November Newsletter:

New podcasts and a plethora of all things martial!

 

Hi All,

 

Welcome to November’s newsletter! It’s a bumper issue with hours of podcasts, videos and articles for you to check out! We also have a free e-book and loads of other martial news!

There have been, not one, but two new podcasts added to the website since the last newsletter! The main one is called “My Stance on Stances” and covers many of the misunderstandings about stances and the functional purpose they serve (section 1). The second podcast is a “bonus podcast” and it covers 10 books that I think all pragmatic karateka should read (section 2).

In addition to those two podcasts, we also have two others! The latest editions of the X-PO podcasts have also been added to the site! These podcasts feature Kris Wilder, Rory Miller, Marc “Animal” MacYoung, Al Peasland, Nicholas Yang & myself and you can find out more in section 7.

The Beyond Bunkai DVD is in the final stages of production and we should have copies within the week! As soon as the DVD is ready for sale we’ll be sure to let you know (see section 3).

We also have an article by Extreme Impact’s Steve Williams on flexibility (see section 5) and another by Nick Engelen (section 15). And for those yet to read it, Michael Rosenbaum’s free e-book “Comprehensive Karate” is back online! (Section 6).

Does all of this martial material make you feel happy? Hopefully the answer is “yes”, but either way be sure to check out the video on “Happiness, attitude and progress” that we have embedded on the site. Very inspirational! (Section 8).

Well, I’ll leave you to enjoy this month’s offerings!

All the best,

Iain

Follow Iain on Twitter: http://twitter.com/iainabernethy

 

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Contents:

 

1 - New Podcast: My Stance on Stances
2 - Bonus Podcast: 10 Books for the Pragmatic Karateka
3 - Beyond Bunkai in production
4 - Karate Grappling Program (Jan 2011 to May 2011)
5 - Flexibility: A Means to an End by Steve Williams (New Article)
6 - Free "Comprehensive Karate" E-Book back online!
7 - X-Po "League of Super Friends" Podcast Parts 2 & 3
8 - Happiness, attitude and progress (video)
9 - Upcoming Iain Abernethy Seminars
10 - Seminar in Idar-Oberstein, Germany
11 - Seminar in Pinneberg (near Hamburg), Germany
12 - Seminar in Brugge, Belgium
13 - Want Iain to visit your dojo in 2011?
14 - Geoff Thompson and Peter Consterdine Seminar (28th of November)
15 - A Warrior Pilgrimage by Nick Engelen
16 - The British Combat Karate Association
17 - Inside Bassai-Dai by Charlie Wildish
 

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"Karate has many stances; it also has none." - Genwa Nakasone
 

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1 - New Podcast: My Stance on Stances
 

Welcome to the latest podcast! This month’s podcast is called “My Stance on Stances” and as you can probably tell … it’s on the subject of stances! I feel that stances are widely misunderstood to be something static, fixed and preparatory. I don’t see any of that as being true and in the podcast I’ll explain what I see as the purpose of stances and their practical function.

The podcast looks at common misunderstandings about stances, the relationship between stances and the effective use of bodyweight, how the approach to stances should change as a martial artist advances, why stances have nothing to do with strengthening the legs or improving balance, and how our approach to stances can help or hider optimum performance.

We also have the latest news and in the question and answer section of the podcast we look at competition sparring and its relationship to self-defence and the value of the “sho” versions of various kata.

I hope you enjoy the podcast and I’ll be back with a new one soon!

All the best,

Iain

Please follow the link to download the podcast or to listen to it online:

 

http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/my-stance-stances-podcast

 

Note: The voting and counter on the website's media player are not yet active (will be soon). The download link can be found under the player.

 

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2 - Bonus Podcast: 10 Books for the Pragmatic Karateka

 

This new website makes it so easy for me to add new content that I’ve been able to put out this “bonus podcast”! I’ve called it a bonus podcast because this is not the scheduled “official podcast” – which will be on stances and be out in a week or so – but an extra podcast on 10 books that I recommend you read (not one of which was written by me … I’m assuming you’ve already got all those ;-).

This is not a “top 10” or anything like that because there are loads of other books – which may be discussed in future bonus podcasts – I would also strongly recommend. In this podcast I simply discuss 10 books that I feel all pragmatically minded traditionalists should read. They are a mix of classical books and books by modern authors and in each case I explain why I recommend the book and what can be gained from it. It was a case of hit record and off I went! I hope you enjoy this bonus podcast and that it encourages you to check out some of the books. I’ll be back with the scheduled “official podcast” very soon!

All the best,

Iain

Please follow the link to download the podcast or to listen to it online:

 

http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/bonus-podcast-10-books-pragmatic-karateka

 

Note: The voting and counter on the website's media player are not yet active (will be soon). The download link can be found under the player.

 

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3 - Beyond Bunkai in Production

 

 

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4 - Karate Grappling Program (Jan 2011 to May 2011)

 

It is now almost 10 years since “Karate’s Grappling Methods” was published! To mark this anniversary – and to meet requests I’ve been getting for some time for an in-depth program of learning – I’ve organised a special training course for all those who believe that karate should be a holistic and pragmatic system.

Starting in January of 2011, I will be running an in-depth training program on karate grappling for a limited number of people. The course will run for 5 months (1 full day per month) and people must be able to attend all days. The course will be certificated by me (see sample image), is open to just 20 people (1st come, 1st served) and will cover the following topics:

• How to Recognise Grappling in Kata

• Integrating Striking and Grappling

• Grappling when Weapons are involved

• Simple Gripping Skills

• Chokes and Strangles

• Effective Seizing and Gouging

• The Principles of Joint-Locking

• Throws and Takedowns (including the nine throws of Gichin Funakoshi)

• The Role of Grappling in Self-Protection

• Grappling and Multiple Opponents (i.e. how to get out of there and avoid grappling)

• Realistic Ground Fighting (i.e. do damage and get up)

• Traditional Karate Grappling Drills
 

The course will be open to all grades, will start in January of 2011, and will be certificated. This is a special course to mark the 10th anniversary of the Karate's Grappling Methods book and will be open to a maximum of 20 people.

 

More details can be found here:

 

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/news/karate-grappling-program-jan-2011-may-2011

 

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5 - Flexibility: A Means to an End! by Steve Williams (New Article)

 

For me training is a way of life, missing workouts is not an option. I view every session as a piece of an elaborate jigsaw that I am constantly striving to complete, knowing full well that I probably never will. This is mainly due to some strange psychological disorder that means I am never satisfied; the only saving grace is that I love to train.

 

Every aspect of my training gives me an enormous feel good factor, with the exception of one…stretching !

 

Stretching is the one part of my schedule that I find mundane and if I’m being totally honest, boring. I never look forward to stretching which could be due to the fact that I’m not a ‘natural’. I have reasonable flexibility but I have had to work hard to achieve even this.

 

I am of the opinion that there are 2 major reasons why we need flexibility within the martial arts. Firstly, to enable us to perform techniques (mainly kicks) to a good standard. What I mean by a good standard is that they are practically effective and aesthetically pleasing. The second is to prevent injury. Enough injuries come through bad luck without getting more through neglect as well.

 

Flexibility is like anything else in life, some people have more of a natural ability than others. Children have more elasticity in their muscles and connective tissue which leads to greater flexibility and people who have stretched since childhood will carry a large proportion of their flexibility through in to adulthood.

 

Ultimately everyone involved in martial arts, at any level, in any style or system, will be locked in their own personal battle with the development of flexibility.

 

Over the years I have generally found 2 different approaches to stretching, and although they are poles apart, they are both very common. One approach is that stretching isn’t needed as flexibility improves with kicking. Kicking is dynamic and it’s dynamic flexibility which we require over static stretches. Well, flexibility does improve with kicking but if that’s all you’re doing then progress will be a lot slower than incorporating a mixed approach. Remember, shocking the body is the best way to get it to respond, adapt and improve.

 

The second approach is to dedicate a period of time at the beginning of a class and dub it your warm-up. I have seen clubs spend up to 45 minutes just stretching prior to a session. This would not be a problem if it was a stretching workout and done in isolation of any other training but to then try and perform a productive training session when students are mentally ‘switched off’ and physically stiff it’s very difficult.

 

I have learned many lessons throughout the years and generally through experience. The advice that I am about to give is no revelation but it is by far the most productive way of improving flexibility, either personally or within a class environment

• Always stretch when fully warm, this prevents injury and maximises results

• Moderation is the key. Overstretching or doing too many stretches may lead to injury and a reduction in movement.

• Mix your stretches in with your training session. Slot stretches in randomly between drills, this way everyone is fully warmed up and mentally focussed on the session and stretching doesn’t seem so much of a chore.

• Stretching should be progressed slowly and everyone should develop at their own pace

Finally, never lose sight of the fact that we stretch to improve technique and reduce injury. If we dedicate too much time to flexibility training then we neglect the real fundamentals of what we should be working to achieve. Unless you’re a full time teacher or an athlete then training time is precious and as a martial artist stretching is just a means to an end.

 

Enough said!

 

About Steve Williams: Having trained since childhood, Steve has developed into a modern martial artist with a strong focus on dynamics and extreme impact. He is very experienced in the practical application of the martial arts having worked in violent environments for the last 15 years. Those who have trained with Steve pay testament to his extraordinary power, broken ribs through kick shields and torn tendons through focus mitts are further evidence of the extreme impact he delivers. Email: steve@extremeimpact.co.uk Phone: +44(0)7909009363
 

Steve Williams and Iain Abernethy's Extreme Impact Downloads:

http://shop.iainabernethy.com/acatalog/Extreme_Impact_Downloads.html

 

Extreme Impact on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/user/extremeimpactma

 

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6 - Free "Comprehensive Karate" E-Book back online!

 

A couple of years ago Michael Rosenbaum kindly made his book “Comprehensive Karate” freely available via the website (on Christmas day!). In the not too distant future we will be setting up a download page for all the e-books and PDFs that we have made available over the years. However, this book has always been very popular so I wanted to get it up on the site as soon as possible. If you’ve not yet read the book (where have you been?!) you can download from the webpage below. I hope you enjoy it!

 

All the best,

 

Iain

 

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Comprehensive Karate: From Beginner to Black Belt
An Introduction to the History, Kata and Practice of Traditional Karate-Do

By Michael J. Rosenbaum

• Preface by Iain Abernethy
• Foreword by Edward Francisco
• Introduction: The Changing Face of Karate.
• Chapter 1: Karate
• Chapter 2: The Rise of Okinawan Civil Fighting Arts
• Chapter 3: Tode: Forefather of Modern Karate
• Chapter 4: The Empty Hand Art
• Chapter 5: One Fighting Art Divided by Personal Tastes
• Chapter 6: Lost in Translation: the Post War Styles
• Chapter 7: The Soul of Karate: Kata
• Chapter 8: Transcendence of Kata
• Chapter 9: Okinawan Kobudo: From Swords to Boat Oars
• Chapter 10: Karate, Zen, and the Budo Journey
• Chapter 11: Karate: Sport or Self-Defense
• Epilogue
• End Notes
• About the Author
• Bibliography

This completely free e-book by Michael J. Rosenbaum (104 A4 pages) is available for download from this webpage:

 

http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/news/free-comprehensive-karate-e-book-back-online

 

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7 - X-Po "League of Super Friends" Podcast Parts 2 & 3

 

Here is parts 2 and 3 of the wide-ranging discussion recorded on the evening before the USA side of the X-Po event earlier this year. Kris Wilder, Rory Miller, Marc “Animal” MacYoung, Al Peasland, Nicholas Yang & myself had a good chat about all things martial at Kris’s place and recorded it. It has been split into eleven parts and the second and third parts have been added to the website since the last newsletter. I hope you enjoy them and we’ll be sure to bring you all other episodes as they become available.

All the best,

Iain

 

X-Po Podcast Episode 2: http://iainabernethy.co.uk/news/x-po-league-super-friends-podcast-part-2

 

X-Po Podcast Episode 3: http://iainabernethy.co.uk/news/x-po-league-super-friends-podcast-part-3

 

 

PS The "league of supper friends" title was totally my idea, it has not been endorsed by any other participants, I'd now like to be known as "Captain Awesome" and I've renamed my home (lair?) as "The Impenetrable Fortress of Crystal"! ;-)

 

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8 - Happiness, attitude and progress (video)

 

I recently embedded a very good video on happiness and what it requires on the website. I quite enjoyed it and there are some very interesting points raised.

I particularly liked the “baby learning to walk” analogy and felt that was something we martial arts types need to keep in mind when having a “bad day” at training :-)

It a good watch and I hope you’ll check it out and enjoy it as much as I did

All the best,

Iain

Happiness, attitude and progress (video):

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/happiness-attitude-and-progress-video

 

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9 - Upcoming Iain Abernethy Seminars

 

Below you can find details of my upcoming open seminars for the next few months. I look forward to seeing you at the next event in your part of the world! Please don't hesitate to contact me (iain@iainabernethy.com) should you have any questions on any of the upcoming events below! Details of other seminars in 2011 are being finalised and will be added soon.

 

 

13th and 14th of November 2010 - Idar-Oberstein, Germany

 

Bunkai Jutsu Seminar mit Iain Abernethy am 13. / 14. November 2010 in Idar-Oberstein. Wir freuen uns, in diesem Jahr wieder ein Seminar mit Iain Abernethy in Idar-Oberstein anbieten zu können. Unter dem Thema „Practical Bunkai Drills and Kata-Based-Sparring“ werden wir anhand ausgewählter Übungen aus den Kata lernen, eigene Drills zu entwickeln und in auf den Kata basierenden Übungskämpfen anzuwenden. Der Lehrgang ist offen für alle Stilrichtungen und Graduierungen. Lehrgangssprache ist Englisch. Mindestalter ist 18 Jahre! Da die Teilnehmerzahl begrenzt ist, wird um eine Anmeldung gebeten. Ort: Mehrzweckhalle der Grundschule Göttschied, Eichenwaldstr. 1, 55743 Idar-Oberstein. Zeiten: Samstag, 13. November 2010, 10:00-17:00 Uhr (dazwischen ca. 1 Stunde Mittagspause). Sonntag, 14. November 2010, 09:00-13:00 Uhr (dazwischen ca. ½ Stunde Pause). Gebühren: Ticket für Samstag 30,00 Euro / Ticket für Sonntag 20,00 Euro / Wochenendticket 40,00 Euro. Anmeldung: bis 06. November 2010 an carstencas@aol.com. Info: www.karate-goettschied.de. Haftung: Der Veranstalter und Ausrichter lehnt eine Haftung jeglicher Art ab. Bewirtung: Für das leibliche Wohl in der Halle ist gesorgt. Am Samstag ist ein gemeinsames Abendessen geplant. Übernachtung: www.idar-oberstein.de
 

 

21st of November 2010 - Denny, Scotland

 

On the 21st of November I'll be teaching a seminar in Fankerton Hut near Denny, Scotland. The seminar will cover basic bunkai drills, flow drills and kata-based-sparring (including multiple opponents and weapons). The time will be 12 - 4pm and will be £25 per person. Payment must be made in advance to secure your place. For further details please email Craig Penman on craigpenman20@hotmail.com or call him on 07729922251. You can also write to Craig Penman, 8 Dalwhinnie Place Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, ML6 6GL.

 

 

15th and 16th of November 2011 - Pinneberg (nearby Hamburg), Germany

 

Bunkai-Seminar mit Iain Abernethy, 6. Dan in Pinneberg (bei Hamburg)15. - 16. Januar 2011. Lehrgangsort: Johannes-Brahms-Schule, Fahltskamp 36, 25421 Pinneberg. Lehrgangsinhalte: Samstag, 15.01.2011: 10:00 – 12:00; 13:00 – 15:00: Naifanchin / Tekki; 15:30 – 16:30: Bodenarbeit. Sonntag, 16.01.2011: 10:00 – 12:00: Fortsetzung Naifanchin / Tekki; 12:30 – 13:30: Pratzentraining. Lehrgangsgebühr: 40,00 € Hinweis: Eine Teilnahme ist ab 16 Jahren möglich. Für eine bessere Planung wird um Voranmeldung unter Angabe von Name, Stilrichtung und Graduierung bis zum 05.01.2011 gebeten. Bitte Handpratzen mitbringen! Ausrichter / Sanga-Dojo - Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Genbu-Kai im SC Pinneberg Veranstalter: Pascal Deurer, Tel.: +49 177 / 6 72 72 79. Email: p.deurer@web.de Details in English can be found here: http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-pinneberg-near-hamburg-germany

 

23rd of January 2011 – Ayr, Scotland

On the 23rd of January, I'll be teaching an open seminar hosted by the Musashi Karate Club. The theme will be flow drills from the Pinan / Heian series and two-person close range striking drills which can be done both with a partner and on the pads (focus mitts will be available for those who do not have their own). The seminar will run from 11am to 3pm and will be held in Alloway Primary School, Doonholm Road, Ayr, KA7 4QQ. The seminar will cost £20 per person and is open to all grades. Cheques (payable to Musashi Karate Club in advance to secure place) are to be sent to the following address: Jamie Gray, 29 Highpark Road, Coylton, KA6 6QL. For further details and to book your place, please contact Jamie Gray on Jamie@musashikarate.co.uk or 01292 571824 (evenings & weekends). www.musashikarate.co.uk

 

 

13th of February 2011 - Arbroath, Angus

On the 13th of February I’ll be teaching a seminar at Brothock Shotokan Karate Club Dojo, East Grimsby (that’s beside the Harbour), Arbroath, Angus DD11 1PA from 11.00am to 3.00pm. The seminar will cover a various aspects of practical karate / kata bunkai with a special emphasis on takedowns and groundwork. The cost will be £25 (pay on the day) and places are limited so you must contact the host prior to the day to be sure of your place. The organiser is Ross Watson and he can be reached on ross.watson1@btinternet.com or by phone at 07856666639 or 01575 574597.
 

 

19th of February 2011 – Bridgwater, Somerset

The seminar is to be held on the 19th of Feb from 12:00 to 3:00pm at a cost of £25 per student (14 years+ only). There is a maximum of 30 places available at each seminar so you are encouraged to contact Andrew as quickly as possible. This seminar will concentrate on a host of variable flow drills from Kushanku / Kanku-dai and the Pinans / Heians that will develop fluid body motion, relaxation, going with force and continuous domination. The seminar will be held at the dojo: Plum Lane (end of), Dunwear, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 5HL. For further information please contact Andrew Daly at bridgwaterwado@tiscali.co.uk You can also call Andrew on 01278 685559 or 07500847121. To secure your place, send a cheque for the full amount made payable to ”Andrew Daly” to 47 Rowlands Rise, Puriton, Somerset, TA7 8BU. www.bushi.org.uk There is a short junior session (under 14years) from 10:00 to 11:30 at a cost of £15.00 each. Please contact Andrew to book places and for details.

 

 

20th of February 2011 – Presteigne, Powys

 

On Sunday the 20th of February I’ll be teaching an open seminar in Presteigne, Powys. The seminar will cost £25 and will run from 11am to 3pm in East Radnor Leisure Centre, Broadaxe Lane, Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2YT. Cheques (payable to “Lee Taylor”) to be sent to Lee Taylor, Shushokan Karate Clubs, 9 Kings Court, Presteigne, Powys, LD8 2AJ. Lee can be contacted on 07976914617 and leeshushokankarate@msn.com Website: www.shushokan-karate-clubs.co.uk

 

 

13th of March 2011 - Newton-le-willows, Merseyside

On Sunday 13th March 2011 I’ll be teaching a second seminar at SKK Judo Club, Legh Street, Earlestown, Newton-le-willows, Merseyside, WA12 9NH. The last sessions was great fun and I look forward to seeing everyone who was at the last one as well as meeting some new faces. The seminar will run from 1pm to 5pm and will cost £25.00 (payment in advance). Cheques, payable to “SSK”, to be sent to Chris Robinson, 8 Rose Hill, Euxton, Chorley, PR7 6JX. Chris can also be contacted via cskcinfo@googlemail.com or 07854270569
 

 

19th and 20th of March 2011 - Brugge, Belgium

On the 19th and 20th of March I’ll be teaching my first seminar in Belgium! The seminars will cover core bunkai principles and host of application and drills from a variety of kata. The seminars are open to all styles. Training will take place in B.L.O.S.O Julien Saelens, Nijverheidstraat 112, 8310 Assebroek – Brugge, Belgium. Training on Saturday the 19th of March will run from 13:00 to 16:30. Training on Sunday the 20th of March will run from 10:00 to 12:00. The cost for each session is just 10 Euro (20 Euro for both) and will be paid on the day. Places are strictly limited (50 people) so to ensure your place you need to contact Banckaert Marco in advance to the event. Places can not be guaranteed for those who make no prior contact. Banckaert Marco can be reached on either marco.banckaert@skynet.be or +32 475 65 22 53. You can also contact Jason Verhaeghe (organisor) at jason.verhaeghe@v-software.be or via phone on +32 473 915 575

 

10th of April 2011 - Swindon

On the 10th of April I will be running a seminar on Kushanku / Kanku-Dai bunkai and drills. This seminar will run from 1:00pm to 5:00pm and will be held at St Joseph’s Catholic College, Ocotal Way, Swindon, SN3 3LR. For further details and to book your place, please contact Andi Kidd at Andi.Kidd@stfc.ac.uk You can also call Andi Kidd on 07818417181. The cost of the seminar is £25 (full amount or a £15 deposit secures your place). Cheques should be made payable to “Andi Kidd” and sent to Andi Kidd, 15 Dulverton Ave, Park North, Swindon, SN3 2NT. Places are limited so please be sure to contact Andi as soon as possible.


8th of May 2011 - Solihull, West Midlands

On the 8th of May 2011 I’ll be teaching a seminar on bunkai drills in Solihull. This will include flow drills, locking drills, live drills and will drills. The aim of the seminar is to give the participants all the need to add such drills to their own practise, training and teaching. The seminar will run from 12:00pm to 4:00pm and will be held at North Solihull Sports Centre, Conway Road, Chelmsley Wood, Solihull, West Midlands, B37 5LA. The cost is £25 and cheques (payable to “Mr A M Rheeston”) should be sent to Andrew Rheeston, 27 Nevada Way, Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham, B37 7LH. You can also contact Andrew via 07929989720 and arheeston@hotmail.com
 

 

22nd of May 2011 - Edinburgh

On the 22nd of May I'll be teaching in Edinburgh! The seminar is to be held at Meadowbank Sport Centre, London Road, Edinburgh, EH7 6AE and will run from 12:00 to 16:00. The course will cost £25 per person and a £15 deposit must be received before the middle of April 2011. Cheques should be made out to "Kyokushin-kan Lyceum" and sent to Stephen McCann, 57 Gilmerton Place, Edinburgh, Lothian, EH17 8TP. For further details please contact Marta ( m.lendzian@kyokushinkan.org.uk / 07933309755 ) or Stephen ( s.mccann@kyokushinkan.org.uk / 07595293058 ).

 

 

4th of June 2011 - Montrose

On Saturday the 4th of June I’ll be teaching an open seminar in Montrose, Scotland. The seminar will run from 12:30 to 4:30 and will take place at MontroseTown Hall, Melville Gardens, DD10 8HG. Please contact Alan Dye for more details and to confirm places via montrose.shotokan@hotmail.co.uk or 01674 677359. The cost is £25 and is payable on the day (contact Alan to confirm places before the event). www.montroseshotokan.co.uk


12th of June 2011 - Pontypridd, Wales

I'll be teaching in Pontypridd, Wales on Sunday the 12th of June. The seminar will run form 11am to 3pm and will be held in the new One To One Gym, Main Avenue, Trefforest Trading Est. Near Pontypridd, CF37 5UR. The cost will be £25 per person. Cheques should be made payable to "Mr Andrew O'Brien" and sent to Andrew O'Brien, 85 Conway Rd, Pontcanna, Cardiff, CF11 9NW. Andrew can be contacted on 01443 841165 (Work), Mobile 07772 212962, and via email at andy0brien@aol.co.uk People should contact Andy ASAP to book their place.

Details of Iain Abernethy’s upcoming seminars can be found on the News Page of www.iainabernethy.com To organise a seminar for your club, write to seminars@iainabernethy.com or call 01900829406.

 

NOTE: 2011 is filling up fast! Please be sure to contact me ASAP if you would like me to visit your dojo in the Autumn /Winter of 2011.

 

For details of all seminars (including maps): http://iainabernethy.co.uk/seminar-dates

 

 

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10 - Seminar in Idar-Oberstein, Germany - 13th & 14th of November

 

Bunkai Jutsu Seminar mit Iain Abernethy am 13. / 14. November 2010 in Idar-Oberstein

Wir freuen uns, in diesem Jahr wieder ein Seminar mit Iain Abernethy in Idar-Oberstein anbieten zu können. Unter dem Thema „Practical Bunkai Drills and Kata-Based-Sparring“ werden wir anhand ausgewählter Übungen aus den Kata lernen, eigene Drills zu entwickeln und in auf den Kata basierenden Übungskämpfen anzuwenden. Der Lehrgang ist offen für alle Stilrichtungen und Graduierungen. Lehrgangssprache ist Englisch. Mindestalter ist 18 Jahre! Da die Teilnehmerzahl begrenzt ist, wird um eine Anmeldung gebeten.

Ort: Mehrzweckhalle der Grundschule Göttschied, Eichenwaldstr. 1, 55743 Idar-Oberstein

Zeiten:

Samstag, 13. November 2010, 10:00-17:00 Uhr (dazwischen ca. 1 Stunde Mittagspause)

Sonntag, 14. November 2010, 09:00-13:00 Uhr (dazwischen ca. ½ Stunde Pause)

Gebühren: Ticket für Samstag 30,00 Euro / Ticket für Sonntag 20,00 Euro / Wochenendticket 40,00 Euro

Anmeldung: bis 06. November 2010 an carstencas@aol.com

Info: http://www.karate-goettschied.de

Haftung: Der Veranstalter und Ausrichter lehnt eine Haftung jeglicher Art ab.

Bewirtung: Für das leibliche Wohl in der Halle ist gesorgt. Am Samstag ist ein gemeinsames Abendessen geplant.

Übernachtung: http://www.idar-oberstein.de

 

 

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11 - Seminar in Pinneberg (near Hamburg), Germany

 

Details in English: Bunkai-Seminar with Iain Abernethy, 6th Dan in Pinneberg (nearby Hamburg, Germany) on the 15th and 16th of January 2011.

Fee: €40.00

Location: Johannes-Brahms-Schule, Fahltskamp 36, 25421 Pinneberg.

Seminar contents:

Saturday (15.01.2011):10:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 15:00: Naifanchin / Tekki. 15:30 – 16:30: Ground work

Sunday (16.01.2011): 10:00 – 12:00: Naifanchin / Tekki Continued. 12:30 – 13:30: Pad work

Important: Participants must be age 16 or older. In the interest of better organisation, we ask you to register with us by providing your name, style and rank by no later than 05.01.2011. We will then gladly assist you with any further questions you may have. Please bring your own pads!

Organiser: Sanga-Dojo - Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Genbu-Kai im SC Pinneberg.

Contact: Pascal Deurer, Tel.: +49 177 / 6 72 72 79. Email: p.deurer@web.de
 

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-pinneberg-near-hamburg-germany

 

 

Details in German: Bunkai-Seminar mit Iain Abernethy, 6. Dan in Pinneberg (bei Hamburg)15. - 16. Januar 2011. Lehrgangsort: Johannes-Brahms-Schule, Fahltskamp 36, 25421 Pinneberg.

Lehrgangsinhalte:

Samstag, 15.01.2011:

10:00 – 12:00; 13:00 – 15:00: Naifanchin / Tekki

15:30 – 16:30: Bodenarbeit

Sonntag, 16.01.2011:

10:00 – 12:00: Fortsetzung Naifanchin / Tekki

12:30 – 13:30: Pratzentraining

Lehrgangsgebühr: 40,00 €

Hinweis: Eine Teilnahme ist ab 16 Jahren möglich. Für eine bessere Planung wird um Voranmeldung unter Angabe von Name, Stilrichtung und Graduierung bis zum 05.01.2011 gebeten. Bitte Handpratzen mitbringen!

Ausrichter / Sanga-Dojo - Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Genbu-Kai im SC Pinneberg

Veranstalter: Pascal Deurer, Tel.: +49 177 / 6 72 72 79. Email: p.deurer@web.de
 

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-pinneberg-near-hamburg-germany

 

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12 - Seminar in Brugge, Belgium

 

On the 19th and 20th of March I’ll be teaching my first seminar in Belgium! The seminars will cover core bunkai principles and host of application and drills from a variety of kata. The seminars are open to all styles. Training will take place in B.L.O.S.O Julien Saelens, Nijverheidstraat 112, 8310 Assebroek – Brugge, Belgium.

Training on Saturday the 19th of March will run from 13:00 to 16:30. Training on Sunday the 20th of March will run from 10:00 to 12:00. The cost for each session is just 10 Euro (20 Euro for both) and will be paid on the day. Places are strictly limited (50 people) so to ensure your place you need to contact Banckaert Marco in advance to the event. Places can not be guaranteed for those who make no prior contact. Banckaert Marco can be reached on either marco.banckaert@skynet.be or +32 475 65 22 53. You can also contact Jason Verhaeghe (organisor) at jason.verhaeghe@v-software.be or via phone on +32 473 915 575

 

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-brugge-belgium

 

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13 - Want Iain to visit your dojo in 2011?

 

My diary for 2011 is filling up fast and hence there are only 1 day left available for anyone wanting me to visit there dojo in the first half of the year (the 16th of April). The second half of the year is also filling up fast and I only have four dates open at this time.

 

I do hate to disappoint people but ever increasing demand and reducing availability means that’s an inevitability. The dates below will be allotted on a first come, first served basis so please contact me (iain@iainabernethy.com) ASAP if any of the following dates are of interest:

Saturday the 16th of April 2011

Sunday the 9th of October 2011

Sunday the 20th of November 2011

Sunday the 27th of November 2011

Sunday the 4th of December 2011

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

All the best,

Iain

 

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14 - Geoff Thompson and Peter Consterdine Seminar (28th of November)

 

GEOFF THOMPSON & PETER CONSTERDINE’S ULTIMATE SELF DEFENCE SEMINAR

A rare event and not to be missed. Geoff and Peter will deliver the most comprehensive and effective self defence and practical martial arts seminar in the UK. From Impact Development, Line-Ups, Fear Control, Pre-emptive Strikes, Power Kicking, Sweeps and Takedowns, Close Range Striking to Managing Conflict, Performance under Stress, Self Defence and the Law, plus a range of Combat Concepts.

A certificate will be awarded upon completion of the course.

As always, this will be an inspirational seminar and one not to be missed. Book early to secure a place.

Cheques payable to:‘BCA’, sent to British Combat Association, 12B Wellgate, Ossett, Wakefield, West Yorkshire WF5 8NS.

 

Tel: 01924 266016. E-mail: info@britishcombat.co.uk

COSTS: BCA MEMBERS £85 NON-MEMBERS £100 - £50 DEPOSIT SECURES A PLACE
 

www.britishcombat.co.uk

SUNDAY 28TH NOVEMBER 2010 - Venue: Centre AT7,Austin Drive, Bell Green Rd, Coventry CV6 7GP.

All places need to be pre-booked - the course will fill quickly!

Course starts 10am to 4pm. Doors open at 9.30am for registration. DVDs, books and clothing will be on sale on the day.
 

Peter Consterdine

 

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15 - A Warrior Pilgrimage by Nick Engelen

 

Musha shugyo.

In old Japan martial artists would set off on a musha shugyo or warrior pilgrimage in which they wandered the land seeking out masters to learn from and fighting duels to test and hone their skill.

Many people ask me why I travel to the UK to train and if I can’t pursue the same or similar training in Belgium.

Like many kids I was bullied at school so I started martial arts to become more confident and to learn to protect myself. My first art was judo which apart from making me physically fit also provided me with a way to fall safely. Later on I started aikido. The training provided me with physical techniques but still I was picked on. Looking for answers I came in touch with the books and videos of self-defence guru’s Peyton Quinn, Marc McYoung and Geoff Thompson. Their material taught me about awareness, attack rituals, street etiquette, fear etc... This knowledge proved more useful for keeping me out of trouble to me than the years of training.

Another eye-opener was watching some video material about reality training, like most martial artists I thought I had a pretty good idea of what a street fight looked like, the video proved me wrong. Not so long after that Geoff Thompson and Peter Consterdine ultimate self-defence course was advertised which I attended. This set off my journey on the road of what is known today as Reality Based Self-defence, Combatives or just self-defence.

For us Belgians this form of training is only available if willing to travel or by inviting French, American and British instructors over to teach on seminars.

The difference between training in the UK and training in Belgium is that most of the training which is available in Belgium is geared towards competition and tradition. We do have arts like Krav Maga, Muay Thai and K1 available but still these are sports. Women Self-defence training is often a mixture of assertiveness and jujitsu training. Training in the UK is stressing a lot on the threat awareness, threat evaluation and threat avoidance aspects as well as developing the correct mindset or attitude to be able to employ the learned techniques when the shit hits the fan. These aspects are in most cases missing from the training programmes and selfdefense books available in Belgium. These aspects are what I needed to be able to put my training into use.

Most Belgian martial artists are totally fine with this approach as martial arts is a pastime just like football or jogging is. Others move from system to system on their search for ‘the art’ that makes them invincible. The percentage of people that train martial arts for the purpose of defending themselves is very small.

Currently some individuals and groups incorporated concepts of these instructors in their teachings and gained instructorship under people like Mick Coup, Richard Dimitri and Fred Perrin.

I started this type of training because the traditional arts lacked something and I wanted to know something that works. Later on I found that the type of training offered far more than just being able to defend yourself outside the chips shop.

After all unless you are working in the security branch working as a police officer, doorman, bodyguard, etc… fights don’t happen that often as long as you use your common sense and aren’t a part of the problem. This reminds me about a joke of two guys having an issue in a bar. One of them warns the other to calm down as he has trained for years and has a blackbelt, the other pulls a gun and tells him to back off as he saved some money over the years. I just want to say that looking at things like law, knives, gangs etc… in some cases you might be better of with taking a course in running than to learn to fight for defending yourself. Another koan in the self-defence community is: What would you do when you are attacked by 36 ninja’s with uzi’s jumping over the hedge?

Another great thing about the seminars are the kind of people attracted to this type of training. All are very kind and generous people. For example during the Liverpool seminars by Dennis Martin attendees will share rooms, cabs and spare equipment for the people that do not have of their own. The seminars also attract great martial artists who are there to study and actively train. This way I have had the opportunity to train alongside people like Iain Abernethy, Tony Terranova, Jamie Club, Lee Morisson, John Skillen etc... This made sure I got away as much as possible from the seminars.

I also found that this type of training was complimentary to my traditional training. Putting things in another context gave me better understanding of what I had been doing. Very much like math at school didn’t make sense until I learned to apply it in electrics and physics.

These things are what makes it worth to attend those seminars.

I once read in a book that in the traditional arts techniques were taught to allow the student to learn the proper mindset in the reality based self-defence mindset is taught so the practitioner is able to apply the technique. Look at the Japanese arts like kyudo, shado (teaceremony) and shodo (calligraphy) the do means paths towards enlightenment a kind of moving meditation to gain a state of mushin or no-mind. In the west golfers learn about visualisation, there are many books about the zen of... (fill in your favourite sport).

Next I will describe in short what I, apart from the ability to knock people to sleep, gained from training with the four UK instructors that I train with regularly:

I was attracted to training with Geoff Thompson after reading his book Watch my back as I learned from the book that before Geoff became the doorman and knockout expert he went through the bullying and depression just as I did at that time. His book offered me hope and inspiration. I attended some of his seminars where after I started training with him on a monthly master class to study his philosophy on life and self-defence. These teachings taught me to develop my intent. If you can put lots of intent in every single punch than you can also put it into any other area of life. Without intent effort is useless. O sensei, the founder of aikido stated: ‘if your heart is true, your technique will be true’ or as Peyton Quinn puts it: ‘Proper intent is more important than proper technique.’

Another important aspect of Geoff’s philosophy is that self-defence is the defence against the self. On which I will later tell more.

Training with Dennis Martin, taught me a lot about mindset and about the tactical lifestyle that is resulting from having the right mindset. You can’t do anything without having the correct mindset. Many of the things Den taught me are applicable to daily life like aggressiveness and tenacity. In life you need sometimes what’s called the killer instinct. Den’s teachings got me also interested in NLP.

Training with John Skillen taught me the importance of fitness. Apart from being physically strong, being fit also results in having a strong mind. A strong mind in a strong body as the Romans said. John has his own pentagon system and is also an expert in the use of Peter Consterdine’s double hip.

Training with Bob Spour taught me apart from the physical stuff another form of self defence, which is protecting yourself against other peoples dangerous ideas. Many people have thoughts that if you closely look on them are not theirs but come from their peers. If it are good thoughts and ideas ok but many of these thoughts are negative and limiting ideas that will form limiting beliefs. Apart from his martial arts background Bob is also highly sought after for his NLP expertise. NLP and its applications are another of my interests. Another thing I took away from training with Bob is the importance of attitude. The right attitude gets you a far end on the road towards your desired goal. The training changed the way of looking at myself as well as my beliefs. I also learned those beliefs don’t have to be true, they have to be operational. For some beliefs it doesn’t matter if it’s true or not, some things are worth believing.

The common thread in the teachings of those superb instructors is intent, mindset and attitude. That in contrast to the knowing and perfection of many techniques in the training offered on my side of the pond.

Another commonality in the teachings is the focus on protection in contrast of defending.

The word self-protection is a proactive way of protecting the self against all forms of attack. Geoff takes it a step further by stating that self-defence is the defence against the self.

To close this article I would like to share the story of Canadian Karateka and NLP practitioner Gaetan Sauve.: An Australian student traveled to Japan to seek out a great old master for training. When he found the master he asked him: ‘Please master, teach me your art of Self-defense’. The old master looked at the young man very carefully and with attention and replied: ‘Against which Self do you want to defend against?’.

 

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16 - The British Combat Karate Association

 

Please follow the link below for all the latest information on Peter Consterdine’s & Geoff Thompson’s British Combat Karate Association! The information pack and application form have also been uploaded to my website and they can be downloaded from the following page:

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/news/british-combat-karate-assocation-info-packs

 

The BCA (British Combat Association) has undoubtedly had a bigger impact on UK martial arts than any other body and I’m really excited about the positive effects I see the British Combat Karate Association having. I strongly feel the British karate scene needs an organisation like this and I’m sure it will be of interest to many of you.

Please check out the downloads and the information below and if you have any questions Peter will be only to happy to answer them. He can be reached at peter@peterconsterdine.com or by phone on 01924266016 or 07831576509. You can also write to the BCKA at BCKA, 12b Wellgate, Ossett, Wakefield, WF5 8NS.

All the best,

Iain

Find more Information here:

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/news/british-combat-karate-assocation-info-packs

 

 

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17 - Inside Bassai-Dai by Charlie Wildish

 

Message from Charlie Wildish:

This is a bunkai DVD for traditional martial artists who want to train for realistic self defence. It teaches realistic practical applications (bunkai) to defend against common street assaults like grabs, throttles, hay-makers that you might expect in real street self defence scenario’s. Easy to follow step by step instructions, even if you have never practiced grab releases, escapes from holds/chokes, or close quarter strikes before.

It also looks at Bassai Dai in a historical perspective of what the requirements of its creator, Sokon Matsumura, would have been. As Matsumura would have learnt mainly Chinese based martial arts, I think it is appropriate that I work on this DVD, with a Kung Fu practitioner, Sifu Keith McKay Cormack; giving both Karate and Kung Fu perspectives on Bassai Dai.

But please, don't take my word for it:

"Shotokan has always been my base system, so it was fascinating for me to watch the Charlie Wildish DVD on Bassai Dai, and come away with so much new information about this powerful kata and its origins. I particularly like the historical element about Sokon Matsumura (who created the kata) and how, when & why he created the “grappling kata”. I got a lot from this DVD and highly recommend it" - Geoff Thompson: 7th Dan, co-founder of the British Combat Association, author of 34 books & 5 multi-award-winning films

"This DVD delivers a down to earth and realistic look at the often misunderstood Kata of Karate. Simple to follow and easy to understand. It is great to see Charlie Wildish incorporating my ABC system of manstoppers in to his karate, it is must have principle for any serious combat martial artist. Good work Charlie" - Kevin O'Hagan: 7th Dan Combat JuJutsu, 6th Dan British Combat Association.

"Imaginative, practical and effective bunkai applications presented in a refreshingly relaxed manner. It’s as simple as ABC!" - Rob Jones: 5th Dan Shotokai Karate

"This DVD is a must for any true Karateka who is interested in uncovering the essence of Bunkai , and understanding the true meaning of Kata." - Mark Winkler: 6th Dan Wado Ryu Karate, Qualified Systema Instructor.

When you buy Inside Bassai Dai, for a limited period you get another DVD "10 Kicking Tips" for FREE.

10 Kicking Tips

This is not simply a "how to kick" DVD. This looks at the principles behind the kicks that make them work, so that you can apply these principles to any of your kicks. But again, please don't take my word for it:

"I thought your kicking DVD was very good too. You presented well and the info was strong" - Geoff Thompson: 7th Dan, co-founder of the British Combat Association

"Well explained simple adjustments to improve kicking techniques. Top tips for intermediate and advanced karate-ka" - Rob Jones: 5th Dan Shotokai Karate.

"I have looked at both DVD's and they look quite instructive with a comprehensive overview and in depth look at Kata Bunkai. I fully endorse their publication for the discerning karate student" - Arthur Wallace: 6th Dan Shotokan Karate.

To order your copy of Inside Bassai Dai (and get 10 Kicking Tips for FREE), please go to the store at www.BunkaiJutsu.com

 

YouTube Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skucJ7SZZu8
 

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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

 

 

E-Mail: info@iainabernethy.com
Website: www.iainabernethy.com
 

24 Hour Order Hotline (UK): 01900829406
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