Subject: Two new online kata bunkai videos!

Two more online kata bunkai videos!

 

Hi All,

 

This is quick email update is to let you know that I’ve added two new online kata bunkai videos to the website this week! Both videos were filmed at Marc and Dianna MacYoung’s annual Animal List BBQ in Colorado, USA earlier this month.

 

The videos cover “2 handed fighting”, the meaning of angles in kata, and why things are in threes. All the details can be found below. I hope you enjoy the videos and I’ll be back with August’s newsletter and a new podcast very soon!

 

All the best,

 

Iain

 

 


 

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Video 1: The "Two-Hands" Principle (video)

 

two hands principle videoThis video was filmed in July 2011 at Marc and Dianna MacYoung’s annual Animal List BBQ in Colorado, USA. It was an amazing four days spent in the company of many highly talented people. I taught for a couple of hours on the Saturday where I covered general kata principles. This clip shows a little of our discussion on “two-handed fighting”.

It’s vitally important to understand that the methods in kata are not designed for a back and forth exchange at distance (such as we may see in martial sports and consensual fights), but instead to navigate the chaos of close-range civilian conflict. Therefore, in kata we do not see passive “guards” or inactive hands. The range necessitates that both hands are active.

When we are looking at strikes in kata, the non-striking hand will generally be active doing one of two things:

1 – Clearing and controlling limbs such that the karateka is in a position of advantage and has an unobstructed path to the head and neck of the enemy.

2 – Locating the head of the enemy so that in the chaos of conflict accurate strikes can be delivered to induce unconsciousness.

The common notion that the hands are held in “guards” or “ready positions” in kata is not correct and spills over from people incorrectly viewing kata as a record of “karateka vs. karateka” duelling; as opposed to a record of the methods to be used for civilian self-protection.

When analysing striking motions in kata, it is important to determine the exact function of the non-striking hand i.e. how is it clearing limbs or locating the head? If you see the non-striking hand as being a passive “guard” or assuming an arbitrary “ready position” you will never be able to understand the practical application of the movement.

In this video I discuss the general idea of “two-handed fighting”, and the key roles the non-striking hand will play, using the examples of Shuto-Uke (“Knife-hand”) and the elbowing method found in kata such has Pinan / Heian Yodan, Kushanku / Kanku-Dai, Naihanchi / Tekki Shodan, etc.
 

View the video here: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/two-hands-principle-video

 

 


 

Video 2: What angles mean and why things are in threes (video)
 

what angles mean videoThis video was also filmed at Marc and Dianna MacYoung’s annual Animal List BBQ in Colorado, USA This clip shows a little of our discussion on angles in kata and why things are in threes.

We know that it is advantageous in conflict to be off the enemy’s attack line, while they are still on yours. The angles in kata therefore tell us the angle we should be at in relationship to the enemy. It does not, as is commonly thought, mean the enemy is at that angle. To think that was puts everything back onto straight lines and leads to highly-impractical bunkai.

People sometimes find this way of thinking difficult, but it’s actually very simple when you get used to it. All angles are referenced to the kata performer and a change of angle in kata means the corresponding angle should be assumed in relationship to the enemy i.e. at 45 degrees, to the side, or behind the enemy. If you want more detained explanations on this, you should check out my “The Pinan / Heian Series: The Compete Fighting System” DVDs.

In this video I also quickly look at why things are in threes. Essentially, the one shown twice will be the most likely or most effective one for a right handed person (the majority of people are right handed so it is a fair assumption for the kata to make). I’ve found this to be consistent throughout all the kata. In the example discussed, it is because a right-handed person’s strikes are most likely to be jammed by their enemy’s left hand. The kata therefore shows the left hand being stripped twice and the right hand once. The message is therefore, “practise on both sides, but be aware this scenario is most probable”. There’s a lot more to this, but I hope the video communicates the basics of the general concept.
 

View the video here: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/what-angles-mean-and-why-things-are-threes-video

 

 



Iain teaching in Kansas City, USA in October!

 

US Seminar DetailsOn the 7th to 9th of October I’ll be teaching in Missouri, USA! You can find a message from Eric Parsons (organiser) below which contains the details and you can also download the flyer and booking form via the following link or by clicking on the image to the right.

Download further details and registration form via this link:
 

http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/news/iain-teaching-missouri-usa-7th-9th-october-2011

The response has been great and I’d encourage everyone to act quickly to ensure their places and to get them at the best prices.

I’m really looking forward to getting back over to the USA and spending some time swapping ideas and sharing thoughts with all the friends I’ve made via the newsletters and the website. Should be a fun weekend! Looking forward to finally getting to meet you all in person! :-)

Details from Eric Parsons:

Hello everyone,

I'm quite excited to be hosting this seminar! It is going be a great event, and people from all over the US (and even Canada) have contacted me about it, so make sure to act quickly to reserve your space.

The official dates and times are as follows.

Friday, October 7, 6pm-8pm (Funakoshi's Nine Throws of Karate)

Saturday and Sunday, October 8 and 9, 9am-4pm (Topics listed below)

Weekend Topics: The Historical Development and Background of Kata; The 4 Stage Approach to Kata; The Language of Kata; How to Analyse the Movements of Kata; The Nature of Live Conflict; How to Create Effective Bunkai Drills; Karate Grappling (including throws, locks, chokes, strangles and groundwork); Bunkai-Based Flow Drills; Kata-Based-Sparring (live bunkai drills and how to make them appropriate for all levels); Bunkai / Applications from a Variety of Kata

As this is a big event that I expect to fill up quickly. Registrations made between July 2 and Sept. 7 will be made at the standard price of $120 per participant (single payment). Late registrations made after Sept. 7 will be $150 (single payment).
 

Payments can be made either by check (cheque) or through Paypal. Checks (cheques) should be made out to the "Karate for Life Foundation" and mailed to Eric Parsons, 1212 NE Grand Ave., Lee's Summit, MO 64086. Those interested in using Paypal can email me at esparsons@gmail.com and I will send them an electronic invoice for the seminar payment. I can also be reached at (816) 686-9707 to answer any questions that may arise.

I can't wait to meet and train with you all in October!

Eric Parsons

Download further details and registration form via this link:
 

http://iainabernethy.co.uk/sites/default/files/file_attach/docs/Iain_Abernethy_Missouri_Oct_11.pdf

 



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.

 

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

 

 

11th of September 2011 - Kirkcaldy, Fife

 

On the 11th of September I'll be teaching an open seminar from 12pm to 4pm in the Chapel Neighbourhood Centre, Chapel Road, Kirkcaldy, KY2 6TT. The cost will be £25. All places need to be pre-booked. Cheques or postal orders to be made out to ‘STUART MAXWELL’ Send To: Stuart Maxwell, 25 Shotburn crescent, Leven, Fife, KY8 4DT. PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE THE 14TH OF AUGUST 2011. You can contact Stuart Maxwell on stuartmaxwell04@btinternet.com or by calling 01592650862.

 

 

17th & 18th of September 2011 - Idar-Oberstein, Germany

Wir freuen uns, den dritten Lehrgang mit Iain Abernethy in Idar-Oberstein anbieten zu können. Thema in diesem Jahr werden die Anwendungen aus der Bassai Kata sein. Zum Abschluss jeden Tages planen wir etwa eine Stunde mit Pratzen ein (bitte eigene mitbringen). 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. Alle die schon einmal bei uns waren sollten beachten, dass wir in diesem Jahr in eine andere Halle umziehen mussten. Ort: Hessensteinhalle (Stadtteil Weierbach), Dorfstrasse 1, 55743 Idar-Oberstein. Zeiten: Samstag, 17. September 2011 / 10:00-17:00 Uhr (dazwischen ca. 1 Stunde Mittagspause) / Sonntag, 18. September 2011 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 10. September 2011 an carstencas@aol.com Info: http://www.karate-idar-oberstein.de / Carsten Schmitt, Tel. 06781 / 25046. 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


24th & 25th of September 2011 - Denmark

On the 24th and 25th of September, I will be teaching a weekend seminar in Vejle, Denmark at the invitation of Vejle Shotokan Karate-Do and Hinnerup Karate. Saturday the 24th will consist of two sessions: 11.00am – 1.30pm will cover the first part of the bunkai of Nijushiho (Neiseishi) and 2.30pm – 4.30pm will be on karate arm-bars. Training on Sunday the 25th of September will begin with the second part of bunkai of Nijushiho (Neiseishi) from 9.30am – 11.45am. The second part of the day will run from 12.30pm – 2.30pm and will look at strangles and getting into position to apply them. The address for the seminar is DGI Huset (the judo dojo below hal 1), Willy Sørensens Plads 5, 7100 Vejle, Denmark The price is DKK 250.- per day, or DKK 350.- for both days, if you sign up before the 12th of September 2011. If you sign up later than the 12th of September 2011, the price is DKK 350 per day or DKK 450 for both days. To sign up just send an email with your name, degree, and karate club information to jean@shotokan.dk You can pay in person on the first day of the seminar. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jean Sørensen at the above-mentioned email address. There are 50 available spots at the seminar. Once the spots are filled, registration is no longer possible. The seminar is only open to people aged 15 years or older.


7th to 9th of October 2011 – Missouri, USA

 

On the 7th to 9th of October I’ll be teaching in Missouri, USA! The Friday session will run from 6pm-8pm and will cover Funakoshi's Nine Karate Throws. On the Saturday and Sunday training will be from 9am-4pm and details of those sessions can before via the link below. The seminar cost for early registrants will be $100, with a $50 deposit due by July 1 and the balance ($50) due by Sept. 7.  (Or $100 up front.) Registrations made between July 2 and Sept. 7 will be made at the standard price of $120 per participant (single payment). Late registrations made after Sept. 7 will be $150 (single payment). Payments can be made either by check (cheque) or through Paypal. Checks (cheques) should be made out to the "Karate for Life Foundation" and mailed to Eric Parsons, 1212 NE Grand Ave., Lee's Summit, MO  64086.  Those interested in using Paypal can email Eric Parsons at esparsons@gmail.com, and he will send them an electronic invoice for the seminar payment.  Eric can also be reached at (816) 686-9707 to answer any questions that may arise. Further details and registration forms can be found here: http://iainabernethy.co.uk/news/iain-teaching-missouri-usa-7th-9th-october-2011

 

 

15th & 16th of October 2011 - Lund, Sweden

On Saturday the 15th of October and Sunday the 16th of October, I will be teaching my first ever seminar in Sweden! Training will take place at IF Lunds Karate Kyokushinkai dojo, Klosterängsvägen 15, Lund, Sweden. Training will begin at 10:00 on Saturday and will finish at 18:00 (6 hours of training with breaks). Sunday will see training run from 9:00 to 11:00. The price for the seminar (all 8 hours) is 550 SEK. Payment is preferably done to BankGiro 277-9775. Foreign participants may pay on arrival. Adults only. Sign up by emailing Markus Wall on markus@kyokushinlund.se The seminar will cover the core concepts of my approach to bunkai and practical karate so that people may take the concepts that fit with what they do and add it to their existing training. The seminar will focus on the applications of the Pinan / Heian series and show how they can be drilled and applied in reality. This will include a lot of close-range methods including close-range striking, grappling, throwing, locking, chokes, strangles, escapes, limb-control, and more. The webpage for the host group can also be found here: http://www.kyokushinlund.se


30th of October 2011 - Chelmsford, Essex

This seminar will take place in Chelmsford, Essex from 12 to 4pm. The theme will be applications and drills from Kushanku / Kanku-Dai and their relationship to the methods of the Pinan / Heian series. Particular emphasis will be places on flowing to that the right methods is applied depending upon the enemy’s reactions. The venue is Newlands Spring Centre, Dickens Place, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 4UU. Tickets cost £25 per person and all tickets must be purchased in advance (no “on-the-door tickets” will be available). Cheques should be made payable to “Kernow Karate club” and sent to Kernow Karate Club, 2 Abell Way, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6WU. For further details please email Paul Newman on paul@kernowkarate.co.uk or call Paul on 01245 460910 or
07968632719. www.kernowkarate.co.uk You can also securely book your place online on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kernowkarate?sk=app_214297588593398




12th & 13th of November 2011 - Augsburg, Germany

Karate Dojo Zanshin Augsburg offener Karate Lehrgang mit Iain Abernethy, 6. dan am 12./13. November 2011 in Augsburg. Veranstalter: Karate Dojo Zanshin Augsburg e.V. (www.zanshin-augsburg.de) Thomas Steinhauser, Haldenweg 6, 86391 Leitershofen, Tel. +49 821 24 31 994 Fax: +49821 439 79 063, E-Mail: vorstand@zanshin-augsburg.de. Trainingsort: Sporthalle der TSG Augsburg-Hochzoll, Wendelsteinstraße 16a, 86163 Augsburg / Wegbeschreibung: http://www.tsghochzoll.de/sportanlagenDetailVSH.php / ÖPNV: Straßenbahnlinie 6, Haltestelle Hochzoll-Mitte oder Rudolf-Diesel-Gymnasium. Lehrgangsinhalt: Das zweitägige Seminar wird das Bunkai, Flow-Drills und die kämpferischen Konzepte der Kata Naihanchi / Tekki Shodan behandeln. Dies wird Schlagen in der Nahdistanz, Kontrolle der Arme und Beine, Clinchen, Befreiungstechniken, Hebel, Würfe und Fegetechniken, Würgetechniken, Grappling und mehr beinhalten. Es ist Iains Überzeugung, dass die Kata ein komplettes, selbständiges technisches Selbstverteidigungssystem darstellt und er wird alle Aspekte dieses Systems im Laufe des Wochenendes aufschlüsseln. Trainingszeiten: Samstag, 12. November 2011 Alle Graduierungen: 10:00 - 12:00 Uhr, 13:00 - 14:45 Uhr, 15:15 – 17:00 Uhr / Sonntag, 13.November 2011 Alle Graduierungen: 09:30 - 11:00 Uhr, 11:30 - 13:00 Uhr. Lehrgangsgebühr: € 50.-- für beide Tage (€ 35.-- nur Samstag, € 20.-- nur Sonntag). Bewirtung: Für das leibliche Wohl ist gesorgt. Anmeldung/Info: Stefan Maier, lehrgangsanmeldung@zanshin-augsburg.de, Tel.: 08231/33011 Iain Abernethy legt besonderen Wert auf persönlichen Kontakt zu allen Teilnehmern; daher ist die Teilnehmerzahl begrenzt. Eine Anmeldung wird deshalb empfohlen. Lehrgangssprache ist Englisch. Teilnahme ist ab 18 Jahren möglich. Übernachtung: In der Halle leider nicht möglich. Fremdenverkehrsamt Augsburg Tel.: 0821 / 50 20 70, Jugendherberge Tel.: 0821 / 3 39 09 Haftung: Der Veranstalter übernimmt keinerlei Haftung

 

20th of November 2011 – Swindon

 

On the 20th of November I will be teaching in Swindon. This seminar will cover advanced applications and drills from the Pinan / Heian series. Many of these drills have not appeared in the books and DVDs and have also not been taught at previous seminars. The 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.

 

 

27th of November 2011 – Golborne, Nr Warrington

 

On the 27thof November I’ll be teaching two open sessions at the Ryu-Do Karate & Fitness Academy! The first session will run from 12pm to 2pm and will cover the key principles of kata bunkai. The second session will run from 2:15pm to 4:15pm and will cover advanced training concepts and bunkai drills. Both sessions are open to adults of all grades and styles. The fee is £20 for one session and £35 for both sessions. Places are limited and the closing date for entries is the 20th November. To book a place you must send a deposit £15.00 (balance to be paid on the day) to Brian Bentham, 55 Cottesmore Way, Golborne, Warrington, Cheshire, WA3 3XJ. Brian can be contacted via bentham.brian@yahoo.co.uk and 07736 741 332. The venue of the sessions is Ryu-Do Karate & Fitness Academy, Unit 16b, Millingford Industrial Estate, Bridge Street, Golborne, Nr Warrington, Cheshire, WA3 3QE

 

 

3rd & 4th of December 2011 - Norway

On the 3rd and 4th of December 2011 I'll be teaching for a weekend in the Norway which is being organised by Lars-Christian Stig (larschristianstig@gmail.com). The details will be finalised very soon and I'll be sure to pass them on as soon as they are. It's been a few years since I was last in Norway and I'm really looking forward to returning!

 

 

29th of January 2012 – Ayr, Scotland

On the 29th of January, I'll be teaching an open seminar hosted by the Musashi Karate Club. 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 £25 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 


19th of February 2012 – Presteigne, Powys

On Sunday the 19th 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.leetaylorkarate.co.uk


17th and 18th of March 2012 – Brugge, Belgium

On the 17th and 18th of March 2012 I’ll be teaching some open seminars in Belgium! The seminars will cover key bunkai principles, drills and training methods related to 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 17th of March will be split into two sessions 10:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 15:00. Training on Sunday the 18th of March will run from 10:00 to 12:00. The cost is 20 Euro per session, 35 Euro for Two sessions, and 50 Euro for all sessions. Preference will be given to participants having registered through email so to ensure your place you need to contact Jason Verhaeghe in advance to the event. Places can not be guaranteed for those who make no prior contact. You can contact Jason Verhaeghe (organiser) at jason.verhaeghe@arcatin.com or via phone on +32 473 915 575

 

 

15th of April 2012 - Blairgowrie, Perthshire

 

On Sunday the 15th April 2012, from 11am to 3pm, I’ll be teaching a seminar on both impact training and kata application. The first 2 hours will be on kata application, drills and principles. The second 2 hours will be on impact training, power development and pad drills (pads will be provided for those who do not have their own). The seminar will take place at Live Active Blairgowrie, Beeches Road, Blairgowrie, PH10 6PN. The seminar will cost £25 and cheques (payable to “Karen Whytock”) should be sent to Karen Whytock, 27 Gean Grove, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, PH10 6TL. You can also call 01250 870061 and speak to Ally or Karen for more details.

 


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.

 

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

 


 

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
 

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