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Heel Up or Heel Down (video)

On 30 Apr, 2018 By Iain Abernethy

In this video I address the well-worn topic of whether it is better to have the heel up or down when punching. Cards on the table, I can see good tactical reasons for both methods. Heel down gives greater stability when needed. Heel up allows greater rotation and hence generates more power.

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Hangetsu / Seishan Pad Drill

On 30 Apr, 2018 By Iain Abernethy

This video shows a pad drill for the end of Hangetsu / Seishan kata. The crescent kick drops the enemy’s head for the punch. The downward double palm heel is then used should the enemy try to tackle from the position they are now in. To put contextualise the sequence, we enter with a hook, cover and pin, and then a redirection of the arm.  The cover and pin are similar to what we see in Motobu’s 1st drill and Wado-Ryu’s Kihon Gumite No. 10. We conclude the drill by kicking the enemy’s ribs and escaping.

All the best,

Iain

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Leg Punch into Takedown (video)

On 19 Apr, 2018 By Iain Abernethy

In this video we look at one way to get back up if we are knocked to our knees and the enemy is close. Firstly, we throw a hook punch to the inside of the enemy’s thigh. We do this simply because it is an available target the blow may physically and psychologically disrupt the enemy. Striking the legs in this way was a tactic endorsed by Gichin Funakoshi. While Funakoshi was taking about elbow strikes, we used a hook punch in this instance:

“If you are thrown to the ground, your elbows are useful in striking at your opponent’s legs” – Gichin Funakoshi, Karate-Do: My Way of Life.

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The Key Three Ingredients for Good Kata

On 12 Apr, 2018 By Iain Abernethy

In this short video I discuss the three key ingredients for good kata, from a practical perspective!

All the best,

Iain

PS The YouTube link can be found HERE

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Consensual Violence (Fighting) vs. Non-Consensual Violence (Self-Defense)

On 31 Mar, 2018 By Iain Abernethy

In this video I discuss Consensual Violence (Fighting) vs. Non-Consensual Violence (Self-Defense). These are terms I coined to mark the difference between the natures, objectives and methodologies of criminal violence and duelling with other martial artists. They are very different, and we therefore need to be sure we approach them differently in training. This is not a matter of “good” vs. “bad”. This is a matter of appropriate vs. inappropriate.

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Naihanchi Bunkai and Pad -Drill

On 28 Mar, 2018 By Iain Abernethy

This video was filmed at my home dojo and shows bunkai, and a corresponding pad drill, for the opening sequence of Naihanchi (Tekki Shodan). The initial raising of the arms is a “default cover” before we crash in and clinch to prevent further strikes landing. The pushing down of the arms is the neck crank to facilitate quick escape. If that does not work, then we use the side-to-side head turns (which are not in all version of the kata, but are in ours) to limit the enemy’s ability to bite. We then maintain a tactile awareness of the enemy’s head while we clear a path for the elbows.

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Pre-Emptive Striking and Karate ni Sente Nashi

On 21 Mar, 2018 By Iain Abernethy

“Karate ni Sente Nashi” (no 1st attack in karate) is undoubtedly one of the most misunderstood phrases in our art. Many take it to be a tactical instruction to always concede the initiative to the enemy by doing nothing until an assault is underway. To illustrate both the ridiculousness and immorality of this position, we can consider a teenage girl who has just been threatened with sexual assault. Are we really saying she is being immoral if she strikes before the assault begins in order to escape? I would hope not!

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Karate Pad Drill: Elbows, Knee and Takedown

On 12 Mar, 2018 By Iain Abernethy

This is footage from a recent dojo session where we practised a basic drill using elbows, knees and a takedown. All of the motions within it can be found in kata and it is vitally important that we drill these methods on the pads so powerful impact is developed.

The elbows, knee and takedown can all be found in Pinan Yodan (Heian Yodan); although obviously not in this specific order. To make the kata live and breathe it is important to apply the methods in alternate orders, and to explore variations in keeping with the core combative principles of the kata.

All the best,

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Multiple Assailants: An Inconvenient Truth

On 28 Feb, 2018 By Iain Abernethy

WARNING: This video contains footage of real world violence! This includes people getting struck, knocked out, and stabbed. This video should not be viewed by those under 18 or by those who are likely to find such images distressing.

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Kata Based Sparring (video)

On 23 Feb, 2018 By Iain Abernethy

In this video I talk about the Kata-Based-Sparring concept. I also share footage of methods from Chinto (Ganakaku), Naihanchi (Tekki Shodan), Jion, etc being applied in live sparring.  

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