Iain Abernethy.com

Welcome to July’s news page! This month sees our longest podcast ever (45 mins)! Having discussed many of the issues surrounding the black belt and the grading system in June’s podcast, I got a lot of emails from people asking about how I personally structure my syllabus and what I think a black belt should be. I therefore picked up my syllabus, hit record, and the resulting stream of consciousness is this month’s podcast! Please click HERE to be taken to the page where you can listen to or download the podcast.

The podcast is split into two halves. In the first half, I discuss the topics that I feel a holistic and pragmatic syllabus should include and why they are so important. I think it would be fair to say that the majority of martial arts syllabuses omit these things so I hope it provides some food for thought. The second part of the podcast discusses how my personal syllabus (which I keep private) is set up and the podcast also breaks down what we do for 9th kyu and 1st dan; and a little bit of what we cover as students make their way from one to the other.

As I hope I made clear last month, I personally don’t believe that a universal and standardised criteria for dan grades is a good idea (listen to last month’s podcast for the details of why I think that). So in that vein, I am not suggesting that what I do is what others must also do; nor am I suggesting that all syllabuses adopt the criteria I personally use. I do, however, hope that this discussion on what I personally do is helpful to you in structuring what you do. I hope you enjoy the podcast and I’ll be back with a standard length podcast next month!

When in Australia earlier this year I was interviewed by Blitz magazine. It was an enjoyable interview in which I was asked about my early days in karate, my views on the value of kata without bunkai, style purity, how karate lost its focus on application, the development of new systems, reality based training, no first attack in karate, and more! That interview features in this month’s issue!

We also did a fun photo-shoot which involved the ever patient Craig getting punched, kicked, locked and grappled. Craig did a great job of “uke-ing” and we got some really good pictures to accompany the interview. We also took some pictures recording some fitness and technical drills that I make use of and they will appear in future issues.

Thanks to Robert Auricchio for making the interview happen; Ben Stone for conducting the interview; Charlie Suriano for taking all the photos; and Craig Stuart for posing for all the pictures. All very much appreciated!

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS!: In recent months I've been telling you about an amazing training opportunity in August for those on either side of the Atlantic! CLICK HERE TO BE TAKEN TO THE X-PO WEBSITE.

The European event has people travelling from as far away as Spain and Norway! The USA event also has people travelling from all over the states! This truly is a not to be missed event.

The first event will take place in Seattle in the USA (14th and 15th of August) and the second event will take place a week later in Coventry in the UK (21st and 22nd of August).

This seminar is open to all adult martial artists - regardless of background, style and level of ability - who wish to develop competence in a wide range of martial skills. The training will be a combination of the physical and the theoretical (including short lectures and presentations).

Nicholas Yang - Chinese Long Fist and White Crane

Al Peasland - Real world self-protection

Iain Abernethy - Close-Range combat / Applications of kata

Marc “Animal” MacYoung - knife, gangs, guns and jail

Kris Wilder - Okinawan structure, power, and mind set

I’m thrilled to be able to meet up with members and visitors from the USA as well having the opportunity to teach as part of such an amazing line up! I have to say this is an amazing mix of the “traditional” and the “reality based” (not that I see a difference between the two terms) and I’m sure serious martial artists in both the UK and USA will be very keen to be part of this history making event!

Click on this link to be taken to a page will a detailed background of all the instructors

In two weeks time we’ll be filming a brand new DVD on a wide-ranging and holistic Naihanchi / Tekki Shodan semi-live flow drill! I have taught basic versions of this drill at the seminars and this DVD goes one step further to show the drill in its entirety!

Where this drill differs from more common flow drills is that it is not “scripted” and will vary depending upon the defensive actions of “uke”, as “tori” uses all the motions from the kata to dominate and to flow around all attempts to stop their strikes. The entire drill is conducted at close-range and includes strikes, traps, head-butts, bites, gouges, clinches, escapes, stamps, locks, takedowns, chokes, strangles and more. This single drill also makes use of every motion in the enquire kata and is theoretically infinite in the variations that will emerge in practise.

The DVD has the working title of “Beyond Bunkai” and it will have been filmed by the time the next newsletter goes out. High quality DVDs do take time to edit and produce so it is unlikely the DVD will be ready before the end of 2010. I’ll be sure to keep you informed as things progress.

As I mentioned last month, the whole iainabernethy.com website is about to undergo a major update! There is quite a bit of extra functionality that will be added to the website and I feel sure regular visitors and users will greatly enjoy what we have in store.

I had hoped to get the new version of the site live in time for this newsletter. My busy schedule got in the way however and it will now be another couple of weeks before we roll the new site out.

The updated website will offer things the current website cannot (networking facilities, good quality streamed video, exclusive content, greater interaction with other users etc). The changes are also needed to be able to provide the service I want for SATMA. Everything we already have (podcasts, newsletters, forum, articles, etc) will the there (in a new and improved way) and we'll have load more besides.

The video facilities are something I am particularly looking forward to making use of by brining you regular instructional video-casts. One thing I think you'll also all like is that the forum, pod-casts, videos, articles and the rest of the site will be accessible from a single search function. This should make the site very easy to interrogate the website no matter which martial aspect you are researching. The way the new site is structured means we will be able to bring you new information on a more regular basis too! Watch this space for news when we go live with Iain Abernethy.com 2.0!

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!

17th of July 2010 - Dysynni Vally, Mid Wales

On Saturday the 17th of July, Iain be teaching from 11am to 2pm as part of the Dragon Tree Martial Arts Summer Camp! Everyone is welcome to come along for either Iain’s session on the Saturday or the full weekend! Training on the Saturday starts at 10am (be there in plenty of time to register) with a short session with a guest instructor, before Iain takes over from 11am to 2pm. After a break, training will continue with other guest instructors to 4pm. Iain will be there for full day so their will be plenty of time to train and ask questions. The cost for the whole of Saturday is just £25.00! The venue will be Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre, High Street Tywyn Gwynedd, LL36 9AD. For more details please contact Dave Webster on dave@dragonsrest3.plus.com or 07970948180. Sunday training (Iain will not be here for this) will be from 10am to 12pm and will cost £10.00. Those staying both days will be invited to an evening barbeque! For accommodation details please visit www.aberdyfi.com or contact Sandy on 07790045445.

14th & 15th of August 2010 - Seattle, USA

Crossing the Pond X-Po! Please click HERE for the USA details of this amazing training opportunity with Iain Abernethy, Marc "Animal" McYoung, Kris Wilder, Alan Peasland and Nicholas Yang!

21st & 22nd of August - Coventry, UK

Crossing the Pond X-Po! Please click HERE for the UK details of this amazing training opportunity with Iain Abernethy, Marc "Animal" McYoung, Kris Wilder, Alan Peasland and Nicholas Yang!

5th of September 2010 – Carlow, Republic of Ireland

This seminar is being hosted by Colin Keating of the Carlow Wado-Kai. The seminar will take place at Baltinglass Karate Club, Unit 4, Euro Park Industrial Estate, Baltinglass Co. Wicklow, Ireland on Sunday the 5th of September from 12pm to 3pm, and will cost 30 Euros. Places for guests are strictly limited and you are therefore encouraged to get in touch ASAP to avoid disappointment. You can get further details from Colin at carlowwadokai@eircom.net. You can also visit the website at www.carlowwadokai.com

11th and 12th of September 2010 – Pinneberg (nearby Hamburg), Germany

Bunkai-Seminar mit Iain Abernethy, 5. Dan in Pinneberg (bei Hamburg) 11. - 12. September 2010. Lehrgangsort: Theodor-Heuss-Schule, Datumer Chaussee 2, 25421 Pinneberg. Lehrgangsinhalte: Samstag, 11.09.2010: 10:00 – 12:00; 13:00 – 15:00; 15:30 – 17:30 Arbeit an den Pinan/Heian Kata und der Bassai-Dai. Sonntag, 12.09.2010: 10:00 – 12:00; 13:00 – 14:30 Fortsetzung der Bassai-Dai und Kata-based sparring. 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 03.09.2010 gebeten. Ausrichter: Sanga-Dojo - Shito-Ryu Karate-Do Genbu-Kai im SC Pinneberg Veranstalter: Wolfgang Schwalenberg, Tel.: +49 172 / 1 67 67 93 Email: sanga-dojo@web.de Haftung: Der Ausrichter / Veranstalter lehnt jede Haftung ab. www.karate-pinneberg.de

18th of September 2010 – Chelmsford, Essex

This seminar will take place in Chelmsford, Essex from 12 to 4pm. The seminar will focus on non-scripted flow drills for the Pinan / Heian series and Naihanchi / Tekki Shodan. 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 07808 906885. www.kernowkarate.co.uk

19th of September - Midlands, UK

On the 19th of September 2010 (11am to 3pm) I’ll be teaching a seminar at Stafford Martial Arts Academy (Top Floor - Paul Reynolds Centre, Browning Street, Stafford, ST16 3AX). The seminar will cost £25 and cheques (payable to MSKF) should be sent to Leigh Simms, 95 Vivian Road, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 3JG. For further details please contact Leigh Simms via 07531764550 or leighsimms@hotmail.co.uk

26th of September - Insch, Aberdeenshire

On Sunday the 26th of September I’ll be teaching from 11am to 4pm in Bennachie Sports Centre, Largie Road, Insch, AB52 6LT. The cost is £25 (payable in advance). Cheques (payable to “S Gordon”) to Steve Gordon, 8 Donald Gordon Court, Oldmeldrum, AB51 0GR. Further details can be gained by contacting Steve via st.gordon@btinternet.com John Burke (www.thebunkaiguy.com) will be teaching from 11am to 4pm the day before in the same venue (£20). If you wish to attend both days the total cost will be £40. Please contact Steve for accommodation details if attending both days.

2nd October 2010 - Bristol

On Saturday the 2nd of October I'll once again be teaching a seminar on applied karate / kata bunkai at the Bristol Dojo (www.bristoldojo.com)! This seminar will run from 12pm to 4pm 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 weeks 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

9th and 10th of October 2010 – Denmark

On the 9th and 10th of October 2010 I'll be teaching two seminars in the Denmark which is being organised by Jean Sørensen (jean@shotokan.dk) of Vejle Shotokan Karate-Do. The details are still being finalised. As soon as details are available they will be posed on the website and newsletters.

17th of October 2010 – Swindon, Wiltshire

On the 17th of October I'll be teaching a seminar in Swindon for Genjitsu Karate Kai. The times and venues are still being finalised (watch this space!). 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.

30th of October 2010 – Thornaby, Stockton On Tees, Cleveland

This latest open seminar organised by Taisho-Do Karate 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 07508015614 or Taishodo@aol.com for further details.

31st of October 2010 - Glenrothes, Fife, Scotland

On the 31st 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 £25 and people can book a place by contacting 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. Places are strictly limited so please act soon.

13th and 14th of November - 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 - Falkirk, Scotland

On the 21st of November I'll be teaching a seminar in Falkirk. The time and venue are yet to be finalised. As soon as details are confirmed, details will be posted on the website and in the newsletter. For further details please email Craig Penman on craigpenman20@hotmail.com or call him on 07729922251. You can also write to Craig Penman, 68 Ochil View, Denny, Stirlingshire, FK6 5NH.

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

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

How to organise a seminar:

Organising a seminar is really simple. Contact Iain and let him know when you would like the seminar to take place. Iain will then let you know what dates he has available around that time and give you a price that includes all travel expenses etc. Iain charges per day, not per hour or per head. This means he is happy to teach for a little longer at no extra cost and that 100% of money over and above Iain's fees (and hall rent etc) goes to the host.

Once the date is in the diary, the host must decide if the seminar is to be for their own group only or if it is to be open to all (either is fine with Iain). If it is to be open to all, the host will need to provide Iain with contact details, cost for visitors (set by the host), payment details, etc. Iain will then promote the seminar on his website and newsletters. To help with local promotion, Iain can provide poster designs and images. On the day, Iain will turn up in good time for a prompt start and will not rush away at the end in order to ensure everyone has plenty of time to chat, take pictures, ask questions etc.

If you'd like Iain to visit your dojo, and you would like further details on how to go about organising a seminar, please call 01900829406; write to Iain Abernethy c/o NETH Publishing, PO Box 38, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0GS, UK; or email: iain@iainabernethy.com