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Six New Online Bunkai Videos

 

1 - Pinan / Heian Yodan (Pyung Ahn Sa Dan) Flow Drill

 

In this video we show a flow drill for the first half of Pinan / Heian Yodan (Pyung Ahn Sa Dan). It was filmed at an event in Connecticut in July 2015. The video explains that this drill is a form of time-efficient practise, and that it is also important to practise the use of the discreet parts of the drill / kata in a more realistic combative context.

 

As the seminar the drill was built up over time and this clip only captures the addition of the final part of the drill. It is therefore not an instructional clip and those who were not there will undoubtedly struggle with the nuances of the drill. I nevertheless hope you find it useful and that it encourages you to further explore the bunkai (applications) of the Pinan / Heian / Pyung Ahn series.

 

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/pinan-heian-yodan-pyung-ahn-sa-dan-flow-drill

 

 

2 - Three Fighting Takedowns

 

In this video we look at some fighting throws and takedowns. The clip is a summary of some of the throws and takedowns we covered at a recent residential course. The first throw is Gichin Funakoshi’s Kubi-Wa (Neck Ring) throw which has applications in both self-protection and fighting.  The following three all involve ending up on the ground and hence they are not suitable for self-protection due to the vulnerability to multiple enemies that they inherently create. They are however very useful in a one-on-one fighting context … they are fun to do too!

 

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/three-fighting-takedowns-video

 

 

3 - Two-person drill for the bunkai of Jitte kata

 

This video quickly summarises a two-person drill for the bunkai of Jitte kata. Uke begins the drill with a throat grab (application of the opening “salutation”) before Tori then utilises all the motions from the kata in the same sequence as they appear in the kata.

 

For the purposes of the drill, when the kata shows a motion a number of times it is only performed once. To ensure both sides are practised, you would simply do the entire drill on the other side.

The video was intended to be “video notes” for participants in a four-day long residential course. It is therefore not intended to be an instructional video and it should not be approached as such. Whilst we did cover style variations on the course, the drill presented here is for the kata as I perform it. It can however be easily adapted for the Shotokan and Shito-Ryu variations.

 

The primary purpose of such drills is to provide a complementary partner drill for the entirety of the solo form. They help facilitate time efficient practise and can be useful when first learning the applications of the kata. The drill must never become an end in itself though and it must be understood that in actually application we can use any of the motions at any point they are appropriate. For the drill, we as simply putting all those discrete combative methods end to end; in a way that mirrors the kata.

 

The truest expression of kata bunkai is the free application of the methods and principles of the kata in a truly free flowing way. This drill, and those like it, are therefore a means to an end and not an end in themselves. It is when the methodology of the kata can be freely applied in Kata-Based-Sparring, and hence actual conflict, that the bunkai can truly be said to have been learnt.

As I say, this is not an instructional video. I nevertheless hope you find it of interest and it gives you some appreciation of the methodology of Jitte kata.

 

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/two-person-drill-bunkai-jitte-kata-video

 

 

4 - Tensho kata as a basic two-person sticking-hands drill

 

This video looks at how Tensho (“turning palms”) can be used as a basic two-person sticking hands / muchimi drill. This is not combative bunkai, but instead a simple drill to practise sticking to the enemy’s limbs in order to feel what is happening, redirect the emery’s attempts to strike, and to open the enemy up for your own strikes.

The idea is that both participants maintain contact at all times (for the forward movements in the kata) before disengaging (the retreating parts of the kata). In the clip we show the first step forward where your partner’s right arm is controlled. It is possible to disengage here (as shown), but it is also possible to continue forward to practice the left side (second step) and then controlling both arms at once (final forward step).

 

It is vital to understand that the drill is a means to an end and it must not become an end in itself. In reality, extended periods of contact like this will not occur. You would simply control and redirect the enemy’s limb before immediately exploiting the opportunity created and exploding with decisive strikes. Contact is maintained for what would be an artificially long time in the drill because that is the skill that the drill aims to promote.

 

Pushing hands / sticking hands / muchimi drills are overemphasised by some and are mistakenly thought to be a legitimate “as is” combative exercise. They have a role to play and the skill developed is important, but they must be understood as part of a wider combative methodology. It is vital that it is clearly communicated that limb-control is there to facilitate the delivery of the techniques that will prove decisive. To overemphasise limb-control is betray the fundamental nature of karate which aims to immediately end the situation in any given instant (ikken hissatsu).

 

This is a very quick video summarising a much longer period of practise. It does not record the totality of what the kata has to offer (far from it) and I’m not the person best qualified to give instruction on the kata (Tensho not being a kata I regularly practise). Nevertheless, I hope you find the video useful and interesting.

 

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/tensho-kata-basic-two-person-sticking-hands-drill-video

 

 

5 - Kata-Based Tackle Defense

 

In this video we look a four techniques related to karate tackle defence. The video was a quick summary of a longer period of study and it should not be mistaken to be an instructional video. Committed tackles – especially when skilfully executed – can be difficult to stop. It also needs to be remembered that all defences must be appropriate to the environment in which they are applied. Here, we are concerned solely with a self-protection context.

 

The four techniques looked at are as follows:

 

1 – A simple tackle defence from the end of Seishan / Hangetsu kata. For self-defence purposes it is very important that, as far as is possible, all tackle defences allow the defender to remain on their feet and upright. Seeking an “advantageous” position on the ground, or extended contact with the person executing the tackle, will allow the unencumbered assault of any third parties due to the greatly reduced mobility. This withdrawal of the legs while pushing down allows for continued motion is order to best tactically position ourselves for further attacks from the principle person or any third parties. Sprawling – which can be more effective in one-on-one duels – does not facilitate further motion as well and hence deference is given to this method for self-protection.

 

2 – The second methods looked at can be used if the enemy comes in higher in order to “bear hug” and pull in to control and takedown. In this instance we drop back and wedge to prevent the hug and to create space. Live practise of this is important (as always) in order to ensure that the enemy’s momentum is effectively dealt with. Yielding and redirecting in the manner can be seen at the end of Passai / Bassai-Dai.

 

3 – The third method followed on from the first by showing an option if one leg had been seized (i.e. you weren’t quite quick enough on the withdrawal). We aim to get some stability, by dropping the weight, and to stop them lifting up by leaning forward and maybe even pushing on the head. From there we break the grip on the leg by applying a face-bar and neck-crank in the manner of Pinan / Heian Godan.

 

4 – The final method uses “uchi-uke” (“soto-uke” in Shotokan) to slam into the neck. For this practise session, we assumed the momentum was too great to remain upright and hence it concludes with quickly getting back up from the floor. Of course, if it was possible to remain upright then you would.

 

This short set of techniques was practised so we could touch on the major elements of tackle defence and they are not intended to be a definitive “how to” guide. It is also important to remember that these are self-defence based defences. While ideal for that context, there are better methods when the contexts shifts to consensual martial duelling.

 

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/kata-based-tackle-defense-video

 

 

6 - Ground-hold following on from Naihanchi / Tekki bunkai

 

This video shows a ground-hold following on from some Naihanchi / Tekki bunkai. It was filmed at a weekend seminar conducted in Stuttgart, Germany by myself and Peter Consterdine 9th dan (June 2015). This video concentrates on the final hold; which is a variation of a technique shown by Seiyu Nakasone (Tomai-te and Goju-Ryu).

 

To get uke into the position for the hold we used bunkai from Naihanchi / Tekki; specifically a backslap to the face and then a “spinning top throw”. The video includes a photo of a female student of Choki Motobu executing the backslap, and of Gichin Funakoshi executing the “spinning top throw” (Koma Nage). In his 1925 book, ‘Rentan Goshin Karate-jutsu’ Funakshi shows the throw and links it to Naihanchi kata saying, “This is an application of the gedan-barai in Naihanchi Shodan”. Again, a photo of Funakoshi performing the technique is included in the video.

 

Having used these two techniques from Naihanchi / Tekki, we conclude the practise sequence with a variation on a ground-hold captured in a photograph of Seiyu Nakasone (included in the video). In this case, we add in an additional entangled wrist-lock for extra control.

 

While the techniques from the kata are simple and pragmatic, the ground-hold is primarily shown for historical interest and enjoyment. It is my view that it is too elaborate to work in reality and it also has the huge tactical failing in following the enemy to the floor. Doing so will leave you extremely vulnerable to any third parties. It should also be noted that to restrain a determined individual you would realistically need at least three people. That said, it is an interesting technique with historical value and a legitimate place in “dojo duelling”.  In self-protection, remaining upright and fleeing would be a better option following in the Koma Nage.

 

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/ground-hold-following-naihanchi-tekki-bunkai-video

 

 

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Upcoming Iain Abernethy Seminars

 

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 Thornton, Lancashire
Date: 26th of July 2015
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-thornton-lancashire 

Seminar in Lohja, Finland
Date: 29th to 30th of August 2015
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-lohja-finland

Seminar in Inverurie, Scotland
Date: 5th of September 2015
For more details please follow this link: http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-inverurie-scotland

 

Seminar in Swansea, Wales
Date: 6th of September 2015
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-swansea-wales

Seminar in Franklin, North Carolina, USA
Date: September 11th to 13th 2015
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-franklin-north-carolina-usa

Seminar in the Netherlands
Date: 18th to the 20th of September 2015
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-netherlands-1
 

Seminar in Wigan
Date: 27th of September 2015
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-wigan-1

 

Seminar in Chelmsford, Essex

Date: 11th of October 2015

For more details please follow this link: http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-chelmsford-essex-4

 

Seminar in Nuremburg, Germany

Date: 17^th and 18^th of October 2015

For more details please follow this link: http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-nuremberg

 

Iain Abernethy and John Johnston Seminar 2015

Date: 31^st of October 2015

For more details please follow this link: http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/iain-abernethy-and-john-johnston-seminar-2015

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

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

 

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African Training Camp 2016

 

In August 2016 we will be running an exclusive 7 day practical karate training camp in Uganda, Africa! Along with the training and comradery, we will also be taking a trip to the top of the breath-taking Murchison Falls, a boat trip on the Nile, and game drives in order to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, antelopes and possibly even lions and leopards in their natural environment!

Just 14 places are available so you need to act quickly if you wish to be part of this amazing opportunity!

The itinerary is as follows:

Day 1 (Aug. 5) - Arrive and stay in Entebbe.

Day 2 (Aug. 6) - Travel to Masindi. The morning and evening will give the group the opportunity to relax, and there will be plenty of time for van-mates to converse on the drive up to Masindi (roughly 5 hours from Entebbe).

Day 3 (Aug. 7) - Full day of practical karate training

Day 4 (Aug. 8) - Full day of practical karate training

Day 5 (Aug. 9) - One-half day of training (morning), Travel to Murchison Falls (roughly 2 hours from Masindi), Visit the top of the falls.

Day 6 (Aug. 10) - Morning game drive, Afternoon Nile boat trip, Evening game drive

Day 7 (Aug. 11) - Morning game drive, Travel to Entebbe to depart. Plane departure times need to be late in the day (post 8pm). It should take around 7-8 hours from Murchison to Entebbe, but travel can sometimes be an adventure in a developing country, so you want to budget in plenty of extra time.

While we are in Masindi (Days 2-4), we will be staying at either the Hotel Victory (http://www.hotelvictorybijja.com/) or the Kabalega Resort (http://www.kabalegaresort.com/)

Our main base in Murchison (Days 5 and 6) will be the Red Chilli Hideaway You can find out more via this link: http://redchillihideaway.com/hideaways/red-chilli-rest-camp-murchison/

This will be an amazing experience with the lucky 14 receiving an exclusive “Ugandan Tour T-shirt” and certification.

Eric Parsons and I are the organisers. Eric Parsons will be the main point of contact for those in the USA & Canada. I will be the main point of contact for others.

The cost will be $950 (US) for those in the USA / Canada (payable via Eric Parsons) and £700 for those elsewhere (payable via Iain Abernethy). The cost covers all room expenses (plus breakfasts), in-country travel expenses, park entrance fees, in-country activity costs (Nile boat ride, etc.), and training costs but does not include air travel to Uganda, visa and vaccination costs, and non-breakfast meals (and drinks). It is also based on double occupancy rooms. Single rooms and full board can be had for additional fees.

Interested parties should contact either Eric or Iain ASAP.

Eric Parsons: askmeaboutmybruises@gmail.com

Iain Abernethy: iain@iainabernethy.com

IMPORTANT : Paying the fee secures your place and is not refundable under any circumstances.

ALSO IMPORTANT : Do not book flights until your place has been confirmed by Eric or Iain and full payment has been made.

 

 

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The World Combat Association

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

 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iainabernethy

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/iainabernethy (@iainabernethy)

 

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That’s all folks! If you’ve any comments or suggestions relating to the website or these newsletters, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line: iain@iainabernethy.com

 

All the best,

 

Iain Abernethy

 

 

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Website: www.iainabernethy.com

 

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