On Saturday the 23rd July, I will be teaching an open seminar in Abingdon, Oxfordshire! The theme for the session is utilising Naihanchi / Tekki in sparring! This will include a breakdown of the bunkai of the kata, and the various live drills needed to bring the kata to life. Also discussed will be how to structure and develop kata-based-sparring such that it remains fun, safe and productive. Kata and sparring were once closely linked (as is required for the kata process), but in recent times many karateka have severed this link and instead spar in a way designed for success within modern points competition. This seminar assumes no prior experience of kata-based-sparring and will show how the karateka can spar in a way that is based on the methods of the kata and will has genuine relevance to self-protection.

“Sparring does not exist apart from the kaya, but for the practise of the kata.” – Gichin Funakoshi

“Kumite is a live fight where we used the techniques of the kata to grapple with an opponent” – Choki Motobu

The venue is Main Hall, John Mason School, Wootton Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1JB and the seminar will run from 12.30 to 3.30pm. The cost is £35 per person. To book your place, please contact mary@athenakarate.com

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/s/iain-abernethy-kata-based-spar/5240177586035834/