News Page

Date: 11th July 2008

Seminar details can be found at the foot of this page or by clicking here

Hi All,

Welcome to the July 08 news-page! As unusual we have plenty to share with you. The first thing is that we have a brand-new podcast for you to download or listen to online (click HERE). This podcast predominately consists of a radio interview that I did whist I was in Canada.

Topics covered in the interview include my martial background, why I took up karate, the nature of kata, my thoughts on MMA and self-defence, the current state of martial arts, the true nature of self-protection, what the seminars in Canada covered, could I kill someone with my thumb (!), and had I ever kicked someone's head clean off?! Seriously, I was asked those last two questions! I thought the mix of serious and tongue-in-cheek questions made for a fun and informative interview and I hope you enjoy listing to it. Thanks to Scott and Elliot Knowles for arranging this interview and getting a copy for me. The podcast also includes details of issue 2 of Jissen (the free online practical martial arts magazine); the answer and winner of last month's competition; and news of the totally free online book that we'll be making available in the not too distant future! Please click HERE to listen to the podcast.

The second issue of Jissen is now available for download! Please click on the cover image to the left to be take to the downlaod page. I was absolutely delighted by the feedback and support that the first issue received. Thanks to everyone who kindly supported our fledgling publication and spread the word amongst their peers. All involved are very grateful.

So what do we have in store for you in issue two? I'm delighted with the contents of this issue as we have some great articles on the true nature of the “traditional arts” and how to train for real situations. Please take a look at the contents below and you'll see that we have plenty of information for you to read, ponder over and make use of in your training. I hope you enjoy what our contributors have to share with us all in this issue. We've also already got plenty lined up for issue 3; which will be out in a few months' time.

Issue Two (Summer 2008)

Contents: Karate Grappling: Does it Exist? – Knives: Face Facts of Run Away – The 360 Degree Drill & Traditional Karate – The use of the Forearms in Combat – The Hierarchy of Training – The Street – The Way of Kata: Part 2 – Self-Defence & Dissimilar Air Combat Tactics – How to Spar for the Street: Part 2 – Are Turns Really Turns? – In Defence of Spear-Hand Strikes – Victory Over Myself

Contributors: John Titchen, Iain Abernethy, Jamie Clubb, Lawrence Kane, Kris Wilder, Chris Denwood, Dan Redmond, Lowell Hein, Matthew Sylvester, Brian P. Struchtemeyer, Eric Parsons & Michael Rosenbaum

If you check out this month's podcast, and the second issue of Jissen, you'll find details of a free e-book that will be available to subscribers to this newsletter very soon! Michael Rosenbaum - author of Kata and the Transmission of Knowledge and numerous other books - has very kindly provided us with the manuscript for a great exclusive book on the history of karate! We will be putting the book together and as soon as the book is complied it will be available to all for download ... completely free of charge! I'm sure you'll join me in thanking Michael for this very generous offer. Watch this space over the coming weeks for further details!

During my recent trip to Canada James Freeman and Craig Pettie successfully completed their full instructor award! (see picture to the right)That makes them the first people outside by immediate training to circle to reach that level. Both men completed their introductory instructors award in 2007 and since then have been working very hard in adapting the concepts and principles of my approach into their own teaching. James & Craig showed a most impressive knowledge of practical karate and the bunkai of the Pinan series. Anyone wanting to further their knowledge of practical karate / kata bunkai is advised to seek out James and Craig for instruction. Scott and Elliot Knowles were also successful in gaining their introductory certificates whilst I was in Canada. Both showed a thorough understanding of the essentials of my approach to kata bunkai and thoroughly deserved the award. Well done to all!

I will be soon finalising the testing dates for the UK based Introductory Instructors who are pursuing the full instructor award. There will not be an Introductory Instructors course this year as I want to keep numbers on the program relatively small so I am available to work closely with all those currently involved. There are also no firm plans for anything in 2009. However, that does not mean there will not be anything arranged next year. It all depends upon who this develop. If there are enough eligible people we may arrange and event next year. If you are interested, please register your interest when you see me at the seminars and be sure that you meet all the entry requirements below:

All participants must hold a dan grade.

All participants must be a certified instructor with their governing body

All participants must have teaching experience and be actively teaching others

All participants must be over 18 years

All participants must be in good health and have valid insurance

All participants must have had plenty of exposure to Iain's methods (i.e. a regular at the seminars etc)

On the 7th and 8th of February 2009 I'll be teaching in Denmark by the kind invitation of Vejle Shotokan Karate-Do (www.shotokan.dk). All the flights etc are booked and further information about the events themselves will be coming soon. I though it would be a good idea to let people know at this early stage to they can get the dates in their diary. Really looking forward to seeing you all!

Celebrating 15 years at the very top of the U.K. martial arts scene, the British Combat Association will this year be holding a residential course in November, showcasing the very best exponents of not only practical personal combat, but of traditional systems and how they can be made to work in many spheres of life.

To be held at Lilleshall National Sports Centre, there will be not only training sessions, but a full programme of lectures and discussion groups, open to non BCA members and spearheaded by the Association's Chief Instructors, Geoff Thompson and Peter Consterdine. There will be a line-up of some of the foremost Instructors with Rick Young, 'Mo' Teague, John Skillen, Russell Stutely, myself and others teaching at the event. Please click HERE for further details.

The number of subscribers to the newsletters continues to grow! A PDF version of the newsletter can also be downloaded from this page. Right click on the bold text below, and then select "save target as" (some times "save page as"). Then choose where you wish to save the file (normally the "desk top") and download it. When you go to open the file it will ask you for a password. The newsletters are for members only (it's free to join) and the password was included in the email version of the newsletter.

PDF NEWSLETTER JULY 08

(read above instructions before downloading)

Below you can find details of the open seminars over the next few months. I thoroughly enjoy the seminars as it's always a great opportunity to spend time with people who are enthusiastic about all the same things I am! I look forward to catching up with you all soon. If there are any questions about any of the seminars, please don't hesitate to contact me (iain@iainabernethy.com).

I think that's about if for now? If I can ever be of assistance with anything, please don't hesitate to drop me a line.

All the best,

Iain

Upcoming Open Seminars

Below you can find details of all the upcoming open seminars for the next few months. If you have any questions about any of the seminars, please don't hesitate to drop me a line (iain@iainabernethy.com). I look forward to seeing you all at the various events!

30th August 2008 – St Just, Nr. Penzance, Cornwall

Saturday the 30th of August will see me teach a seminar in Cornwall from 10:00am to 3:30pm. The seminar will be held at St Just Sports Centre, Cape Cornwall Road, St Just, Nr. Penzance, TR19 7JX. The cost will be £20.00 per person if making a booking and payment before 1st August 2008 (£25.00 per person thereafter). Cheques should be made payable to "Samurai Karate Cornwall" and sent to Samurai Karate Cornwall, The Old Milk Factory Stables, Lower Grumbla, Sancreed, Penzance, Cornwall , TR20 8QW. If you have any questions you can contact Kevin Cooke on either 07706797562 or kevin@samuraikaratecornwall.co.uk

13th September 2008 – Pontypridd, Wales

I'll be teaching in Pontypridd, Wales on Saturday the 13th of September! The seminar will run form 11am to 3pm and will be held in Llantwit Fardre Sport Centre, Central Park, Church Village, Pontypridd, CF38 1DN (Tel: 01443 201721). The cost will be £20 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 either 02920 901062 or 07964032468.
 

14th September 2008 – Brighouse, West Yorkshire

On the 14th of September, I'll be teaching an open seminar hosted by Halifax Wado Kai Karate Club. The seminar will run from 11am to 3pm and will be held in William Henry Smith School, Boothroyd, Brighouse, West Yorkshire, HD6 3JW. The seminar will cost £25 per person. Cheques (payable to “L. Richardson”) are to be sent to the following address: Iain Abernethy Seminar, c/o Lee Richardson, 53 Turner Avenue North, Illingworth, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX2 8LF. For further details and to book your place, please contact Halifax Wado Kai Karate Club on 01422 341934 and 07818 290146. You can also email Lee Richardson via karateseminar-abernethy@yahoo.co.uk

21st September 2008 – Bristol

On Sunday the 21st of September I'll be teaching at the brand-new Bristol Dojo (www.bristoldojo.com)! This seminar will run from 11am to 3pm and the address is Bristol Dojo, Upper Floor, Middle Unit, 74-78 Avon Street, Bristol, BS2 0PX. The cost is £25 per person and this must be paid at least two week before the date of the seminar. Cheques should be made payable to "Bristol Dojo" and sent to Simon O'Brien, 14 Marjoram Way , Village Quarter, Portishead, Bristol , BS20 7JF . Simon can also be contacted via simon@imperialkarate.com or 07808822578

5th October 2008 – Chelmsford, Essex

This seminar will take place in Chelmsford, Essex from 12 to 4pm. 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 07968 632719. www.kernowkarate.co.uk

12th October 2008 – Glenrothes, Fife, Scotland

On the 12th of October I'll be teaching an open seminar from 12pm to 4pm in the Glenrothes Martial Arts Centre, Alburnie Park, Glenrothes, Fife, KY7 5RB. The centre is next to Balbirnie Fitness Centre (look for the Glenrothes Judo Club sign). The centre's website is www.glenrothesmartialarts.com  The cost will be £20 and people can book a place by contact in Stuart Maxwell on stuartmaxwell04@btinternet.com or by calling 01592650862 (between 5pm and 6pm). People need to pre-book a place and payment will be taken on the door.

18th October 2008 – Thornaby, Stockton On Tees, Cleveland

This seminar will take place from 12:00pm to 5:00pm and will be held in the Harewood Space Sports and Arts, Robert Atkinson Centre, Thorntree Road, Thornaby, Stockton On Tees, Cleveland, TS17 8AP. The cost of the seminar is £20 (full amount or a £10 deposit secures your place). Cheques should be made payable to "Taisho-Do Karate" and sent to Mark Raistrick, 7 Clarendon Road, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland, TS17 8JQ. Mark can also be contacted on 07912619458 or Taishodo@aol.com for further details.

19th October 2008 – Swindon, Wiltshire

This seminar will run from 1:00pm to 5:00pm and will be held at the Walcot Dome Community Centre, Burghley Close, Walcot, Swindon, SN3 3BS. 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 £20 (full amount or a £10 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.

25th October 2008 – Newtonabbey, Glengormly , Northern Ireland

1pm to 5pm at a cost of £20 / Person. This course is being hosted by Danny Corr's Zanshin Karate-Jutsu group and will the held at The Hut, Newtonabbey, Glengormly. For details of the seminar and to confirm your place, please contact Danny Corr on 02890599976 or email karatejutsu1@ntlworld.com You can also write to Danny at 78 Carnmoney Road, Glengormley, BT36 6HU, N Ireland. If you'd like to book your place in advance please send full payment to the above address (Cheques made payable to "Zanshin Karate"). Zanshin Karate-Jutsu Website: www.truekarate.co.uk

1st November 2008 – Bingley, Bradford, West Yorkshire

On the 1st of November I'll be teaching a seminar in Bingley, Bradford. The seminar will run from 11am to 3pm and will be held at Beckfoot School Sports Centre, Wagon Lane, Bingley, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD16 1EE. The seminar will cost £25 per person and payment (cheques made out to "zen karate") should be sent to Zen Karate, 25 Beaconsfield Road, Clayton, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD14 6LQ. You can also pay by debit or credit card by calling Jason Murray on 07896319718. For further details please contact Jason via enquiries@zenkarate.net or on 07896319718.

2nd November 2008 – Worcester, West Midlands

This seminar will take place from 12pm to 4pm on Sunday the 2nd of November 2008. It is to be held in the Fernhill Heath War Memorial Club, Droitwich Road, Worcester, West Midlands. It will cost £25 per person (inc light snack afterwards) and a deposit of £10 is to be paid by October. You are encouraged to act quickly if you wish to attend. No on the door tickets will be available. All cheques should be made payable to “Nigel Lee” and sent to 46 Pear Tree Way, Church Meadows, Wychbold, Droitwich Spa, Worcs, WR9 7JW. Nigel can also be contacted via 07534942127 and nigel1975@btinternet.com

15th & 16th of November 2008 - Germany

Uhrzeit: Samstags 15.11.2008 von 11.00Uhr bis 16.00Uhr / Sonntags 16.11.2008 von 10.00Uhr bis 14.00Uhr. Veranstaltungsort: Schulsporthalle der Matern-Feuerbacher Realschule in Grossbottwar (Anfahrtsbeschreibung folgt!!). Preise: für 1 Tag Seminar (Samstag oder Sonntag) - € 35 (bei vorheriger Überweisung auf das Konto) - € 40 (Bei Bezahlung in bar am Tag des Lehrgangs). Für beide Tage Seminar (Samstag & Sonntag) - € 55 (bei vorheriger Überweisung auf das Konto) - € 60 (Bei Bezahlung in bar am Tag des Lehrgangs. Rabatt: für 5 Leute die sich gleichzeitig anmelden und zahlen, kann der sechste kostenlos mitmachen. Kontakt per Mail an: Marcus.Kaspar@Yushi-Do-Kai.de and christopher.kmoch@Yushi-Do-Kai.de . Kontakt per Handy an Chris: 0176-62130616. Besuchen Sie unsere Website www.Yushi-Do-Kai.de Dort wird bald der Flyer für die Veranstaltung zu finden sein und natürlich weitere Information über uns.

7th December 2008 - Stockport

On Sunday the 7th of December I'll be teaching a seminar in Stockport. The seminar will run from 12 to 4 pm and will take place the North West Martial Arts Academy, 1st Floor, 3 Tollbar St, just off Hillgate, Stockport, SK1 3EW (venue phone number is 0161 429 9343). The cost will be £25 per person. To book your place please contact Stuart Kennedy on 07786098631 or info.elitema@gmail.com. Alternatively you can also contact John Salt on 07974 833839 or by email on johnsalt56@googlemail.com. Having confirmed places are still available, you can pay by sending a cheque (payable to "E.I.M.A.") to 10 Meadow Lane, Disley, Stockport, Cheshire, SK12 2EX. Places are to be strictly limited (20 people) and hence you are requested to get in touch ASAP in order to ensure you get a place.

14th December 2008 - Inverurie, Aberdeenshire

This seminar will take place in the Garioch Sports Centre, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire from 10am to 4pm. The seminar will cost £25 per person and must be paid in full at least two weeks before the seminar. Places are limited and you are encouraged to book early to secure your place. Cheques should be made payable to "S. Gordon" and should be sent to Steve Gordon, 8 Donald Gordon Court, Oldmeldrum, Inverurie, AB51 0GR. Further details can be gained by contacting Steve via st.gordon@btinternet.com or phone 01651 873563 (between 7pm and 9pm) or 07928905642 (during the day).

If you'd like to host a seminar yourself, please don't hesitate to drop me a line (iain@iainabernethy.com)

Want a seminar in 2008?

IMPORTANT: Due to taking a couple of months off from the seminars during the summer to help progress the new book, things are now very busy towards the latter part of the year. I've managed to shuffle some things around in order to free up a few more dates. At the time of writing, the following are still open:

Saturday the 6th of September 2008

Saturday the 20th of September 2008

Saturday the 27th of September 2008

Saturday the 8th of November 2008

Sunday the 9th of November 2008

Sunday the 23rd of November 2008

Saturday the 6th of December 2008

Anyone wanting a seminar in 2008 is therefore encouraged to act quickly before all the remaining dates are taken. Please drop me a line (iain@iainabernethy.com) to book your date ASAP as all dates are given on a first come, first served basis.