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Seminars

Iain Abernethy is one of the UK's leading exponents of applied karate and kata application (bunkai). His martial arts DVDs and books have sold worldwide and have been translated into other languages. Iain holds a 7th Dan with both the British Combat Association (one of the world's leading groups for close-quarter combat, self-protection and practical martial arts) and 6th dan with the British Karate Association.

Iain is in great demand on the seminar circuit and he teaches many seminars on his approach to practical karate both here in the UK and overseas. The bunkai that Iain teaches are not prearranged karateka vs. karateka applications; nor are they static, complex, elaborate or reliant upon finite movement. Iain's approach to karate makes kata application practical, simple, direct and accessible to all.

Iain teaches regular self-protection courses and also does seminars for non-traditional groups who wish to add aspects of Iain's approach to their own curriculum. Iain's seminars are extremely popular and you can find details of all upcoming open seminars by clicking HERE.

Organising a Seminar

If you'd like Iain to visit your dojo, and you would like all the details on how to go about organising a seminar, please email iain@iainabernethy.com. You can also contact Iain by calling 01900829406 (overseas + 441900829406) or write to Iain Abernethy c/o NETH Publishing, PO Box 38, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0GS, UK. Please feel free to get in touch and we can discuss your requirements and give you all the information you need. Organising a seminar is really easy and we'll always answer any questions you have as quickly as possible.

Please read the notes below to see what people have said about Iain's seminars:

Testimonials

"We had a great Instructor's Course ... many thanks to Iain Abernethy. Iain has a great instructional style and the class really rocked along, moving logically from one technique to another. For me, it was really interesting to see how kata applications are truly meant to work and work effectively. It was a really good day!!!!!" - Peter Consterdine 8th Dan, British Combat Association Chief Instructor


Iain Abernethy brings karate back into the real arena with his pioneering concepts of kata bunkai” – Geoff Thompson, World-Renowned Martial Artist, Self-Protection Expert and Best-Selling Author


"I have been studying karate for the past twenty years and have trained with renowned experts in Kata and Kumite, I was never so inspired as I was after attending Iain's course. He brings Kata Bunkai into the real world and gives real meaning to every movement. From beginner to hardened experts, I guarantee you will be inspired by Iain's in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for the art" – Danny Corr, Former Northern Ireland Kumite Coach & Chief Coach of Zanshin Karate


If you are interested in learning effective (no nonsense), practical Karate Kata Bunkai that includes chokes, strangles, locks, throws, groundwork etc that is taught in a friendly, safe, professional & very informative manner, then Iain's Seminar's are a must!" – Ken Harrison, 4th Dan Karate, Guildhall Wado Kai


Just wanted to thank you for an excellent seminar here in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. All of my students enjoyed it and I have had some great feedback from those members of other martial arts who attended. This is the fourth seminar you have done for us and each time it just gets better. We are looking forward to your next visit” – Dan Redmond, Chief Instructor, Chujo Karate Association


"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you personally on behalf of all the attendees of the Bridgewater course. Your knowledge of Bunkai and enthusiastic approach to openly sharing this data with others was refreshing to say the least. Although I was on the receiving end of some fairly uncomfortable locks and throws, I have to admit I still enjoyed the course immensely!" - Andrew Daly, Bridgewater Bushi Karate, 4th Dan Wado Ryu.


Your seminar transcended age, grade, style, association and experience and was totally enjoyed by all” – Juli, student of Karate


This guy's bunkai isn't bullsh*t!l” – Mark "Animal" McYoung, leading self-protection expert, USA


"Sensei Abernethy teaches functional application of traditional kata. The "secret applications" of kata are laid bare by his hands on, practical instruction" - Dan Anderson 4 times US National Karate Champion, 7th Dan Karate, 6th Dan Modern Arnis, 8th Dan MA-80.


Organising a Seminar

If you'd like Iain to visit your dojo, and you'd like further details on how to go about organising a seminar, please email:iain@iainabernethy.com; call 01900829406 (UK) or +441900829406 (Overseas); or write to Iain Abernethy Seminars c/o Iain Aberenthy Ltd, PO Box 38, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0GS, United Kingdom.

Details of upcoming “open” seminars can be found  by clicking HERE.

Upcoming events

Seminar in Brynnmawr, Wales!

Date: Sunday, March 24, 2024 - 10:00 to 14:00

Seminar in Laatzen (nr Hannover), Germany

Date: Saturday, April 13, 2024 - 10:00 to Sunday, April 14, 2024 - 13:00

Iain Abernethy and Leigh Simms Seminar!

Date: Saturday, April 20, 2024 - 12:00 to 16:00

Seminar in Blairgowrie, Scotland

Date: Sunday, April 28, 2024 - 12:00 to 16:00

Seminar in Durham!

Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024 - 11:00 to 15:00

Seminar in Grays, Essex

Date: Sunday, May 12, 2024 - 14:30 to 18:30

Seminar in Presteigne, Powys

Date: Saturday, May 18, 2024 - 11:00 to 15:00

Seminar in Waltham Cross

Date: Sunday, May 19, 2024 - 11:00 to 15:00

Seminar in Hamburg

Date: Saturday, May 25, 2024 - 10:00 to Sunday, May 26, 2024 - 15:00

Iain Abernethy and Don Came Open Seminar

Date: Saturday, June 8, 2024 - 11:00 to 16:00

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