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Iain Abernethy discusses the role of stances (video)

A new video discussing stances! If you like this one, check out the iain abernethy smart phone app for new exclusive video on karate grappling!

https://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/iain-abernethys-applied-karate-kata-bunkai-app

More “Iain Discusses” videos to come! Coming very soon are “The four stages of kata” (public) and “Unravelling kata hand positions” (app only).

All the best,

Iain

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Naihanchi / Tekki Nidan Bunkai (video)

In this video we look at bunkai for the first two sequences of Naihanchi Nidan / Tekki Nidan. We have put the methods end to end in this drill, but it is obviously important to practise the methods individually, in alternative sequences, and in other drills.

It is my view that the methods of Naihanchi Nidan / Tekki Nidan (and Sandan) build upon the methods encapsulated in the core kata of Naihanchi Shodan / Naihanchi Shodan. In this instance we see some examples of how to fight around the neck clinch that Shodan taught us to use.

I hope you enjoy the video!

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Kata-Based Limb-Control Drill (video)

This video shows at a basic kata-based limb-control drill. The methods contained within the drill can be found in many kata including Gekisai-Dai-Ni, Chinte, Chinto / Gankaku, Niseishi / Nijushio, etc.

It is important to remember that this is just one of many drills, and the methods within need drilled individually, in alternate sequences, and in differing contexts. It is also important to drill the methods live and give them free-rein in live practise.

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Niseishi / Nijushiho Pad-Drill 1 (video)

In this video we look at bunkai based pad-drill for the opening sequence of Niseishi / Nijushiho kata! The bunkai itself can be found round here: https://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/niseishi-nijushiho-opening-sequence-bunkai

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Niseishi / Nijushiho Opening Sequence Bunkai

In this video we look at bunkai for the opening sequence of Niseishi / Nijushiho kata! There are essentially two main variations on this sequence. We either see the third movement being done as a rising elbow (i.e. as Shotokan) or as the foot being withdrawn and the left arm being dropped forward (i.e. as Shito-ryu or Wado-Ryu). Bunkai for both variations are covered in this video.

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Naihanchi / Tekki Shodan Bunaki Pad Drill (video)

In this video we look at a close-range Naihanchi / Tekki-Shodan pad-drill! The purpose of the drill is to allow the practise of some of the motions of the kata, in sequence, in a way where we can actually make hard contact with a target. When practising with a partner – which is also obviously very important – power needs to be taken out of the striking. Drills like this one can help correct for that.

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Dropping and Rising Punches (video)

The striking in modern karate tends to be very linear due to the influence of modern sporting practises. However, when we look at the striking within the traditional kata we do see strikes that arc downward, upward and horizontally. In this video, we look at a downward arcing strike from Passai / Bassai-Dai, and an upward arching strike from Wanshu / Enpi. As with all these videos, this is just a short clip from a much longer training session and therefore the video is inevitably incomplete. I nevertheless hope you find it interesting.

All the best,

Iain

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Jitte Bunkai (video)

This video looks at the bunkai from Jitte kata. “Jitte” translates as “ten hands” and the video begins by examining what that name may represent. There then follows a demonstration of a two-person drill that is made up of the kata’s bunkai, in the order they appear in the kata. This is just one of many Jitte drills and it is important to also drill the motions individually, in short sequences, in alternate orders, with variations, with varying levels of compliance, and so on.

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Naihanchi / Tekki-Shodan Striking Flow Drill (video)

In this short clip we look at a bunkai flow-drill for Naihanchi / Tekki-Shodan. It is a basic drill that focuses on creating and exploiting opportunities for close-range strikes. It should be remembered that this clip shows a few minutes summarising a much longer session. This clip is therefore not instructional in nature and obviously does not cover how such drills fit into the wider training matrix. The methods of the kata need drilled in many other supporting ways. This drill is just one of many.

All the best,

Iain

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Basic Body Shifting Pad Drill (video)

In this video we share a basic body-shifting pad-drill. All punches are done with the right-hand (or left when you do it from the opposite stance). The drill consists of one punch shifting backward, one punch on the spot, one lunging-punch stepping forward, and one reverse-punch stepping forward. We therefore have four right-hand punch variations in one quick drill.

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