stop potential head-butts or bites. Sometimes the kata is telling us to do “A” and “B”; other times it is telling us to do “A” or “B”. In this case we have an “or” and not an “and”. This video is a short clip from a seminar in Meckenheim, Germany in May 2016. As with all such clips, it can’t cover all of what was covered, or how this short clip fits into the wider training methodology. I nevertheless hope you find it interesting.
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/naihanchi-crash-and-crank-video


2) Cup and Saucer position from Bassai and Kushanku / Kanku-Dai
 

This video looks at the “Cup & Saucer” hand position found in Passai / Bassai-Dai & Kushanku / Kanku-Dai. The purpose of the moment is to locate the enemy’s head by following the arm back to the target. While the hand and arm are very mobile, the head is always right next to the shoulder. We can therefore locate the head, in the chaos of conflict, by following in the arm back to the head. For this method, the hand (fist or palm depending on style) is then placed on the head so a direct feel for the enemy’s head is established. The main strike is then delivered. Kushanku – the martial artist the kata is named after (later renamed to Kanku-Dai in Shotokan karate) – is said to have come from China to Okinawa in the 1750s with other military personal at the request of Okinawa’s king. There is a document called ‘Oshima Hikki’ (Note of Oshima). This document details a ship running ashore in Oshima bay and includes interviews with the crew of that ship. In one of these interviews the captain of the ship tells of an impressive grappling demonstration he witnessed that was given by Kushanku. The interview tells us that Kushanku was not a physically strong man and yet he defeated much stronger opponents with ease. We are also told that his methods involved placing one hand on the opponent whilst striking with the other hand. We can obviously see this method here. It would seem that Tode Sakugawa – the creator of the kata and a student of Kushanku – recorded the method observed by the ship’s captain in the kata. This short clip was taken from a two-day event in Germany in May 2016. The clip therefore does not cover how this method fits into a wider approach. I nevertheless hope this short clip is of some interest.
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/cup-and-saucer-position-bassai-and-kushanku-kanku-dai-video


3) Drill for the Start of Kushanku / Kanku-Dai
 

This short clip is a recap of the “Kushanku 1 Drill” (Kanku-Dai 1) that we covered during a seminar in Canada in June 2016. It is not a “technique” to be applied “as is” but a drill to permit the quick practise of the limb-control methods of the kata. These methods must also be drilled individually, in alternate ways and in live drills. This short clip cannot convey the entirety of what was covered at the event, nor can it show how the drill fits into the wider training methodology. The opening “wedge” is also a technique found in the Bubishi where it is referred to as “Two Dragons Playing in the Water”. The text accompanying the illustration is as follows:
“The first person comes in with both hands together overhead for an attack from above, like two dragons playing the water, this man will win."
“The second person uses only one arm, like a single handed golden lion, but with only the strength of one arm against two, this man will lose.”
We then angle off to the side, away from the uncontrolled arm – which side we move to will depend upon which arm is uncontrolled and what we feel when our arms part – the left / right of the kata is therefore communicating that option. It should be remembered that the angle in the kata is never telling us the angle the enemy is attacking from (as is commonly supposed), but instead it is telling us the angle we should be at relative to the enemy. This is explained in Kenwa Mabuni’s 1938 book, Karate-do Nyumon (not to be confused with Gichin Funakoshi’s similarly titled book). Immediately after that, we practise using the arm to locate the head. In the ‘Oshima Hikki’ (Note of Oshima) – a document recalling a ship running ashore – there is an interview with the captain of the ship, who was witness to a demonstration by Kushanku the military official (who taught Tode Sakugawa, who in turn made the kata) where we are told that part of Kushanku’s fighting style was placing one hand on the enemy whilst striking with the other hand. We can obviously see this at this point in the kata. There then follows a series of motions that show how the elbow can be manipulated to cause a reaction. We then conclude the drill by moving behind the enemy (which is why the solo-kata turns behind in order to show the relative position) and taking the other person to the floor. This is a very quick summary of the drill for those who had already learnt it. This video is therefore not instructional in nature. I nevertheless hope you find it of some interest.
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/drill-start-kushanku-kanku-dai


4) Some Karate Throws
 

In this video you can see a quick summation of a number of karate throws. This summary was for people at a gathering in the UK in June 2016. We had previously spent quite a bit of time on the associated gripping skills, but that is not covered in this clip. The throws had been previously taught in some depth to those present and hence this quick recap should not be considered to be instructional in nature. In the 1935 book Karate-Do Kyohan, Gichin Funakoshi wrote “In karate, hitting, thrusting, and kicking are not the only methods, throwing techniques and pressure against joints are included.” Sadly, this side of karate is not as widely practised today as it was in the past. Things are changing though and we see ever greater numbers returning to a more holistic and authentic karate. In this video you can see Funakoshi’s throws Byobudaoshi, Nodo-Osae & Kubi-Wa (variation) throws. We also look at one version of the Makikomi throw in Heian Sandan. Throwing is very much a secondary method in karate and preference is always given to the striking methods. It’s important to have knowledge of this side of karate too though if the art is not to be limited and one-dimensional. Although these throws can be used in fighting, for self-defence we need to be careful to keep our feet / regain them quickly, and use the throws as a means to facilitate escape; as opposed to gaining a dominate position for any ensuing groundwork (due to the risk posed by potential third parties).
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/some-karate-throws-video


5) Pinan / Heian Sandan Throw in Pad Drill
 

This video shows one of a number of bunkai-based pad drills that we covered at a seminar in Stuttgart, Germany in June 2016. These pad drills include various throws that can be found in the Pinan / Heian kata. This video looks at the hip-throw that can be found at the end of Pinan / Heian Sandan. While traditional karate includes many throws, karate is first and foremost a striking system. It is therefore important to practise the throws in a manner that is integrated with the core strikes. Drills like this can be a useful part of this side of karate practise. What is shown is a quick summary of the drill for attendees to film as an aid to memory for after the seminar. It only shows the first of a number of drills, and it is not instructional in nature. Seminar attendance is needed for detailed instruction in all these drills. I nevertheless hope what is shown is of interest.
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/pinan-heian-sandan-throw-pad-drill


6) Tekki-Shodan / Naihanchi Close-Range Striking Flow Drill
 

This video shows a bunkai flow drill for Naihanchi / Tekki-Shodan from the seminar in Stuttgart, Germany in June 2016. This one of many two-person drills that should accompany the solo form of the kata. The methods covered also need to be drilled singularly, in alternate orders, and in both semi-live and live ways if the kata is to be fully realised. Viewers of this clip also need to remember that they are watching a very short summary of what was taught; and therefore they need to guard against making incorrect assumptions based on their inevitably incomplete understanding. This drill is NOT a re-enactment of a fight, or a technique to be used “as is”, but instead it is simply one time-efficient way to practise certain elements of the kata. This is also not an instructional clip but a quick summary of the drill for attendees to film as an aid to memory for after the seminar. Those in attendance had been taught the drill, and how it should fit into wider training, in some depth. This clip is no substitute for being there and learning the drill first hand.
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/tekki-shodan-naihanchi-close-range-striking-flow-drill-video


7) Kururunfa Joint-Lock and Takedown
 

This short video shows the joint-lock / takedown found toward the end of Kururunfa kata. The motions that follow in the kata can be used to augment or reverse the lock (into an alternate lock) should this particular motion fail. The bunkai of those motions were covered at the event, but are not included in this short clip. Thank you for your support of these videos!
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/kururunfa-joint-lock-and-takedown


8) Chinte Start Bunkai
 

In this video we explore some of the bunkai of the kata Chinte (“Unusual Hands”); specifically, the opening sequence. The kata contains a number of hand positions not seen in more widely practised kata; hence the name. Punching into the hand is also not widely seen in other forms; however, the principle of using one hand to locate the target while the other strikes is a core old-school karate concept.
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/chinte-start-bunkai-video


9) Chinte Circles and Crane Stance Bunkai
 

In this video we explore some of the bunkai of the kata Chinte (“Unusual Hands”); specifically the circular arm motions followed by the double uchi-uke and “crane stance”. Throughout the kata we see a lot of attacking weak areas. This sequence sees a method of getting behind the enemy so a knee strike can be delivered to the tailbone (coccyx). As always, great care must be taken when practising such methods.
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/chinte-circles-and-crane-stance-bunkai-video


10) Chinte Two Finger Spear Hands (Nihon Nukite)
 

In this video we explore some of the bunkai of the kata Chinte (“Unusual Hands”); specifically the dropping middle-knuckle strikes, the rising nihon nukite (two finger spear hands) and the dropping nihon nukite. The kata contains a number of hand positions not seen in the more widely practised kata; hence the name. Despite the unusual look for the sequence in the solo form, it is really just a collection of attacks to weak areas from within a clinch. Although presented in a set sequence, they can be applied in any order.
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/chinte-two-finger-spear-hands-nihon-nukite


11) Chinte End Sequence
 

In this video we explore some of the bunkai of the kata Chinte (“Unusual Hands”); specifically the end of the kata from the “scissor punch” to the front (hasami zuki) to the hops at the end. While it is certainly possible to use the “Scissor Punch” motion as a strike when clinched, if the arms are pinned it can be difficult to generate impact. Therefore, in this clip – because we were working from a front bear hug – we make use of a henka-waza (variation) and use vibrating pressure with the middle knuckles to get the space to strike. If the enemy had gripped around the neck, such that the arms has more room to move, then strikes could be used to achieve the same effect and the sequence would be exactly as per the kata. It is only the Shotokan version of the kata that has the hops at the end. It is possible that the other versions have lost the hops, or that Shotokan added them to fulfil the dictate of the style that all kata must start and end at the same place (the “kiten”). Personally, I believe the latter is more likely. Nevertheless, those hops certainly have combative function as they can be used to shock load the elbow joint to aid the taking of the enemy to the floor. Although unlikely, it is even possible that this function is the reason the hops were chosen as the method to return to the kiten? Great care needs to be taken when practising this method.
http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/chinte-end-sequence-video


12) Getting Up From The Floor
 

In this video we look at the basics of getting back up from the floor i.e. you’ve been knocked down and the enemy is still standing. The methods shown can be found within the Bubishi, Mabuni’s writings, Funakoshi’s writings, and even some kata i.e. Unsu / Unshu. You are obviously working from a position of great disadvantage when applying such methods and hence their limitations should be recognised. However, they should be a part of karate practise (just as they were in the past) so they can be used should the karateka find themselves in such an unfortunate position. The Japanese proverb of “Even monkeys fall from trees” reminds us that no matter how skilled we may be on our feet, we can be knocked over (or even trip over obstacles) and therefore we need methods of protecting ourselves while we work to regain an upright position. As always, this is a short clip from a much larger set of instruction and by definition it will be incomplete. I nevertheless hope is of interest.
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/getting-floor-video


13) Pad Drill with Funakoshis Ude-Wa Throw
 

This videos shows a pad drill that incudes Funakoshi’s Ude-Wa (Morote Gari) Throw. It starts with a simple jab, cross before a lead hand hook is delivered as you simultaneously move to an angle. All three techniques should be delivered fluidly and without any gaps. For this drill, we want to “open up” for maximum power. Once the punching combination is delivered we switch to striking with the knee and elbows. There then follows the karate throw Ude-Wa (arm ring). To apply this throw, the shoulder hits the enemy’s centre of gravity, while the hands cup the back of the enemy’s knees to prevent them stepping backward and regaining their balance. There is no big lift or slam on this throw. To finish the dill, we quickly skip over the legs – so that the enemy can’t kick upward – and deliver two finishing blows before moving away. There are innumerable other ways to finish, but we wished to practise propping punches. The drill allows students to practise a number of striking methods and skills in a short period of time. Such drills are also enjoyable and beneficial.
Great care needs to be taken with practising such drills. They should never be practised unless you are under the close supervision of a suitably qualified and experienced person.
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/pad-drill-funakoshis-ude-wa-throw-video


14) Gekisai-Dai (Fukyugata-Ni) History and Bunkai
 

This video gives a very brief overview of the history and bunkai of Gekisai Dai Ichi (also known as Fukyugata Ni) and Gekisai Dai Ni. As with all such clips, this is a very short summation and hence it is impossible to cover all details and the wider training methodology. I nevertheless hope what is shown is of interest and that it encourages you to seek out further instruction.
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/gekisai-dai-fukyugata-ni-history-and-bunkai-video


15) Wanshu / Enpi Flow Drills
 

This videos looks at two flow drills for Wanshu / Enpi kata. The sequences covered are the “shifting knife-hand sequence” and the “double-palm-heels, lower-block, jump sequence”. We then put both flow drills end to end to create a longer flow drill. The throw in the kata (kata-guruma) has the recipient fall from shoulder height before they are jumped upon. This is obviously difficult to practise safely. We therefore varied the bunkai and executed a kneeling throw as opposed to a standing one. We also rotated (in a similar fashion to the kata) into a ground fighting hold, strangle and strikes; as an alternative to the jump. As well as being easier on the uke, this allows us to bring some other methods into the drill. The fact we are deliberately going to the floor would make that element of the drill more suited for fighting (one-on-one consensual violence) as opposed to self-protection (non-consensual violence where there is always the possibility of multiple enemies). I like to explore both elements as part of my karate; while being ever mindful of their differences. The drill contains striking, basic trapping, a throw, a ground-fighting hold, a choke and even a little footwork. It can therefore be a fun way to quickly practise some of the bunkai of Wanshu / Enpi. It is one of many drills with each seeking to develop differing aspects. This footage is from a seminar in Finland and it shows a quick summary of what had already been practised (so the students could film it as an aid to memory). It is therefore not instructional in nature. I nevertheless hope you find it interesting.
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/wanshu-enpi-flow-drills-video


16) Niseishi / Nijushiho Flow Drill
 

This video looks at flow drill for the sequence following the “double-block” towards the start of Niseishi / Nijushiho kata. This footage is from a seminar in Finland and it shows a quick summary of what had already been practised (so the students could film it as an aid to memory). It is therefore not instructional in nature. I nevertheless hope you find it interesting:
http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/niseishi-nijushiho-flow-drill-video
 

 

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4 - Upcoming Iain Abernethy Seminars

(Germany, USA, UK, Netherlands, Ireland, 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 Blairgowrie, Scotland

Date: 25th of September 2016

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-blairgowrie-scotland-2

 

Seminar in Swansea (now sold out)

Date: 9th of October 2016

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-swansea

 

Seminar in Frechen, Germany (with Christian Wedewardt)

Date:29^th and 30^th of October 2016

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-frechen-germany-christian-wedewardt

 

Seminar in Seattle, USA (just 4 places left!)

Date: 4^th to 6^th of November 2016

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-seattle-usa

 

Seminar in Chesterfield

Date: 13th of November 2016

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-chesterfield

 

Seminar in Swindon

Date: 20th of November 2016

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-swindon-6

 

Seminar in Augsburg, Germany

Date: 26^th and 27^th of November 2016

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-augsburg-germany

 

John Johnson (7th dan) and Iain Abernethy (6th dan) Seminar

Date: 3^rd of December 2016

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/john-johnson-7th-dan-and-iain-abernethy-6th-dan-seminar

 

Seminar in Chelmsford, Essex

Date: 4th of December 2016

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-chelmsford-essex-4

 

Seminar in Ballymena, Northern Ireland

Date: 10th of December 2016

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-ballymena-northern-ireland-1

 

Seminar in Thornton, Lancashire

Date: 18th of December 2016

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-thornton-lancashire-0

 

Seminar in Oldbury, West Midland

Date: 8^th of January 2017

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-oldbury-west-midlands

 

Seminar in the Netherlands

Date: 21^st and 22^nd of January 2017

Details are still being finalised. Watch this space and email chris@seinchin.nl

 

Seminar in Texas, USA

Date:27^th to the 29^th of January 2017

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-texas-usa

 

Seminar in Co. Mayo, Ireland

Date: 17th, 18th, and 19th of February 2017

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

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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5 - New Full Instructors under Iain Abernethy (USA, Germany, UK & Switzerland)

Over the last few months we have had people from Germany, UK, USA and Switzerland achieve instructor status! These are all experienced martial artists who have their own well established and effective approaches. The instructor programs I run are not about getting people to do exactly as I do, but to acknowledge that those who participate understand my general approach, and are people that I would recommend to others wanting to understand the workings of kata in combat. They are all good people who have worked hard, studied deeply, and who really know their stuff!

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/news/instructor-awards

Full Instructors from Germany

Maximilian Renna

Maximilian started Karate in 1981 at a „McDojo“. In 1989 he switched Dojo, and entered the German Karate Federation (DKV) where he had to restart again. Maximilian did a lot of competition up to international level, mostly kumite, up until June 2000, when he had a severe injury of the cervical spine - fractured two vertebrae at the German Championships in Berlin. He graded to 1st dan in 1997 and 2nd dan in 2000. Upon leaving competition karate, he has practised applied karate ever since. He is a Certified Karate Trainer Level A (highest level) with the DKV and the German Olympic Federation (DOSB). He has studied karate since he was 15, he has studied sports science and worked and trained in a lot of different sport settings, not only martial arts.

Ulf Meierkord

Ulf hold the rank of 2nd dan and practises karate for self-defence and places a heavy emphasis on bunkai. He also teaches self-defence to individuals and organisations. He also practises Krav Maga, Kali and Historical European Martial Arts.

Christian Brüchner

Christian Brüchner holds the rank of 4th dan in Shotokan and 3rd dan in Kobudo. He is also a certified trainer self-defence and violence prevention. You can learn more here: www.karate-esb.de

Sven Burkard

Sven Burkard, 5. Dan, started Karate in 1984 and I am an Instructor at the Sportivo Karate Dojo in Emden/Ostfriesland . I work as an instructor for Karate, violence prevention and self-protection at schools and other public institutions and in the DKV (german Karate association). He practices Shotokan Karate.

Axel Jörg

Axel Jörg is graded to 5th Dan Shotokan (German Karate Federation) and has practised karate since 1984. He is a member of MTV Winsen.

Willi Müller

Willi started karate in 1978. His first seminar with Iain was in 2012, and since then he has taken part in almost every seminar with Iain has conducted in Germany.

Heiko Jungbecker

Heiko Jungbecker (Germany) started his karate training in 1987 and practices also other martial arts for more than ten years now. Beside pragmatic Karate he mainly trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kali and Ju Jutsu. Heiko is an instructor since 1991 and teaches self-defence Karate at the Budo-Zentrum Meckenheim (near Bonn).

Peter J. Henkel

Peter Henkel (Germany) started his karate training in 1972 when the mainstream karate was traditional competition. During the last few years he began to really appreciate all "the heavenly glory“ (Bruce Lee) that exists outside of competitive karate. Peter prefers to teach Kihon with an immediate transfer to practical bunkai and sparring. He is an instructor in Grünwald near Munich and the sources of his teaching are kata and self-defence.

Carsten Schmitt

Carsten Schmitt has been practising Karate since more than 25 years and is holding a 3rd Dan in Shotokan Karate and a 4th Dan from the World Combat Association. After years of practise in Sports Karate as a competitor, coach and also in the organisation of tournaments he started investigating and practising the practical part of Karate.

Uwe Zeilke

Holds the rank of 4th dan in karate. He is an A-coach with the German Karate Federation (DKV).

Full Instructors from USA

Jay Herbst

Jay Herbst (known as Shihan Aki in his dojo) has been training in karate for over 46 years. He began at eleven years old by watching Bruce Lee movies, but found an actual Sensei a couple years later. His primary teacher is Grandmaster Timothy Brooks of the Hayashi Shito-Ryu lineage, and holds the rank of Go Dan in karate and Go Dan in Kobudo.  He and Master Joel Coffin ("Renshi Taka") run Kobushi Dojo in Fort Myers, Florida, USA, where they teach traditional Shito-Ryu karate, Kobudo, bunkai-based self-defense, and sport karate (KobushiDojo.com).

Full Instructors from UK

Doug Connell

Shogun Practical Karate is based in South Herts/Middlesex area and its main focus (as you might've guessed by the name) is on the practical application of Karate. Doug started the club 6 years ago and with the help of Greg and Joe has built it into the "go to" practical, realistic clubs in the area.
More info on the club can be found at www.shogunpracticalkarate.com

Full Instructors from Switzerland

Cla Gleiser

Nintai Karate Thawil is a Shitoryu karate dojo near Zurich, Switzerland. In their training, they focus on simple and applicable principles and techniques relying on the rich content preserved and handed down in kata.

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/news/instructor-awards

 

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6 - New Weekly Podcast from Kris Wilder and Lawrence Kane

 

Lawrence Kane and I are back with a new Podcast, Martial Arts and Life. One topic, about 25 minutes long per episode and here is the format change.  We have a box that has topics in it, we pick a topic and speak to – cold – no net.  Raw, real-time topics, unrehearsed and we hope you like it.

 

You can listen here, or download it, now,

 

http://www.stickmanpublications.com/category/podcasts/

 

The Podcast is also on iTunes.

 

Be well -

 

Kris & Lawrence

 

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7 - Kris Wilder and Lawrence Kane’s “Dude, the world is going to punch you in the face”

 

 

“This book can save you a lot of pain and trauma, not just physical but also emotional and financial as well.” - Jeff Cooper, MD

We only get one shot at life. And, it’s really easy to screw that up because the world wants to punch us all in the face. Hard! But, what if you knew when to duck? What if you were warned about the dangers—and possibilities—ahead of time? Here is how to man-up and take on whatever the world throws at you.

This powerful book arms young men with knowledge about:

• Love
• Wealth
• Education
• Faith
• Government
• Leadership
• Work
• Relationships
• Life
• Violence

It won’t prevent all mistakes, nothing will, but it can keep you from making the impactful ones that you'll regret the most. This book is quick knowledge, easy to read, and brutally frank, just the way the world gives it to you, except without the pain. Read on. Learn how to see the bad things coming and avoid them. Set yourself up to be a success!

 

Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Dude-Worlds-Gonna-Punch-Face-ebook/dp/B01EYTVTEI

 

Amazon.co.uk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dude-Worlds-Gonna-Punch-Face-ebook/dp/B01EYTVTEI

 

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8 - Great material from pugilism.org (especially for newsletter subscribers)

 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/EnglishMartialArts/videos

 

*** CRAZY SALE ***

For one week only you can buy lifetime membership of Pugilism.org for a single one off payment.

Every book, every scan, every image, and every video will be yours to keep for ever, with no catches, no conditions, and no subscriptions.

# Hit Like A Freight Train

# An Introduction To Chancery

# Donnelley High Res Scans

# 5 Ebooks

# Ned Donnelley’s Self Defence

# Serious Striking Monthly Course

As a member you automatically get free access to new courses and content as they are added.

Coming Soon! The Lead Hand Straight – A forgotten Weapon

If you were to pay for every single item individually for only one year the retail price would be almost £400

For one week only you can get it all for life for only: £150.

Saving you nearly £250 in one year.

Just 7 days! Act Fast!

 

http://www.pugilism.org/index.php/secret-special-offer-page/

 

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9 - Please Help Autumn Star (3 year old girl with brain tumours)

 

Our Little Fighter!

Autumn is a lively happy 3 year old girl who is always smiling. She was born with Retinablastoma, a rare eye cancer. By 18 months old she had beaten it!

At the end of May, just after her 3rd birthday, she had a fit. The hospital diagnosed her with Metastatic Pineoblastoma, a rare type of aggressive brain tumour.

Autumn is currently undergoing intensive Chemotherapy. Shehas had 2 cycles of High Level Intensive Chemotherapy so far, and spent 5 weeks in hospital with serious infections as a result of her immune system dropping. She still has a huge battle ahead of her.

We want to be able to provide our little girl with everything she wants and needs and not have to struggle to buy her all the things she deserves. The 1st time she was ill we raised funds for both Birmingham Children's Hospital and Noah's Ark Children's Hospital. This time we want to raise funds for Autumn, and would love to take her to Disneyland when she's well enough!

We've thought long and hard about setting up our page, but so many people have asked what they can do to help that we decided to try it. We have no idea what the future holds, or what treatment Autumn will need. But we want to give her the best chance and make life as happy for her as we can!

If you can help with donations or fundraising ideas please visit www.autumnstar.co.uk 

Thank you, Lee & Kathryn Jones
 

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10 - Free ebook from Andi Kidd’s Genjitsu Karate

 

Precepts, WAR and Peace

Part of the requirements for Genjitsu Dan grades is the writing of an essay. This requisite is so that students can explore and expand on ideas at a deeper level than in a normal dojo setting. It also gives the instructors an insight into their personal philosophy of karate training. Some students hate the task and find it much harder than the physical component, others enjoy the challenge.

Sometimes these essays go above and beyond what is required of them and this composition by Gary Charlton is one of those occasions. Gary has put a piece of work together that deserves more than being in the Genjitsu databanks and is much more than just another grading essay. This is an excellent piece of work that deserves a much bigger audience and with that in mind we decided to put it out onto the web for more people to enjoy.

I hope you appreciate this work as much as I did and I hope that Gary will write some more articles in the future.

And by the way, he did pass his grading.

To get Gary’s free e-book, please go to: http://andikidd.com/Articles/index.html

 

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11 - Rory Miller in Denmark

 

30 September - 2 October 2016, Hinnerup, Denmark

 

Friday 30 September 19:00-22:00

 

Saturday 1 October 10:00-18:00

 

Sunday 2 October 09:00-17:00

 

More details here: http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/rory-miller-denmark-30th-sept-2nd-oct-2016

 

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12 - Rory Miller in Swindon

 

Rory Miller will be teaching in Swindon on Sunday the 25th September. Rory will be covering some basic drilling, environmental fighting, groundwork and infighting.
 

If you haven’t experienced a Rory course before, this would be a good place to start, if you have, you know this will be fun, informative and downright awesome!
 

The course will run from 10am – 6pm at the Suju nightclub, Swindon and will cost only £60. Numbers are limited so please book your ticket as soon as possible.
 

For tickets, please email andi@andikidd.com

 

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13 - Forrest Morgan’s New Novel and Website

 

From the author of Living the Martial Way, comes…

Waking the Snow Leopard

They call themselves Keepers of the Covenant, the Illuminati, God's one true Church. Believed to be wiped out in the 4th century, they survived in secret and spread around the globe, ultimately becoming rich and powerful, manipulating governments and influencing world events from behind the scenes. Owen Powell is the Arbiter, the ultimate authority and enforcer in disputes between the Covenant’s 12 Great Houses. A former U.S. Army Ranger and intelligence officer, extensively trained in the martial arts and educated in the best universities, he was carefully groomed to be one of the most powerful men in the world. The problem is he doesn’t know it because his father was murdered before passing on the family legacy. At the dawn of the third millennium, Covenant leaders meet to discuss an ominous prophecy. The Arbiter will wake and the fate of humankind will hinge on a choice he will have to make. Two women, both brilliant and beautiful, are out to win Powell’s love. One of them wants him to become the great man she knows he can be, the other wants to steal the source of his greatness. As Powell learns of his legacy, Covenant factions vie to bend him to their own designs. Little do they know the perils they face when they wake the Snow Leopard.

Available in print and e-book at Amazon.com and other quality booksellers!

https://www.amazon.com/Waking-Snow-Leopard-Forrest-Morgan/dp/0997681705/

 

Forrest E. Morgan is the author of five books and a coauthor of several others. He practiced Asian martial arts for 30 years and is the author of Living the Martial Way, which has been described as a classic in martial arts philosophy. His first novel, Waking the Snow Leopard, was recently released and is now available in print and ebook at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, ibook, and other quality booksellers.

 

http://www.forrestemorgan.com/

 

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14 - Practical Karate Concept 2 Rowing Team

 

Hi. I have been a member of an online rowing group within Concept 2 for many years and would like to start my own team. Concept 2 are one of the world's leading erg / rowing machine makers and you will most probably find that most Olympic rowing teams train on this particular units. I have been rowing on one of these machines for many years and have completed over 14 million metres. Within Concept 2 there are many challenges nearly every month whether it is a half marathon, rowing for your valentine, military rows and we have just had the Rowlympics. There are also world records, local competition in your own countries. Since Iain has been posting some of his rowing Tabata gains, I wanted to ask if anybody wanted to join up to a Practical Karate Rowing Team. This would be a virtual team and we would compete as a team during team events and as individuals throughout the year. It's an incentive to get fit and endurance would increase which then helps our Karate training. If you either row at a gym or you own one of these units and wanted to know more then please get in touch. You can enter details online or with a log card etc. The rowing year is from may to may. Certificates and prizes from your local Concept 2 dealer are available when milestones are reached.

 

If you’d like to join then please join this thread: http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/concept-2-group

 

Craig

 

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15 - Isshinryu Karate: The Journal for Recording Kata Applications and Bunkai

 

Using an innovative new format, this journal allows you to quickly and easily record applications (or “Bunkai”) for the movements in any kata in the Isshinryu karate system! Instead of frantically writing in class or at seminars not only the application being shown, but which kata and where in the kata the application applies, simply open this journal to that point in the kata to begin taking notes in specially formatted cells. Perfect for taking to seminars or karate class, or just using for home study, this journal can help deepen your knowledge and understanding of traditional karate katas. This journal includes step-by-step photos of the following katas: - Seison - Seiunchin - Naihunchi - Chinto - Kusanku - Sunsu – Sanchin

 

Learn more here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/061575385X

 

Scott Britt is a 5th Dan in Isshinryu. In 2004, he was inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame as “Bunkai Instructor of The Year.” He served on the U.S. team in the 2004 World Games in Athens, Greece, and has been on multiple karate-based mission trips to the Ukraine. Scott teaches karate in East TN, where he lives with his wife Mindy and 2 (soon to be 3) boys. He views karate not as a hobby or as a part-time job, but as a calling and a ministry to help those who are weak become better able to defend themselves, to teach Christian values, and to introduce Christ to those who otherwise may never have had the opportunity to know Him.

 

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16 – The Martial Arts Woman

 

COMING SOON: The book, The Martial Arts Woman, shares the stories and insights of more than twenty-five women in the martial arts, and how they apply martial arts to their lives. Unlike any other martial art book, the reader will catch a glimpse into the brave and empowered woman who dares to be all that she can be. Many had to overcome great societal or personal obstacles to just be allowed to practice.

This book enlightens and inspires. After reading it, you will realize the power of the human spirit and the martial art mindset that dwells in all of us.

https://www.facebook.com/themartialartswoman 

Iain’s review:

This is a much needed book that is very well executed. The martial arts can appear to be a very masculine affair from the outside (and even from within at times). Testosterone, muscles and two guys beating the living daylights out of each other are images that leap to mind for most. The martial arts can be much more than that though. They can be an empowering way of life; for men and women alike.

We take the lessons learnt in the dojo – lessons in resilience, discipline, commitment, strength and adaptability – and apply them to our lives. Life can be as brutal and challenging as any fight.

Gichin Funakoshi – often called “The Father of Modern Karate” – said, "One whose spirit and mental strength have been strengthened by sparring with a never-say-die attitude should find no challenge too great to handle. One who has undergone long years of physical pain and mental agony to learn one punch, one kick, should be able to face any task, no matter how difficult, and carry it through to the end. A person like this can truly be said to have learned karate."

I agree! The contributors to this book have embodied that martial spirit in the tales they share. Their stories and insights also embody a true femininity. A femininity of strength, determination, compassion, insight and power. This is a book written by warrior women and it will inspire all who read it.

As I write this, the love of my life – herself a Martial Arts Woman – is pregnant with our daughter. Our daughter will be educated in the martial arts, because we both want her to be a Martial Arts Woman too. The lessons outlined in this book are exactly the ones we wish to impart to her though the martial arts. It’s a joy to read this coming together of martial values, life lessons, and feminine strength.

A brilliant book!

Iain Abernethy, 6th Dan karate

 

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17 - 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

 

 

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