4 - Group Bunkai Analysis No. 1: Opening sequence of Saifa
5 - Fight For a Happy Life with Sensei Ando
Subject: What Makes a Technique a Karate Technique? 6 New Bunkai Videos!
New Podcast! - What Makes a Technique a Karate Technique?
Plus Six new Bunkai Videos!
Hi Everyone!
Welcome
to the latest newsletter! An especially warm welcome to all the new people who
have joined us since the last newsletter went out!
A new podcast was added to the website earlier today! It is called "What makes a technique a karate technique?" and further details can be found in Section 1. You can listen to the podcasts via my website and itunes and the direct links can be found in Section 1.
Since the last newsletter we have also added six (yes, six!) new online bunkai videos to the website! Topics covered include pad drills, and bunkai from Gojushio, Chinte, Chinto, Passai, Pinan Nidan / Heian Shodan! See Section 2 for details.
I'd also like to draw your attention to Section 4 where we are looking to have a community wide look at democratically selected bunkai sequences! The first sequence to be voted for was the opening move of Seipai! Please have a look at that section and consider making a contribution to our collective knowledge base!
We also have details of all the upcoming seminars in Norway, Scotland, Wales, USA, England, Germany & Denmark!
Thanks once again for supporting these newsletters! I really appreciate it!
Speak soon!
All the best,
Iain
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“There is nothing new under the sun ... except the very old.” – Donn Draeger
Contents:
1 - New Podcast: What Makes a Technique a Karate Technique?
2 - Six New Online Bunkai Videos!
3 - Upcoming Iain Abernethy Seminars
6 - Research of Martial Arts
7 - Jamie Clubb's New Book!
1 - New Podcast: What Makes a Technique a Karate Technique?
In this podcast I wish to discuss what constitutes a “karate technique”. Or in other words, what makes a technique a part of karate? Can techniques be added to practise and legitimately be considered to be part of karate? And what of “forgotten” techniques that were once part of practise? Are they no longer karate techniques? How do we define a “karate technique” anyway?
While it may seem this is one of those pedantic discussions that are so prevalent in the martial arts, I would suggest it’s an important question that has a huge impact on how karate is practised today and the future course it will take.
Our discussion of this topic will also allow us to look at the relationships that exist between the various martial arts, and for us to tackle that long existing martial myth of the unique origin of technique.
In the podcast we look at techniques which were not practised within karate but now are commonplace; techniques which were commonplace within karate which are now generally not practised; and what all these “karate techniques” have in common.
Thanks for joining me to discuss these issues and for your support of these podcasts!
Listen to the podcast on this webpage: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/what-makes-technique-karate-technique-podcast
Listen to Iain Abernethy's Podcasts on Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/iain-abernethy-practical-application/id393104872#
2 - Six New Online Bunkai Videos!
Basic 1-2-3
Padwork Drill (video)
This video shows a simple “1,2,3 Padwork Drill” with both fists and open-hands.
The aim of the drill is a simple jab, cross, hook (or front palm heel, rear palm
heel, slap) delivered with bodyweight and continuous motion. These are not
“tight”, “safe” strikes – such as one may employ in consensual sparring /
fighting – but more open shots where stopping power is the overriding concern
(after all, an unconscious enemy is a much more effective way to prevent you
getting hit than any kind of overly cautious “guard”). That said, we obviously
don’t want “wild” swings, but we should “open up” and not rob the technique of
power due to an overly cautious or defensive mind-set.
One other point to note is the way the hand is fully rotated on the hook. The
alternative hand positions are also effective (palm in and palm down), but this
position has the advantage of being less distant dependant. It is widely ignored
in modern martial circles because of the influence of boxing and because boxing
rules prohibit hitting with the “back of the fist”; it is nevertheless extremely
effective and is widely found within many of the older versions of traditional
systems.
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/basic-1-2-3-padwork-drill-video
Passai /
Bassai-Dai Knife Hand Drill
This video looks at a yielding drill for the Knife-Hands found within Passai /
Bassai-Dai. It was filmed at a seminar in Swindon in September 2014. The section
shown is part of the longer drill, and alternatives for the section shown were
also covered. We’ve edited it together to “stand alone” but it must be
remembered that you really needed to be there to fully understand the nature of
the drill and to get instruction on what is referred to, but not shown, in the
clip. The clip is therefore presented “as is” and is not intended to be
instructional.
One of the core principles illustrated by the kata / this drill is the idea of
not contesting force. Notice how the path of least resistance is taken when the
enemy tires to regain the initiative. You’ll also note how the principle of
continuous advantage is also manifest in this drill. Whatever the enemy tires to
do to gain initiative is quickly flowed past i.e. stopping the forearm strike to
the neck, trying to re-establish their attack line, etc. As is always the case,
the core purpose of the kata and bunkai is to make those principles intuitive
and habitual such that they can be freely applied regardless of circumstance.
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/passai-bassai-dai-knife-hand-drill-video
Pinan Nidan /
Heian Shodan Turning Lower Block
This video was filmed at a seminar in Swansea, Wales in September 2014. It looks
at the bunkai for what is the opening sequence in the Shotokan version of Heian
Shodan. This bunkai also applies to the sequence following the hammer fist in
the other versions of the kata (Pinan Nidan).
The commonly taught version involves using the forearm to block kicks. This is
an ineffective way to avoid front kicks and, as is shown in the video, the
distancing is all wrong. It’s also worth noting that the common interpretation
involves looking at the angles of the kata as the direction the enemy is
attacking from; and that approach was written off as “nonsense” by Kenwa Mabuni
in the 1930s. If we follow Mabuni’s guidance and instead see the angle of the
kata as the direction we shift to in relation to the enemy, kata start to make a
lot of sense.
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/pinan-nidan-heian-shodan-turning-lower-block
Chinto /
Gankaku End Spin Bunkai
This video was filmed in October 2014 when I was teaching in Canada. This clip
covers the bunkai for the end spin of Chinto / Gankaku kata.
It is obviously a potentially dangerous technique and it should only be
practised under the supervision of a suitably qualified and experienced person.
It is presented here solely as an explanation for the motion found within the
traditional kata. All viewers are encouraged to be aware of and to adhere to all
local laws relating to self-defence.
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/chinto-gankaku-end-spin-bunkai-video
Gojushiho
Bunkai Drill
This drill is a quick summation of some of the Gojushiho bunkai we covered over
a weekend in Germany in October 2014. Over that weekend, we looked at
applications for the whole of the Sho and Dai versions of Gojushiho; including
how they integrate and support one another. This drill quickly recaps the core
bunkai for Gojushiho-Sho (also labelled as Gojushiho-Dai in many groups). While
the exact name varies, it is the version with the “spear hands” that is covered
in this clip.
Please remember that this clip is part of a summation of a full weekend’s
exploration of two kata. It is not intended to be an instructional clip. Viewers
also need to accept that the drill is unlikely to make total sense to those who
were not privy to the totality of the information shared. However, it is
nevertheless hoped the drill is of interest.
The purpose of the drill is to provide a time efficient way to practise the core
applications of Gojushiho-Sho, and to act as an aide-mémoire for those who were
at the seminar.
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/gojushiho-bunkai-drill-video
Chinte Hops
Bunkai
The hops in the Shotokan version of Chinte kata are not found in alternative
versions. It is most likely that the hops were added to fulfil the Shotokan
dictate that all kata should begin and end at the same place. However, we can’t
be certain that is the case and it is possible that the hops were always present
in the version of the kata adopted by Shotokan. Either way, the hops certainly
have a number of effective applications and in this video we discuss the
arm-lock with “shock loading” in order to take the aggressor to the floor.
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/chinte-hops-bunkai-video
3 - Upcoming Iain Abernethy Seminars
(England, Norway, Scotland, Wales, USA, Germany & Denmark)
Below you can find details of the open seminars that are taking place in the next few months. Details of others will be added as soon as details have been finalised. 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 Denmark
Date: 15th and 16th of November 2014
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-denmark-0
Seminar in Blairgowrie, Scotland
Date: 23rd of November 2014
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-blairgowrie-scotland-0
Seminar in Stavanger, Norway
Date: 28th and 29th of November 2014
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-stavanger-norway
Seminar in North Carolina, USA 2014
Date: 5th to the 7th of December 2014
For more details please follow this link: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-north-carolina-usa
Seminar in Clarksville,
Tennessee, USA
Date: 16th to the 18th of January 2015
For more details please follow this link:
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-clarksville-tennessee-usa
Seminar in Cardiff
Date: Sunday 25th January 2015
For more details please follow this link:
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-cardiff
Seminar in Bristol
Date: 31st of January
Details will be confirmed soon
Seminar in Folkestone,
Kent
Date: Sunday the 1st of February 2015
For more details please follow this link:
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-folkestone-kent-0
Seminar in Achim, Germany
Date: 14th and 15th of February 2015
For more details please follow this link:
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-achim-germany
Seminar in the Netherlands
Date: 21st and 22nd of February 2015
For more details please follow this link: http://iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-netherlands-0
Seminar in Birmingham
Date: Sunday 22nd of March 2015
For more details please follow this link:
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-birmingham-0
Seminar in Presteigne, Powys
Date: Saturday the 28th of March 2015
For more details please follow this link:
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-presteigne-powys-2
Seminar in Wigan
Date: Sunday the 29th of March 2015
For more details please follow this link:
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/events/seminar-wigan-0
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
4 - Group Bunkai Analysis No. 1: Opening sequence of Saifa
OK,
so the results are in! The
opening sequence of Saifa
wins! 86-76-59 (Saifa,
Sandan, Bassai-Sho). That
includes votes on Facebook
and the website.
If you are unsure what this
is all about please read
this page before reading
further!
http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/practical-karate-kata-bunkai-needs-you-ive-had-thought
So the next stage, if this
project is going to work, is
for everyone to grab a
camera and share their
thoughts on what we feel the
opening motions of Saifa
represent!
Before we look at the kata,
here are some rules and
guidelines that I think will
be helpful:
1 – Absolutely ALL
contributions are valued.
2 – It does not matter if
you know or practise the
kata; we still want your
contribution. A fresh pair
of eyes can sometimes give
the best insights.
3 – Because we are all
looking at the same
sequence, there is sure to
be some repetition in what
we present. No matter how
similar some of the ideas
maybe, every presentation
will add something and may
resonate with viewers in a
way that other may not. So
as many videos as possible
please!
4 – We are not looking for a
single “right” answer. We
are looking to provide a
resource for people to look
at and draw ideas from.
5 – We will be employing a
“contribute to critique”
policy. If you don’t like
what someone has shown, then
you need to get out of your
chair and put your own ideas
up for critique too.
6 – Style variations are, of
course, encouraged and
should also be explored. I’m
sure not all those involved
will perform the kata
exactly as shown below. If
you do it differently, then
show the bunkai for your
variation. This all helps
add to the knowledge pool.
7 – Have fun with it! :-)
So here we go …
Please visit this webpage to
see videos of the sequence
we are looking at:
http://iainabernethy.co.uk/content/group-bunkai-analysis-no-1-opening-sequence-saifa
Have a think and then follow
the steps below:
1 – Film your bunkai for
this sequence. Editing,
captions and all that fancy
stuff are an irrelevance.
2 – Upload it to YouTube.
This is very easy to do and
opening an account is also
straight forward. In the
settings you can decide if
you want the video to be
searchable or not, and if
you wish to permit comments
on YouTube. Make sure you
enable embedding!
3 – Post the link in the
comments to this post, along
with any explanatory text
you wish to add.
4 – I’ll then come along and
embed the video so it is
directly watchable on this
page (only those with Admin
privileges can embed
videos).
5 – I will also share each
new video via facebook,
twitter, etc (unless asked
not to).
Simple eh! :-)
If this provides the kind of
response I hope it will,
then we will do it all again
in a 6 to 8 weeks.
Obviously, for that one this
sequence is banned (because
we will have already done
it).
I know there are loads of
you out there with great
ideas so please get your
thinking caps on and your
cameras out!
5 - Fight For a Happy
Life with Sensei Ando
Everyone knows the martial
arts are a powerful path to
fitness of the mind, body,
and spirit... yet most
people never take a class!
Join host Ando Mierzwa as he
shares ways for anyone to
apply the wisdom of the
martial arts to everyday
life. Discover how even a
little martial arts makes
life a whole lot better!
Direct link:
http://www.senseiando.com/fight-for-a-happy-life/
iTunes link:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/fight-for-a-happy-life/id609770855
6 - Research of Martial Arts
Jonathan
Bluestein's Research of Martial Arts is a book about the true essence of martial
arts. It includes neither instruction on deadly killing techniques, nor mystical
tales of so called super-human masters. Rather, it is a vast compilation of
seriously thought-out observations made on the subject by the author, as well as
many other martial artists and scientists, with a slight touch of history and
humour.
The goal of this project had from the start been to surpass the current standard
in the martial arts literary market, and offer readers worldwide something which
they have never seen before. In essence, a book in which are found countless
answers for martial arts practitioners which cannot be read elsewhere,
addressing commonly discussed martially-related topics with breadth and depth
unparalleled in other works to this day (in any language). It holds among its
pages no less than 220,000 words, containing knowledge which would be coveted by
many.
The aim of this book is to present the reader a coherent, clear-cut, and
in-depth view of some of the most perplexing and controversial subjects in the
world of martial arts, as well as providing a healthy dose of philosophical
outlook on these subjects (from various individuals). At its core is the
author's aspiration to build a stronger theoretical foundation for the
discussion of martial arts, while addressing matters in innovative ways, which
he had come to believe, would help people to better grasp the nature of these
arts. There are books by authors who will tell you that some aspects of the
martial arts are too complex for concrete, coherent and defined explanations.
Others have used ambiguous terminology to explain what they could not pronounce
otherwise. This is no such book. This book was written to provide you with the
solid, applicable answers and ideas that you could actually understand, and take
away with you.
This book is chiefly comprised of three parts:
| Part I: From the Inside Out – External and Internal Gong Fu |
This is essentially mostly a very long & thorough discussion of martial arts
theory and practice. Traditional and modern concepts and methods are discussed
through the mediums of Physiology, Biology, Anatomy, Psychology, Philosophy
(Western and Oriental alike), sports science, and the author's personal
experiences. The Internal Martial Arts of China receive a special, lengthier
treatment in this part of the book.
| Part II: Contemplations on Controlled Violence | This one is of a
Philosophical and Psychological nature, and contains the author's thoughts on
the martial arts and their manifestation in our daily lives, with guest-articles
by various martial arts teachers.
| Part III: The Wisdom of Martial Spirits: Teachers, and the Things They Hold
Dear |
This part includes various interesting and comprehensive interviews with
distinguished martial arts masters, spanning dozens of pages each. Every one of
the interviewees is a person whose views and ideas are thought provoking and
well-worth reading. The teachers interviewed in this book are:
Master Chen Zhonghua (Chen Taiji Quan)
Master Yang Hai (Xing Yi Quan, Bagua Zhang and Chen Taiji Quan)
Shifu Strider Clark (Tongbei Quan, Wu style Taiji, Shuai Jiao and more)
Shifu Neil Ripski (Traditional Drunken Fist and many others)
Sifu James Cama (Buddha Hand Wing Chun and Southern Praying Mantis)
Itzik Cohen Sensei (Shito-ryu Karate)
No matter the age, rank, status or experience – this book was written for
everyone who see themselves part of the martial arts community. It is my sincere
hope that any person who reads this book will benefit from the time he or she
had spent doing so. May this work encourage others to continue intelligent
writing and research in the field, as I was pushed forth and built upon the
knowledge others have shared before me.
More information, as well as 72 whole pages of FREE sample chapters, reviews of
the book and many interesting articles, are available at:
http://www.researchofmartialarts.com/
Amazon USA (free shipping in America):
http://www.amazon.com/Research-Martial-Jonathan-Bluestein-Shifu/dp/1499122519
Amazon UK (free shipping in Britain):
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Research-Martial-Jonathan-Bluestein-Shifu/dp/1499122519
Amazon Germany (free shipping in Germany):
http://www.amazon.de/Research-Martial-Jonathan-Bluestein-Shifu/dp/1499122519
Amazon Italy (free shipping in Italy):
http://www.amazon.it/Research-Martial-Jonathan-Bluestein-Shifu/dp/1499122519
7 - Jamie Clubb's New Book!
Jamie is a
good friend and I
believe him to be one of
the most thoughtful,
insightful and erudite
martial artists I’ve
ever met. Phone calls
between Jamie and I are
never short affairs
(“quick chats” typically
last over an hour) as we
share thoughts and
bounce our various
martial musings off one
another. I’m really
delighted that this book
will offer some of
Jamie’s thoughts to the
wider martial world.
Definitely a must have
for every thinking
martial artists;
regardless of your
background.
“The intellectual dimension in reality training, putting the brains behind the brawn” - Mo Teague
“Truly a critical thinker [who] accepts nothing at face value. He believes in research, the scientific approach, and unbiased analysis. Jamie has trained with some of the world’s leading personal combat specialists, and he has received remarkable accolades from men who are not easily impressed. Not content with merely teaching a set of physical techniques, Jamie seems to have a unique mission… he wants his students to experience the joy of discovery on their own. He presents them with skill sets not only to learn to fight and defend themselves but also how to research their own approach and learn to think. Jamie is truly a modern-day Renaissance man”. - Ron Goin, founder of P.U.M.A. (Practical Urban Martial Arts)
"These articles ask important questions about tradition, ethics, and several other martial concepts. He regularly challenges the reader with simple reason and logic to break through misconceptions and limiting beliefs in the area of self-protection. Jamie shows himself to be very knowledgeable in a wide array fields. These fields include martial arts history, zoology, evolutionary psychology, and sport specific training - to name a few." – T.J. Kennedy, founder of Canada's Hybrid Fighting Method.
“The writer is erudite and extremely well read and practised, the writing is literary and compelling and the prose is articulate and challenging for all the right reasons”. - Geoff Thompson
“One of the most insightful martial artists it’s ever been my pleasure to meet. His direct and practical approach cur right to the heart of functional self-protection”. – Iain Abernethy
Kindle book available now (at a ridiculously cheap price!).
http://www.ex-l-ence.com/Mordreds-Victory.php
UK Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mordreds-Victory-Other-Martial-Mutterings-ebook/dp/B00N3S6WQW
USA Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mordreds-Victory-Other-Martial-Mutterings-ebook/dp/B00N3S6WQW
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
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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
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