Video

Kushanku / Kanku-Dai Bunkai: End Throw (video)

On 21 Jan, 2015 By Iain Abernethy

This short video shows bunkai for the end movement of Kushanku (Kanku-Dai). This variation applies to the “both arms up” version. The “one arm up” version can be applied in the same way, but the enemy would be thrown to the side in the direction of the hiki-te (hand that is down).

The throw is an advanced one (for application in self-protection) which is why, I would suggest, it is the final movement of the kata.

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Kanku-Dai / Kushanku Throw and Joint-Attack (video)

On 07 Jan, 2015 By Iain Abernethy

This video was filmed at a seminar in Norway in January 2015. Over the weekend we covered applications and drills for the whole of Kushanku / Kanku-Dai. This clip looks predominately at the joint attack following the throw toward the end of the form. The throw had obviously been taught previously and is hence the mechanics and nature of it are only refereed to briefly in this particular clip.

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Naihanchi / Tekki Basic Clinch Bunkai & Drills (video)

On 11 Dec, 2014 By Iain Abernethy

This video looks at some aspects of the clinch bunkai of Naihanchi / Tekki. It was filmed at a three-day seminar in North Carolina in December 2014. As is always the case with these short videos, it can’t possibly capture the whole methodology and needs to be viewed on that basis. The seminar covered many other clinch techniques and related live drills, of which this clip was part.

If you would like to know more about this aspect of Naihanchi / Tekki Shodan then I would direct you towards the DVD “Beyond Bunkai” which covers the related unscripted, semi-live drills for the kata.

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Pinan / Heian Godan Start and Various Follow-Ups (video)

On 02 Dec, 2014 By Iain Abernethy

This video was filmed when I was teaching in Norway in November 2014. It looks at bunkai for the first seven movements of the form, and suggests some alternative follow-ups. Following the neck-crank, we could elbow the face (as suggested by the kata), we could execute what Gichin Funakoshi called the Byobu Daoshi throw – more commonly known as O-Soto-Gari – and, away from a self-defence context, we could even scoop the lead leg. The video shows these three options.

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Saifa Bunkai: Opening Sequance (video)

On 22 Nov, 2014 By Iain Abernethy

In November 2014 we had an online vote on which kata sequence we should collectively explore. Several hundred people voted and the opening motion of Saifa was the winner.

There has been loads of great contributions from people all over the globe. Here is our offering.

Saifa is not a kata my group practises, but today (22nd of November 2014) I took the sequence to the dojo and we spent 10 minutes at the end of the class collectively exploring the possible uses for the motion.

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Gojushiho Sho and Dai Bearhugs Escapes (video)

On 22 Nov, 2014 By Iain Abernethy

This video looks at some bear hug escapes from Gojushiho-Sho and Gojushiho-Dai. It is my view that the two kata often complement each other and in this instance we can see complementary examples of bear hug escapes. The kata is not showing a sole recommend way to escape a grip from the front, but instead an illustration of the kind of things that should be practised i.e. an illustration of concept. Variations and adapting to the ever changing dynamics of self-defence should be an inherent part of the process.

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Pinan / Heian Godan Bunkai & Variation (video)

On 19 Nov, 2014 By Iain Abernethy

This video covers bunkai for the juji-uke sequence of Pinan Godan / Heian Godan, and a variation on that sequence. It was filmed in Denmark at a seminar in November 2014.

It is always important to remember that every kata motion is essentially an illustration of principle. It is not the technique that is the end result; it the integration of the principles encapsulated by the bunkai of the technique that is of greater importance. That way the methodology of the kata can be applied in a habitual / intuitive way regardless of specific circumstance.

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Chinte Hops Bunkai (video)

On 03 Nov, 2014 By Iain Abernethy

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.

All the best,

Iain

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Gojushiho Bunkai Drill (video)

On 24 Oct, 2014 By Iain Abernethy

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.

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Chinto / Gankaku End Spin Bunkai (video)

On 23 Oct, 2014 By Iain Abernethy

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.

All the best,

Iain

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