Welcome to third and final part of the 2021 end of year podcast! I’ve answered as many of your questions as I can on a wide range of topics! Thanks to everyone who submitted them! Bob is my co-host for these ones (it does not go well!) and this year we have a single sponsor! If you are new to this silliness, you’ll quickly understand! This part covers the Teaching and Miscellaneous questions! Part 1 covers Self-Defense, Kata and Bunkai questions. Part 2 covers Training and General Karate Questions. Thanks for all your support in 2021! All the best, Iain

Welcome to third and final part of the 2021 end of year podcast! I’ve answered as many of your questions as I can on a wide range of topics! Thanks to everyone who submitted them! Bob is my co-host for these ones (it does not go well!) and this year we have a single sponsor! If you are new to this silliness, you’ll quickly understand! This part covers the Teaching and Miscellaneous questions! Part 1 covers Self-Defense, Kata and Bunkai questions. Part 2 covers Training and General Karate Questions. Thanks for all your support in 2021! All the best, Iain

End of 2021 Podcast Part 3

Welcome to second part of the 2021 end of year podcast! I’ve answered as many of your questions as I can on a wide range of topics! Thanks to everyone who submitted them! Bob is my co-host for these ones (it does not go well!) and this year we have a single sponsor! If you are new to this silliness, you’ll quickly understand! This part covers the Training and General Karate Questions! Part 1 covers Self-Defense, Kata and Bunkai questions. Part 3 covers Teaching and Miscellaneous questions. Thanks for all your support in 2021! All the best, Iain

Welcome to second part of the 2021 end of year podcast! I’ve answered as many of your questions as I can on a wide range of topics! Thanks to everyone who submitted them! Bob is my co-host for these ones (it does not go well!) and this year we have a single sponsor! If you are new to this silliness, you’ll quickly understand! This part covers the Training and General Karate Questions! Part 1 covers Self-Defense, Kata and Bunkai questions. Part 3 covers Teaching and Miscellaneous questions. Thanks for all your support in 2021! All the best, Iain

End of 2021 Podcast Part 2

Welcome to first part of the 2021 end of year podcast! I’ve answered as many of your questions as I can on a wide range of topics! Thanks to everyone who submitted them! Bob is my co-host for these ones (it does not go well!) and this year we have a single sponsor! If you are new to this silliness, you’ll quickly understand! This part covers the Self-Defense, Kata and Bunkai questions! Part 2 covers Training and General Karate Questions. Part 3 covers Teaching and Miscellaneous questions. Thanks for all your support in 2021! All the best, Iain

Welcome to first part of the 2021 end of year podcast! I’ve answered as many of your questions as I can on a wide range of topics! Thanks to everyone who submitted them! Bob is my co-host for these ones (it does not go well!) and this year we have a single sponsor! If you are new to this silliness, you’ll quickly understand! This part covers the Self-Defense, Kata and Bunkai questions! Part 2 covers Training and General Karate Questions. Part 3 covers Teaching and Miscellaneous questions. Thanks for all your support in 2021! All the best, Iain

End of 2021 Podcast Part 1

In this podcast I have a conversation with Oliver Martinez (Aikido, Karate, Filipino Martial Arts &amp; JKD) about what a practical syllabus should contain and the parallels between the karate and aikido communities! This was initially a personal conversation, but we enjoyed it so much, and thought it covered so much, that had the same chat again and recorded it for you! I hope that you enjoy it! All the best, Iain About Oliver: Fifth degree black belt Oliver Martinez II has over 25 years of martial arts experience. He is passionate about teaching both traditional martial arts as well as modern methods of self -protection. In addition to teaching martial arts, he also currently works in private security where he has received specialized training in defensive tactics and use of force.

In this podcast I have a conversation with Oliver Martinez (Aikido, Karate, Filipino Martial Arts &amp; JKD) about what a practical syllabus should contain and the parallels between the karate and aikido communities! This was initially a personal conversation, but we enjoyed it so much, and thought it covered so much, that had the same chat again and recorded it for you! I hope that you enjoy it! All the best, Iain About Oliver: Fifth degree black belt Oliver Martinez II has over 25 years of martial arts experience. He is passionate about teaching both traditional martial arts as well as modern methods of self -protection. In addition to teaching martial arts, he also currently works in private security where he has received specialized training in defensive tactics and use of force.

A Return to Practicality: Karate & Aikido

Jesse Enkamp

Iain Abernethy

In this podcast I talk with Jesse Enkamp! We recorded this impromptu conversation at the Karate Nerd Experience in Sweden in 2019. Jesse and I had just finished recorded some YouTube videos together and Jesse suggested doing a podcast. I said that I didn’t have my recoding equipment and Jesse suggested using the voice recording function on my phone … which worked incredibly well! With no plan, we sat down in the reception of the venue, hit record, and had the conversation you are about to hear! I thoroughly enjoyed our chat, and we covered a wide range of topics! The key theme that seemed to develop was the benefits of taking a broad approach to karate. We also cover improving kata, bunkai, self-defence, training methods, karate’s evolution, shuhari, and loads more! Jesse has kindly offered a 15% discount on all Seishin products to the listeners of this podcast! Just use the offer code “BUNKAI” when placing your order (free worldwide shipping included): www.seishin-international.com Many thanks to Jesse for having the idea to do this podcast, for taking the time to sit down and chat, and for his patience around the time taken for me to get this out to you all! It’s a very interesting listen so well worth the extended wait! All the best, Iain

In this podcast I talk with Jesse Enkamp! We recorded this impromptu conversation at the Karate Nerd Experience in Sweden in 2019. Jesse and I had just finished recorded some YouTube videos together and Jesse suggested doing a podcast. I said that I didn’t have my recoding equipment and Jesse suggested using the voice recording function on my phone … which worked incredibly well! With no plan, we sat down in the reception of the venue, hit record, and had the conversation you are about to hear! I thoroughly enjoyed our chat, and we covered a wide range of topics! The key theme that seemed to develop was the benefits of taking a broad approach to karate. We also cover improving kata, bunkai, self-defence, training methods, karate’s evolution, shuhari, and loads more! Jesse has kindly offered a 15% discount on all Seishin products to the listeners of this podcast! Just use the offer code “BUNKAI” when placing your order (free worldwide shipping included): <a href="http://www.seishin-international.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.seishin-international.com</a> Many thanks to Jesse for having the idea to do this podcast, for taking the time to sit down and chat, and for his patience around the time taken for me to get this out to you all! It’s a very interesting listen so well worth the extended wait! All the best, Iain

Jesse Enkamp and Iain Abernethy Chat (podcast)

In this podcast I talk to my friend and fellow practical karateka Christian Wedewardt! I have known Christian for many years, he is a fellow member of the World Combat Association (WCA) and we have taught together many times in the UK and Germany. Christian has a great approach to karate. His material is functional and well structured. In addition, Christian’s infectious enthusiasm and clear communication style makes him a joy to train with and teach alongside! You will no doubt be aware of Christian’s Karate Praxis organisation, his popular book, “The Heian Kata Bunkai Phenomenon: A Systematical Kata Workbook” (available in both English and German), his YouTube videos, and his appearances with the one and only Master Ken! In this podcast, Christian and I discuss his background, some of the principles of his approach (“first things first” and his pragmatic redefining of jodan, chudan and gedan), his teaching style, his appearances with Master Ken, and loads more besides! Many thanks to Christian for making time to appear on the podcast! It was a fun conversation and I hope you enjoy it! All the best, Iain

In this podcast I talk to my friend and fellow practical karateka Christian Wedewardt! I have known Christian for many years, he is a fellow member of the World Combat Association (WCA) and we have taught together many times in the UK and Germany. Christian has a great approach to karate. His material is functional and well structured. In addition, Christian’s infectious enthusiasm and clear communication style makes him a joy to train with and teach alongside! You will no doubt be aware of Christian’s Karate Praxis organisation, his popular book, “The Heian Kata Bunkai Phenomenon: A Systematical Kata Workbook” (available in both English and German), his YouTube videos, and his appearances with the one and only Master Ken! In this podcast, Christian and I discuss his background, some of the principles of his approach (“first things first” and his pragmatic redefining of jodan, chudan and gedan), his teaching style, his appearances with Master Ken, and loads more besides! Many thanks to Christian for making time to appear on the podcast! It was a fun conversation and I hope you enjoy it! All the best, Iain

Christian Wedewardt and Iain Abernethy (podcast)

Dan Trailescu

In this podcast I chat with Dan Trailescu (Aikidoka and Reality Based Self-Defence Instructor). It’s a great conversation and I am sure you will enjoy it! Dan has 15 years of martial arts experience, focused on Aikido and reality-based self-defence. He teaches communication, conflict resolution, and self-defence to university students, martial artists and business professionals. He holds a 3rd degree black belt in Aikido and is a certified instructor for Conflict Communications. He also has a postgraduate degree in Counselling Studies, with a focus on the psychology of self-defence instruction, and runs Luceo Training Ltd, a communication skills training company, as well as harmandharmony.com, a website dedicated to practical martial arts training. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harm_and_harmony/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmAndHarmonyAikido Website: www.harmandharmony.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/harmandharmony All the best, Iain

In this podcast I chat with Dan Trailescu (Aikidoka and Reality Based Self-Defence Instructor). It’s a great conversation and I am sure you will enjoy it! Dan has 15 years of martial arts experience, focused on Aikido and reality-based self-defence. He teaches communication, conflict resolution, and self-defence to university students, martial artists and business professionals. He holds a 3rd degree black belt in Aikido and is a certified instructor for Conflict Communications. He also has a postgraduate degree in Counselling Studies, with a focus on the psychology of self-defence instruction, and runs Luceo Training Ltd, a communication skills training company, as well as <a href="http://harmandharmony.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">harmandharmony.com</a>, a website dedicated to practical martial arts training. Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/harm_and_harmony/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/harm_and_harmony/</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HarmAndHarmonyAikido" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/HarmAndHarmonyAikido</a> Website: <a href="http://www.harmandharmony.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.harmandharmony.com</a> Patreon: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/harmandharmony" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/harmandharmony</a> All the best, Iain

Conversation with Dan Trailescu: Aikidoka and Reality Based Self-Defence Instructor

Randy Brown

PART 3: In this podcast Randy Brown (Mantis Boxing &amp; BJJ Coach) and I talk about the evolution of traditional martial arts, the role of forms, martial arts dogma, pseudo-history vs real history, and a whole host of other topics! For quite some time, people had been telling me that I should talk to Randy because our approaches had much in common. Apparently, Randy was getting told the same. It turns out people were right! We originally planned to chat for around 1 hour, but after 2.5 hours we were still going strong (which is why I have split this podcast into three parts!). Despite our differing arts and backgrounds, the way we approach our respective systems has a lot of common ground. It was really interesting to compare notes see how our thoughts and experiences related to each other’s. We both enjoyed this conversation and I’m sure you will too! Enjoy! All the best, Iain

PART 3: In this podcast Randy Brown (Mantis Boxing &amp; BJJ Coach) and I talk about the evolution of traditional martial arts, the role of forms, martial arts dogma, pseudo-history vs real history, and a whole host of other topics! For quite some time, people had been telling me that I should talk to Randy because our approaches had much in common. Apparently, Randy was getting told the same. It turns out people were right! We originally planned to chat for around 1 hour, but after 2.5 hours we were still going strong (which is why I have split this podcast into three parts!). Despite our differing arts and backgrounds, the way we approach our respective systems has a lot of common ground. It was really interesting to compare notes see how our thoughts and experiences related to each other’s. We both enjoyed this conversation and I’m sure you will too! Enjoy! All the best, Iain

Randy Brown and Iain Abernethy Part 3 (podcast)

PART 2: In this podcast Randy Brown (Mantis Boxing &amp; BJJ Coach) and I talk about the evolution of traditional martial arts, the role of forms, martial arts dogma, pseudo-history vs real history, and a whole host of other topics! For quite some time, people had been telling me that I should talk to Randy because our approaches had much in common. Apparently, Randy was getting told the same. It turns out people were right! We originally planned to chat for around 1 hour, but after 2.5 hours we were still going strong (which is why I have split this podcast into three parts!). Despite our differing arts and backgrounds, the way we approach our respective systems has a lot of common ground. It was really interesting to compare notes see how our thoughts and experiences related to each other’s. We both enjoyed this conversation and I’m sure you will too! Enjoy! All the best, Iain

PART 2: In this podcast Randy Brown (Mantis Boxing &amp; BJJ Coach) and I talk about the evolution of traditional martial arts, the role of forms, martial arts dogma, pseudo-history vs real history, and a whole host of other topics! For quite some time, people had been telling me that I should talk to Randy because our approaches had much in common. Apparently, Randy was getting told the same. It turns out people were right! We originally planned to chat for around 1 hour, but after 2.5 hours we were still going strong (which is why I have split this podcast into three parts!). Despite our differing arts and backgrounds, the way we approach our respective systems has a lot of common ground. It was really interesting to compare notes see how our thoughts and experiences related to each other’s. We both enjoyed this conversation and I’m sure you will too! Enjoy! All the best, Iain

Randy Brown and Iain Abernethy Part 2 (podcast)

PART 1: In this podcast Randy Brown (Mantis Boxing &amp; BJJ Coach) and I talk about the evolution of traditional martial arts, the role of forms, martial arts dogma, pseudo-history vs real history, and a whole host of other topics! For quite some time, people had been telling me that I should talk to Randy because our approaches had much in common. Apparently, Randy was getting told the same. It turns out people were right! We originally planned to chat for around 1 hour, but after 2.5 hours we were still going strong (which is why I have split this podcast into three parts!). Despite our differing arts and backgrounds, the way we approach our respective systems has a lot of common ground. It was really interesting to compare notes see how our thoughts and experiences related to each other’s. We both enjoyed this conversation and I’m sure you will too! Enjoy! All the best, Iain

PART 1: In this podcast Randy Brown (Mantis Boxing &amp; BJJ Coach) and I talk about the evolution of traditional martial arts, the role of forms, martial arts dogma, pseudo-history vs real history, and a whole host of other topics! For quite some time, people had been telling me that I should talk to Randy because our approaches had much in common. Apparently, Randy was getting told the same. It turns out people were right! We originally planned to chat for around 1 hour, but after 2.5 hours we were still going strong (which is why I have split this podcast into three parts!). Despite our differing arts and backgrounds, the way we approach our respective systems has a lot of common ground. It was really interesting to compare notes see how our thoughts and experiences related to each other’s. We both enjoyed this conversation and I’m sure you will too! Enjoy! All the best, Iain

Randy Brown and Iain Abernethy Part 1 (podcast)

Iain Abernethy has been involved in the martial arts since childhood. Iain holds the rank of 6th Dan with 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 Karate England (the official governing body for Karate in England). Iain's popular monthly podcasts cover all aspects of practical martial arts and realistic self-protection.

So glad to have discovered Iain. His concepts and good natured approach to martial arts are informative as well as entertaining.

This podcast is great for history and the curiosities of traditional karate, but as my son and I listened, he remarked “Wow, I wish we did all that!”. This is not the karate you’re gonna find around you and feels like a bit of a bait and switch, not that it’s his fault.

A Show for a Different Time

Iain Abernethy - The Practical Application Of Karate

	“Kata-Based-Sparring” and is also around 15 minutes long. On this podcast I discuss the four stages of kata training, the need to take the techniques and methods of the kata into live training (solo kata and compliant drills are not enough), what kata-based-sparring is, and some of the basics of how to structure it.  	It’s an area of my approach to kata that is of great interest to people and I hope the podcast will add something to your understanding of it (details of the associated DVD can be found HERE). 

“Kata-Based-Sparring” and is also around 15 minutes long. On this podcast I discuss the four stages of kata training, the need to take the techniques and methods of the kata into live training (solo kata and compliant drills are not enough), what kata-based-sparring is, and some of the basics of how to structure it. 	It’s an area of my approach to kata that is of great interest to people and I hope the podcast will add something to your understanding of it (details of the associated DVD can be found <a href="http://www.iainabernethy.com/videos/Kata_Based_Sparring_DVD.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>).

Kata-Based-Sparring

This month’s podcast and video lesson have been combined to provide a guided workout on the bag! I figured it was time we did something practical in addition to all the theory we have been discussing.  What you first need to do is watch the video clip below. It will briefly explain and demonstrate all the various drills included in the workout. You then should download the podcast (right click on “download”) and burn it to a CD or put it on your MP3 player.  If you listen to the podcast whilst working out on the bag it will guide you through the drills and tell you when to stop and start. The whole workout lasts around 20 minutes and can be put at the start or end of your training sessions. Done correctly, the workout will develop aerobic and anaerobic fitness, explosiveness, muscular endurance, technique, power and the correct combative mindset.  The workout is structured as follows:  Hands only (1 min – moderate pace) Kicks only (1 min – moderate pace) Hand &amp; Feet (1 min – moderate pace) 1 Minute Rest Heavy Hands Single Shots (1 Min) Explosive Combinations (1 Min) Continuous Straight Punches (1 Min) 1 Minute Rest Hands &amp; Feet with Lots of Movement (1 Min) Close-Range Strikes (1 Min) 30 Seconds Rest 4 Straight Punches – 4 Hooks (1 Min) 1 Minute Rest Anything you want (2 mins) Jab-Cross-Hook-Cross Pyramid (1 Min) 1 Minute Rest Hands only (1 min) Kicks only (1 min) Hand &amp; Feet (1 min)  If you watch the video clip, it will explain and demonstrate what each of the drills listed above involves, and the podcast itself will provide further guidance and reminders.  The workout is structured around time, and it will depend upon your skill level and fitness as to how much you get done in that time. The workout should therefore be suitable for martial artists of all levels. That said:  IMPORTANT: This workout can be both technically and physically demanding and should only be attempted by those in good health who have received prior instruction in the safe use of a punch bag from an experienced and qualified person. You attempt this workout entirely at your own risk!  I hope you enjoy the workout and find it useful. Please let me know your thoughts and if this workout proves popular, I’ll produce a few more workouts for other aspects of training. You can also subscribe to the newsletters via the main site (www.iainabernethy.com) to be informed as soon as future workouts are ready.  All the best,  Iain VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS   MP3 FILE FOR DOWNLOAD

This month’s podcast and video lesson have been combined to provide a guided workout on the bag! I figured it was time we did something practical in addition to all the theory we have been discussing.  What you first need to do is watch the video clip below. It will briefly explain and demonstrate all the various drills included in the workout. You then should download the podcast (right click on “download”) and burn it to a CD or put it on your MP3 player.  If you listen to the podcast whilst working out on the bag it will guide you through the drills and tell you when to stop and start. The whole workout lasts around 20 minutes and can be put at the start or end of your training sessions. Done correctly, the workout will develop aerobic and anaerobic fitness, explosiveness, muscular endurance, technique, power and the correct combative mindset.  The workout is structured as follows:  Hands only (1 min – moderate pace) Kicks only (1 min – moderate pace) Hand &amp; Feet (1 min – moderate pace) 1 Minute Rest Heavy Hands Single Shots (1 Min) Explosive Combinations (1 Min) Continuous Straight Punches (1 Min) 1 Minute Rest Hands &amp; Feet with Lots of Movement (1 Min) Close-Range Strikes (1 Min) 30 Seconds Rest 4 Straight Punches – 4 Hooks (1 Min) 1 Minute Rest Anything you want (2 mins) Jab-Cross-Hook-Cross Pyramid (1 Min) 1 Minute Rest Hands only (1 min) Kicks only (1 min) Hand &amp; Feet (1 min)  If you watch the video clip, it will explain and demonstrate what each of the drills listed above involves, and the podcast itself will provide further guidance and reminders.  The workout is structured around time, and it will depend upon your skill level and fitness as to how much you get done in that time. The workout should therefore be suitable for martial artists of all levels. That said:  IMPORTANT: This workout can be both technically and physically demanding and should only be attempted by those in good health who have received prior instruction in the safe use of a punch bag from an experienced and qualified person. You attempt this workout entirely at your own risk!  I hope you enjoy the workout and find it useful. Please let me know your thoughts and if this workout proves popular, I’ll produce a few more workouts for other aspects of training. You can also subscribe to the newsletters via the main site (<a href="http://www.iainabernethy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.iainabernethy.com</a>) to be informed as soon as future workouts are ready.  All the best,  Iain <h3>VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS</h3> <h3> </h3> <h3>MP3 FILE FOR DOWNLOAD</h3>

Bag Workout!

Welcome to the second part of this year’s Q&amp;A end of year podcast! In this second part (77 mins) we cover all the questions relating to Kata and Bunkai, Stance and Technique, Weapons, and Miscellaneous. In the first part you can find the Self-Defence, Training and General Karate questions. The podcast includes some spoof advertisements! Some of these adverts contain very mild “bad” language. Nothing overly offensive, but it’s probably wise to ensure young children aren’t in earshot. Thanks for all your support in 2018! All the best, Iain

Welcome to the second part of this year’s Q&amp;A end of year podcast! In this second part (77 mins) we cover all the questions relating to Kata and Bunkai, Stance and Technique, Weapons, and Miscellaneous. In the first part you can find the Self-Defence, Training and General Karate questions. The podcast includes some spoof advertisements! Some of these adverts contain very mild “bad” language. Nothing overly offensive, but it’s probably wise to ensure young children aren’t in earshot. Thanks for all your support in 2018! All the best, Iain

 Q and A Podcast 2018 Part 2

	This month we cover Solo Kata for Solo Training! In these podcasts we frequently discuss how kata records the combative techniques and concepts upon which karate is based. Kata provides the combative syllabus around which we should structure all of our training. Kata should be central to our pad drills, partner-work, sparring, and all other forms of training. In this podcast we discuss the solo kata itself and how it can be used as an enjoyable and effective method of supplementary solo training. 	We start by discussing the nature of kata, what a “good kata” is, and what benefits the practise of solo kata can bring when training alone. We then spend the bulk of the podcast looking at the many different ways in which you can make use of kata regardless of style, available space or environment. We also cover some of the ways in which you can add variety to solo kata training in order to make training challenging and enjoyable. The hope is the podcast will motivate and inspire you to further explore the many ways in which kata can be used when a training partner is not available. 	In the second part of the podcast we cover listener’s questions. Topics covered include warm-ups, the martial arts and weight loss, worries about the law when we defend ourselves, whether competitive karate is harmful or beneficial, and making use of what I teach in your own practise. 	It’s just over an hour of my martial musings and I hope you enjoy it and find it interesting. Enjoy! 	All the best, 	Iain

This month we cover Solo Kata for Solo Training! In these podcasts we frequently discuss how kata records the combative techniques and concepts upon which karate is based. Kata provides the combative syllabus around which we should structure all of our training. Kata should be central to our pad drills, partner-work, sparring, and all other forms of training. In this podcast we discuss the solo kata itself and how it can be used as an enjoyable and effective method of supplementary solo training. 	We start by discussing the nature of kata, what a “good kata” is, and what benefits the practise of solo kata can bring when training alone. We then spend the bulk of the podcast looking at the many different ways in which you can make use of kata regardless of style, available space or environment. We also cover some of the ways in which you can add variety to solo kata training in order to make training challenging and enjoyable. The hope is the podcast will motivate and inspire you to further explore the many ways in which kata can be used when a training partner is not available. 	In the second part of the podcast we cover listener’s questions. Topics covered include warm-ups, the martial arts and weight loss, worries about the law when we defend ourselves, whether competitive karate is harmful or beneficial, and making use of what I teach in your own practise. 	It’s just over an hour of my martial musings and I hope you enjoy it and find it interesting. Enjoy! 	All the best, 	Iain

Solo Kata for Solo Training (Podcast)

Welcome to the first part of this year’s Q&amp;A end of year podcast! Thanks to everyone who submitted questions and topics! In this first part (70 mins) we cover all the questions relating to Self-Defence, Training and General Karate. In the second part (out very soon!) we will cover questions related to: Kata and Bunkai, Stance and Technique, Weapons, and Miscellaneous. As is something of a tradition with these end of year podcasts, I’ve also included some spoof advertisements :-) A big thanks to Dylan Tucker who also submitted some advertisements. Some of these adverts contain very mild “bad” language. Nothing overly offensive, but it’s probably wise to ensure young children aren’t in earshot. I’ve also tried to make the podcast as Christmassy as possible! That way you can simultaneously enjoy some martial discussion, get your Christmas on, and catch up on all those last-minute preparations for the big day as you listen! Enjoy! All the best, Iain

Welcome to the first part of this year’s Q&amp;A end of year podcast! Thanks to everyone who submitted questions and topics! In this first part (70 mins) we cover all the questions relating to Self-Defence, Training and General Karate. In the second part (out very soon!) we will cover questions related to: Kata and Bunkai, Stance and Technique, Weapons, and Miscellaneous. As is something of a tradition with these end of year podcasts, I’ve also included some spoof advertisements :-) A big thanks to Dylan Tucker who also submitted some advertisements. Some of these adverts contain very mild “bad” language. Nothing overly offensive, but it’s probably wise to ensure young children aren’t in earshot. I’ve also tried to make the podcast as Christmassy as possible! That way you can simultaneously enjoy some martial discussion, get your Christmas on, and catch up on all those last-minute preparations for the big day as you listen! Enjoy! All the best, Iain

Q and A Podcast 2018 Part 1

	I wanted to start the year with something a little special, so here is a free “audio book” (i.e. a long podcast! :-) called “The Martial Map”. 	In the audio book I look at martial arts, fighting, self-protection and their relationship to one another. Many martial arts instructors see martial arts, fighting and self-protection as being one and the same with all distinctions between them being completely lost. Personally I think this lack of clarity to be highly problematic and it is arguably the biggest problem we face today. 	We train most effectively when we clearly define the objective of that training. However, it is my view that most practitioners and instructors are unclear what they are training for. That uncertainty leads to ineffective and unfocused training. 	In the audio book I put forward a simple model to help refocus people on the distinctions and similarities between various areas of study. It is my view that this will lead to more efficient training. As you may have guessed, I call this model “The Martial Map”. 	The Martial Map is not the definitive solution to the problem of unfocused training (and there are other solutions too), but I think The Martial Map is a very useful way of framing the question. I firmly believe that those who apply this way of thinking to their training will become better fighters, better martial artists and better able to protect themselves from society’s violent minority. 	The Martial Map will also be useful for instructors by helping to ensure their teaching is objective driven, their students remain clear on the purpose of all forms of training, and there is no confusion on when any given method is applicable and when it is not. 	The Martial Map is around 1 hour long (10,000 words approx) and I hope you find it a thought provoking and enjoyable listen. 	All the best, 	Iain 	PS Thanks to all on the forum and elsewhere who have helped me to clarify the thinking upon which The Martial Map is based.

I wanted to start the year with something a little special, so here is a free “audio book” (i.e. a long podcast! :-) called “The Martial Map”. 	In the audio book I look at martial arts, fighting, self-protection and their relationship to one another. Many martial arts instructors see martial arts, fighting and self-protection as being one and the same with all distinctions between them being completely lost. Personally I think this lack of clarity to be highly problematic and it is arguably the biggest problem we face today. 	We train most effectively when we clearly define the objective of that training. However, it is my view that most practitioners and instructors are unclear what they are training for. That uncertainty leads to ineffective and unfocused training. 	In the audio book I put forward a simple model to help refocus people on the distinctions and similarities between various areas of study. It is my view that this will lead to more efficient training. As you may have guessed, I call this model “The Martial Map”. 	The Martial Map is not the definitive solution to the problem of unfocused training (and there are other solutions too), but I think The Martial Map is a very useful way of framing the question. I firmly believe that those who apply this way of thinking to their training will become better fighters, better martial artists and better able to protect themselves from society’s violent minority. 	The Martial Map will also be useful for instructors by helping to ensure their teaching is objective driven, their students remain clear on the purpose of all forms of training, and there is no confusion on when any given method is applicable and when it is not. 	The Martial Map is around 1 hour long (10,000 words approx) and I hope you find it a thought provoking and enjoyable listen. 	All the best, 	Iain 	PS Thanks to all on the forum and elsewhere who have helped me to clarify the thinking upon which The Martial Map is based.

The Martial Map (Free Audio Book)

In this podcast we will be examining Anko Itosu’s 10 precepts of karate! In 1908, Itosu – who was the creator of the Pinan (Heian) kata – wrote a letter outlining his views on karate and explaining why he felt karate should be introduced on to the Okinawan school system. It is this letter, and the 10 precepts recorded within it, that is the subject of this month’s podcast. There are many English translations of this important document; but unfortunately they vary quite a bit and in some instances express very different sentiments. There is a 1938 book called ’Karate-Do Taikan’ which contains relatively good quality photographs of Itosu’s 1908 letter. To get the translation discussed in the podcast, I scanned the pictures of the original Itosu document from the book and sent those scans, without any background information, to one of the UK’s leading translation companies. As non-karateka and professional translators I felt that they would be able to give an accurate translation. The translation company informed me that the document was written in “a very old literary style” and hence was difficult to translate accurately; even for professional translators. This may also help explain why the existing translations of the document vary so much? The translation company contacted a specialist based in the USA who would be able to accurately translate the document and the scans were sent to him. Not cheap, but worth it I feel. The translation was taken from scans of Itosu’s original handwritten letter. This translation was also done independently by a professional translator who is a specialist in this kind of work. The translator was not a martial artist and he therefore has no specific view to promote. I therefore have no reason to doubt its accuracy (copied below). This podcast discusses Itosu’s precepts and some of the ramifications they may have for how we should view karate. I hope that you enjoy it! Best Wishes, Iain Itosu’s 10 Precepts (translation commissioned by Iain Abernethy) Karate did not develop from Buddhism or Confucianism. In the past the Shorin-ryu school and the Shorei-ryu school were brought to Okinawa from China. Both of these schools have strong points and I therefore list them below just as they are without embellishment. 1. Karate is not merely practiced for your own benefit; it can be used to protect one’s family or master. It is not intended to be used against a single assailant but instead as a way of avoiding injury by using the hands and feet should one by any chance be confronted by a villain or ruffian. 2. The purpose of karate is to make the muscles and bones hard as rock and to use the hands and legs as spears. If children were to begin training naturally in military prowess while in elementary school, then they would be well suited for military service. Remember the words attributed to the Duke of Wellington after he defeated Napoleon, “Today’s battle was won on the playing fields of our schools”. 3. Karate cannot be quickly learned. Like a slow moving bull, it eventually travels a thousand leagues. If one trains diligently for one or two hours every day, then in three or four years one will see a change in physique. Those who train in this fashion will discover the deeper principles of karate. 4. In karate, training of the hands and feet are important, so you should train thoroughly with a sheaf of straw (#).  In order to do this, drop your shoulders, open your lungs, muster your strength, grip the floor with your feet, and concentrate your energy into your lower abdomen. Practice using each arm one to two hundred times each day. 5. When you practice the stances of karate, be sure to keep your back straight, lower your shoulders, put strength in your legs, stand firmly, and drop your energy into your lower abdomen.

In this podcast we will be examining Anko Itosu’s 10 precepts of karate! In 1908, Itosu – who was the creator of the Pinan (Heian) kata – wrote a letter outlining his views on karate and explaining why he felt karate should be introduced on to the Okinawan school system. It is this letter, and the 10 precepts recorded within it, that is the subject of this month’s podcast. There are many English translations of this important document; but unfortunately they vary quite a bit and in some instances express very different sentiments. There is a 1938 book called ’Karate-Do Taikan’ which contains relatively good quality photographs of Itosu’s 1908 letter. To get the translation discussed in the podcast, I scanned the pictures of the original Itosu document from the book and sent those scans, without any background information, to one of the UK’s leading translation companies. As non-karateka and professional translators I felt that they would be able to give an accurate translation. The translation company informed me that the document was written in “a very old literary style” and hence was difficult to translate accurately; even for professional translators. This may also help explain why the existing translations of the document vary so much? The translation company contacted a specialist based in the USA who would be able to accurately translate the document and the scans were sent to him. Not cheap, but worth it I feel. The translation was taken from scans of Itosu’s original handwritten letter. This translation was also done independently by a professional translator who is a specialist in this kind of work. The translator was not a martial artist and he therefore has no specific view to promote. I therefore have no reason to doubt its accuracy (copied below). This podcast discusses Itosu’s precepts and some of the ramifications they may have for how we should view karate. I hope that you enjoy it! Best Wishes, Iain Itosu’s 10 Precepts (translation commissioned by Iain Abernethy) Karate did not develop from Buddhism or Confucianism. In the past the Shorin-ryu school and the Shorei-ryu school were brought to Okinawa from China. Both of these schools have strong points and I therefore list them below just as they are without embellishment. 1. Karate is not merely practiced for your own benefit; it can be used to protect one’s family or master. It is not intended to be used against a single assailant but instead as a way of avoiding injury by using the hands and feet should one by any chance be confronted by a villain or ruffian. 2. The purpose of karate is to make the muscles and bones hard as rock and to use the hands and legs as spears. If children were to begin training naturally in military prowess while in elementary school, then they would be well suited for military service. Remember the words attributed to the Duke of Wellington after he defeated Napoleon, “Today’s battle was won on the playing fields of our schools”. 3. Karate cannot be quickly learned. Like a slow moving bull, it eventually travels a thousand leagues. If one trains diligently for one or two hours every day, then in three or four years one will see a change in physique. Those who train in this fashion will discover the deeper principles of karate. 4. In karate, training of the hands and feet are important, so you should train thoroughly with a sheaf of straw (#).  In order to do this, drop your shoulders, open your lungs, muster your strength, grip the floor with your feet, and concentrate your energy into your lower abdomen. Practice using each arm one to two hundred times each day. 5. When you practice the stances of karate, be sure to keep your back straight, lower your shoulders, put strength in your legs, stand firmly, and drop your energy into your lower abdomen.

Itosu’s 10 Precepts - New translation

	This month’s podcast is entitled “The most important part of practical karate training” and, as its name suggests, it covers the most important part of karate training! The podcast is just over 17 minutes long and should be of interest to all those who believe karate training should address the needs of self-protection. Please see the foot of this blog entry to download the podcast or listen to it on-line.  	I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support of these podcasts and for enthusiastically spreading the word. I’m delighted with the feedback we are getting and that so many people are listening to them. Thank you very much!  	I hope you enjoy this month’s podcast and if you’d like to be informed as soon as next month’s is available, please be sure to subscribe to the newsletters. Thanks once again for your support.  	Best Wishes,  	Iain

This month’s podcast is entitled “The most important part of practical karate training” and, as its name suggests, it covers the most important part of karate training! The podcast is just over 17 minutes long and should be of interest to all those who believe karate training should address the needs of self-protection. Please see the foot of this blog entry to download the podcast or listen to it on-line. 	I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support of these podcasts and for enthusiastically spreading the word. I’m delighted with the feedback we are getting and that so many people are listening to them. Thank you very much! 	I hope you enjoy this month’s podcast and if you’d like to be informed as soon as next month’s is available, please be sure to <a href="http://www.iainabernethy.com/Joinnewsletter.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">subscribe to the newsletters</a>. Thanks once again for your support. 	Best Wishes, 	Iain

The Most Important Part of Practical Karate

	At the foot of this post you’ll find the latest Iain Abernethy.com podcast! This podcast is just over 18 minutes long and covers the fundamental keys needed to understanding how kata should be applied. It is knowledge of these keys that will enable the karateka to understand the “language of kata” and hence understand what the physical moments of the various kata represent. 	The podcast can be listened to online using this blog’s built in player (just click “Play Now” or the grey play icon). You can also download the podcast to listen to later on your computer or MP3 player by right clicking “Download”, then click “Save as”, and then choose the location you’d like to save the podcast to. 	I hope you enjoy the podcast and find it useful. 	All the best, 	Iain

At the foot of this post you’ll find the latest Iain <a href="http://Abernethy.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Abernethy.com</a> podcast! This podcast is just over 18 minutes long and covers the fundamental keys needed to understanding how kata should be applied. It is knowledge of these keys that will enable the karateka to understand the “language of kata” and hence understand what the physical moments of the various kata represent. 	The podcast can be listened to online using this blog’s built in player (just click “Play Now” or the grey play icon). You can also download the podcast to listen to later on your computer or MP3 player by right clicking “Download”, then click “Save as”, and then choose the location you’d like to save the podcast to. 	I hope you enjoy the podcast and find it useful. 	All the best, 	Iain

The Keys to Understanding Kata

	Traditionally this is the time where many of us set our goals and resolutions for the coming year. I’ve therefore prepared a short and timely podcast on the basics of goal setting for this blog. 	It’s important to have goals, but if these goals are poorly defined they do little to help us. By following the method outlined in the podcast, your goals will have meaning, will help guide your actions, will give you a measure of your progress, will motivate you and will help you achieve the things you want in 2007; both inside and outside of the dojo. 	When most people come to set their new-year resolutions they are often about all the negative things they want to stop doing. In addition to getting rid of a few bad habits, I’d also encourage you to set some positive goals for 2007. There must be loads of thing you want to achieve and accomplish in 2007 and the simple goal setting methods discussed in the podcast is certain to help you. 	I’ve used the method to ensure progress in the martial arts and in all other aspects of my life. I hope you find it as useful as I have! 	More details of the goal setting method introduced in the podcast, and other tools that will help you achieve your ambitions for 2007, can be found in my Mental Strength book and DVD. 	I hope you enjoy the podcast and it helps you to set the goals that will make 2007 your best year yet! Have a good one! 	All the best, 	Iain

Traditionally this is the time where many of us set our goals and resolutions for the coming year. I’ve therefore prepared a short and timely podcast on the basics of goal setting for this blog. 	It’s important to have goals, but if these goals are poorly defined they do little to help us. By following the method outlined in the podcast, your goals will have meaning, will help guide your actions, will give you a measure of your progress, will motivate you and will help you achieve the things you want in 2007; both inside and outside of the dojo. 	When most people come to set their new-year resolutions they are often about all the negative things they want to stop doing. In addition to getting rid of a few bad habits, I’d also encourage you to set some positive goals for 2007. There must be loads of thing you want to achieve and accomplish in 2007 and the simple goal setting methods discussed in the podcast is certain to help you. 	I’ve used the method to ensure progress in the martial arts and in all other aspects of my life. I hope you find it as useful as I have! 	More details of the goal setting method introduced in the podcast, and other tools that will help you achieve your ambitions for 2007, can be found in my Mental Strength book and DVD. 	I hope you enjoy the podcast and it helps you to set the goals that will make 2007 your best year yet! Have a good one! 	All the best, 	Iain

How to set your goals for 2007

Welcome to this special cross cover podcast with myself and Wim Demeere! As some of you will know, I was a guest on Wim’s podcast a few months ago. I’m a big fan of Wim’s work and I was keen to get him back on my own podcast. We chatted through the options and thought it may be fun to do a crossover podcast with questions from listeners! Thanks to everyone who submitted them! While both Wim and I share a strong practical bias, I have a background in traditional Japanese / Okinawan systems and Wim has a background in traditional Chinese systems. It was our hope that our respective viewpoints would make for an interesting discussion … and I think it did! Lots of good information in this podcast! Topics covered include: • Differences in Chinese and Japanese forms. • Comparing internal and external systems. • Ensuring actions in self-defence are both effective and legal i.e. use “reasonable force”. • How to remain healthy when training hard and aging. • Weight training for the martial artist. • What principle-based training means to us, our teaching and our personal practise. • Red flags when seeking instruction. • Who do Wim and I seek to emulate. • The links between karate and kung-fu. • How we feel about the sporting offshoots from our respective systems (sparring and forms). • If Wim and I had to start again and study another martial art, what would it be and why. • And more too! This was a fun conversation that you will be able to find in both my podcast feed and Wim’s (http://www.wimsblog.com/category/podcast/). Enjoy! All the best, Iain

Welcome to this special cross cover podcast with myself and Wim Demeere! As some of you will know, I was a guest on Wim’s podcast a few months ago. I’m a big fan of Wim’s work and I was keen to get him back on my own podcast. We chatted through the options and thought it may be fun to do a crossover podcast with questions from listeners! Thanks to everyone who submitted them! While both Wim and I share a strong practical bias, I have a background in traditional Japanese / Okinawan systems and Wim has a background in traditional Chinese systems. It was our hope that our respective viewpoints would make for an interesting discussion … and I think it did! Lots of good information in this podcast! Topics covered include: • Differences in Chinese and Japanese forms. • Comparing internal and external systems. • Ensuring actions in self-defence are both effective and legal i.e. use “reasonable force”. • How to remain healthy when training hard and aging. • Weight training for the martial artist. • What principle-based training means to us, our teaching and our personal practise. • Red flags when seeking instruction. • Who do Wim and I seek to emulate. • The links between karate and kung-fu. • How we feel about the sporting offshoots from our respective systems (sparring and forms). • If Wim and I had to start again and study another martial art, what would it be and why. • And more too! This was a fun conversation that you will be able to find in both my podcast feed and Wim’s (<a href="http://www.wimsblog.com/category/podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.wimsblog.com/category/podcast/</a>). Enjoy! All the best, Iain

Iain and Wim Crossover Podcast!

	This month’s podcast covers one-step sparring; as well as the related practises of three-step and five-step sparring. Whist a very common form of practise in karate, taekwondo, etc. it is my belief that such training is a largely pointless. In the podcast I look at why I feel one-step sparring is a “dead-end” and why it does not develop any useable attributes. It is important to isolate techniques however, but this needs to be done in a way that can progress to live practise and free flowing application.  I therefore also suggest what I see as better ways to isolate techniques. 	The podcast also looks at common arguments made in favour of one-step sparring and explains why I don’t think they hold up to close scrutiny. I hope you enjoy the podcast and that, regardless of weather you agree with my position or not, you find it provides food for thought.  Enjoy and I’ll be back with more soon! 	All the best, 	Iain

This month’s podcast covers one-step sparring; as well as the related practises of three-step and five-step sparring. Whist a very common form of practise in karate, taekwondo, etc. it is my belief that such training is a largely pointless. In the podcast I look at why I feel one-step sparring is a “dead-end” and why it does not develop any useable attributes. It is important to isolate techniques however, but this needs to be done in a way that can progress to live practise and free flowing application.  I therefore also suggest what I see as better ways to isolate techniques. 	The podcast also looks at common arguments made in favour of one-step sparring and explains why I don’t think they hold up to close scrutiny. I hope you enjoy the podcast and that, regardless of weather you agree with my position or not, you find it provides food for thought.  Enjoy and I’ll be back with more soon! 	All the best, 	Iain

One-Step-Sparring (podcast)

	This month’s podcast covers the always controversial subject of pressure points! In the podcast I give my own take on pressure points including my thoughts on chi, acupuncture theory and its relationship to pressure points, modern medicine vs. a traditional Chinese medicine approach, the relationship between power and accuracy, my five key places to strike, and my own “zone approach” to striking areas. 	In order to thoroughly explore the above issues the podcast is a little longer than normal (55 minutes) so we can count this one as a “Bumper Christmas Special” ;-) 	We also address quite a few listeners’ questions including bunkai and compliance, the gap between kata and self-protection in many dojos, training outside the dojo, how to teach bunkai to children and at what grade bunkai training should begin. 	The podcast also has links embedded in the “comments” with links to related books and an online video. This is something I will continue with from now on to ensure the podcast is as useful to you as possible in your studies. We also embedded a little “pressure points” picture to give you something to look at when listening to the podcast on your i-pod or MP3 player! 	I hope you enjoy the podcast and I’ll be back with a new one in the New Year! 	All the best, 	Iain

This month’s podcast covers the always controversial subject of pressure points! In the podcast I give my own take on pressure points including my thoughts on chi, acupuncture theory and its relationship to pressure points, modern medicine vs. a traditional Chinese medicine approach, the relationship between power and accuracy, my five key places to strike, and my own “zone approach” to striking areas. 	In order to thoroughly explore the above issues the podcast is a little longer than normal (55 minutes) so we can count this one as a “Bumper Christmas Special” ;-) 	We also address quite a few listeners’ questions including bunkai and compliance, the gap between kata and self-protection in many dojos, training outside the dojo, how to teach bunkai to children and at what grade bunkai training should begin. 	The podcast also has links embedded in the “comments” with links to related books and an online video. This is something I will continue with from now on to ensure the podcast is as useful to you as possible in your studies. We also embedded a little “pressure points” picture to give you something to look at when listening to the podcast on your i-pod or MP3 player! 	I hope you enjoy the podcast and I’ll be back with a new one in the New Year! 	All the best, 	Iain

Pressure Points! (Podcast)

Stephan Kesting

In this podcast, Stephan Kesting &amp; I discuss our thoughts on the value of kata. I really enjoyed this conversation for two main reasons: Firstly, Stephan is a really nice and genuine guy.  He was fun to talk to. Secondly, we disagree on the nature and value of kata; and that made for an interesting conversation. Neither of us changed our viewpoint as a result of the conversation, but we both enjoyed having it. Whatever your own view, we hope you will enjoy listening too. The conversation came about as a result of a YouTube video Stephan put out in the summer called, “Why Kung Fu Forms and Karate Kata are (Mostly) Pretty Useless!” You can view the video here: https://youtu.be/Zc3rkmaoSi0 I was contacted by a lot of people wanting to know my thoughts on the video. Some of whom were quite upset by it! Although, I’m unsure if some of those who were upset had watched the video (i.e. reacting to the title and not the content). Around the same time Stephan was asking his audience who they’d like to hear from on his podcast; and my name came up. Long story short (full history is in the podcast), Stephan and I put a date in the diary to chat and this podcast is the result. It first came out in Stephan’s “Strenuous Life” Podcast: https://www.grapplearts.com/kata-is-usless-for-combat/ I’ve added a little introduction, and then it has the entirety of the podcast as Stephan put it out. At the risk of “spoilers”, I will say that, although Stephan and I remain firm in our original viewpoints, we do agree on quite a lot of general points. I will also say that much of what Stephan critiques about the way kata are practised are things that myself, and those like me, also critique. This was, therefore, not a “debate” between “opposing sides”. This was a friendly and objective conversation around the topic of kata between two people with differing viewpoints. Please listen to it in that spirit. Digest the points made, by both of us, and consider how they apply to your training and your experience of kata. Objective criticism, from both outside and within, is vital for the health of any worthwhile martial art. I’m therefore really grateful to Stephan for sparking further discussion on these important topics and for making this podcast happen. Whatever your own take on this topic, I am confident you will enjoy the discussion.   All the best, Iain

In this podcast, Stephan Kesting &amp; I discuss our thoughts on the value of kata. I really enjoyed this conversation for two main reasons: Firstly, Stephan is a really nice and genuine guy.  He was fun to talk to. Secondly, we disagree on the nature and value of kata; and that made for an interesting conversation. Neither of us changed our viewpoint as a result of the conversation, but we both enjoyed having it. Whatever your own view, we hope you will enjoy listening too. The conversation came about as a result of a YouTube video Stephan put out in the summer called, “Why Kung Fu Forms and Karate Kata are (Mostly) Pretty Useless!” You can view the video here: <a href="https://youtu.be/Zc3rkmaoSi0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/Zc3rkmaoSi0</a> I was contacted by a lot of people wanting to know my thoughts on the video. Some of whom were quite upset by it! Although, I’m unsure if some of those who were upset had watched the video (i.e. reacting to the title and not the content). Around the same time Stephan was asking his audience who they’d like to hear from on his podcast; and my name came up. Long story short (full history is in the podcast), Stephan and I put a date in the diary to chat and this podcast is the result. It first came out in Stephan’s “Strenuous Life” Podcast: <a href="https://www.grapplearts.com/kata-is-usless-for-combat/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.grapplearts.com/kata-is-usless-for-combat/</a> I’ve added a little introduction, and then it has the entirety of the podcast as Stephan put it out. At the risk of “spoilers”, I will say that, although Stephan and I remain firm in our original viewpoints, we do agree on quite a lot of general points. I will also say that much of what Stephan critiques about the way kata are practised are things that myself, and those like me, also critique. This was, therefore, not a “debate” between “opposing sides”. This was a friendly and objective conversation around the topic of kata between two people with differing viewpoints. Please listen to it in that spirit. Digest the points made, by both of us, and consider how they apply to your training and your experience of kata. Objective criticism, from both outside and within, is vital for the health of any worthwhile martial art. I’m therefore really grateful to Stephan for sparking further discussion on these important topics and for making this podcast happen. Whatever your own take on this topic, I am confident you will enjoy the discussion.   All the best, Iain

Stephan Kesting & Iain: Thoughts on the Value of Kata

	Welcome to the October 2012 iainabernethy.com podcast! This podcast is titled “The Masters Speak!” and it covers twenty-five or so of some of my favourite quotes from the works of the past masters. In the podcast we include the words of masters such as Itosu, Funakoshi, Otsuka, Mabuni, Motobu, Kyan, etc. What I hope these quotations show is that much of what is regarded as “traditional” today is not that traditional! 	The quotes show that the masters of the past thought that kata without application was “useless”, that karate training should include locking and throwing, that the directions in kata have nothing to do with the angle of attack, that the idea of the kata being for multiple “opponents” who attack in turn was “nonsense”, that awareness and avoidance training is vital, that we should hit first once conflict can’t be avoided, that there is no such thing as a “pure style”, and so forth. 	It’s all stuff that those listening to these podcasts are likely to agree with; and yet those like us often find ourselves labelled as “revisionists” or “mavericks”. The fact is though that the more pragmatic and holistic approach which we subscribe to is actually far closer to what was being practised in the past than the “traditional karate” of today. 	I’ve also included a few, shall we say “interesting” quotes that show that some of the past masters did have some very unusual and unwholesome ideas! I’ve also included a small number of quotes from more recent martial history which I hope you find interesting too. 	I hope you enjoy the podcast and I’ll be back with more next month! 	All the best, 	Iain

Welcome to the October 2012 <a href="http://iainabernethy.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iainabernethy.com</a> podcast! This podcast is titled “The Masters Speak!” and it covers twenty-five or so of some of my favourite quotes from the works of the past masters. In the podcast we include the words of masters such as Itosu, Funakoshi, Otsuka, Mabuni, Motobu, Kyan, etc. What I hope these quotations show is that much of what is regarded as “traditional” today is not that traditional! 	The quotes show that the masters of the past thought that kata without application was “useless”, that karate training should include locking and throwing, that the directions in kata have nothing to do with the angle of attack, that the idea of the kata being for multiple “opponents” who attack in turn was “nonsense”, that awareness and avoidance training is vital, that we should hit first once conflict can’t be avoided, that there is no such thing as a “pure style”, and so forth. 	It’s all stuff that those listening to these podcasts are likely to agree with; and yet those like us often find ourselves labelled as “revisionists” or “mavericks”. The fact is though that the more pragmatic and holistic approach which we subscribe to is actually far closer to what was being practised in the past than the “traditional karate” of today. 	I’ve also included a few, shall we say “interesting” quotes that show that some of the past masters did have some very unusual and unwholesome ideas! I’ve also included a small number of quotes from more recent martial history which I hope you find interesting too. 	I hope you enjoy the podcast and I’ll be back with more next month! 	All the best, 	Iain

The Masters Speak! (podcast)

As many of you will know, I recently taught a series of seminars in various parts of Canada. Without exception all the seminars were great fun and I’m very grateful to all who attended for their warmth, their enthusiasm and their ability to digest the information we covered. I had a blast! Whist I was in Canada, James Freeman (organiser of the events) and I were interviewed on a morning radio sports show. This month’s podcast includes that interview in full! Topics covered in the interview include my martial background, why I took up karate, the nature of kata, my thoughts on MMA and self-defence, the current state of martial arts, the true nature of self-protection, what the seminars in Canada covered, could I kill someone with my thumb (!), and had I ever kicked someone’s head clean off?! Seriously, I was asked those last two questions! I thought the mix of serious and tongue-in-cheek questions made for a fun and informative interview and I hope you enjoy listing to it. Thanks to Scott and Elliot Knowles for arranging this interview and getting a copy for me. The podcast also includes details of the next issue of Jissen (the free online practical martial arts magazine); the answer and winner of last month’s competition; and news of a totally free online book that we’ll be making available in the not too distant future! A quick note to those listening via i-tunes: Whilst i-tunes only lists the last few podcasts, a full back catalogue of all our podcasts is available from the blog of iainabernethy.com. All of the podcasts are completely free and can be downloaded and listened to online. All the best, Iain

As many of you will know, I recently taught a series of seminars in various parts of Canada. Without exception all the seminars were great fun and I’m very grateful to all who attended for their warmth, their enthusiasm and their ability to digest the information we covered. I had a blast! Whist I was in Canada, James Freeman (organiser of the events) and I were interviewed on a morning radio sports show. This month’s podcast includes that interview in full! Topics covered in the interview include my martial background, why I took up karate, the nature of kata, my thoughts on MMA and self-defence, the current state of martial arts, the true nature of self-protection, what the seminars in Canada covered, could I kill someone with my thumb (!), and had I ever kicked someone’s head clean off?! Seriously, I was asked those last two questions! I thought the mix of serious and tongue-in-cheek questions made for a fun and informative interview and I hope you enjoy listing to it. Thanks to Scott and Elliot Knowles for arranging this interview and getting a copy for me. The podcast also includes details of the next issue of Jissen (the free online practical martial arts magazine); the answer and winner of last month’s competition; and news of a totally free online book that we’ll be making available in the not too distant future! A quick note to those listening via i-tunes: Whilst i-tunes only lists the last few podcasts, a full back catalogue of all our podcasts is available from the blog of <a href="http://iainabernethy.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iainabernethy.com</a>. All of the podcasts are completely free and can be downloaded and listened to online. All the best, Iain

Canadian Radio Interview

In this podcast we discuss the concepts of “jutsu” and “do” and the related benefits and shortfalls of “karate-justu” (karate for real fighting) and “karate-do” (karate for physical and mental development). In the podcast we examine both approaches and see where they differ and where they have common ground. These two suffixes are becoming more significant these days as the need to differentiate between the many activities that reside under the coverall banner of “karate” increases. In recent times, the term “karate-do” has become associated with ineffective karate that makes little or no attempt to train in a realistic way. The other side of coin is that those who tag themselves as practitioners of “karate-jutsu” are often viewed as dangerous psychotics who revel in violence and who are base individuals unable to appreciate the higher aspects of the martial arts. Are these views justified? Are we using the terms “jutsu” and “do” in the right way? We also look at what a number of history’s most influential martial artists had to say on this subject. This includes the thoughts of Gichin Funakoshi (founder of Shotokan), Hironori Otsuka (founder of Wado-Ryu) and Jigoro Kano (founder of Judo). I hope you enjoy this podcast and I’ll be back with more in 2008! Best Wishes, Iain

In this podcast we discuss the concepts of “jutsu” and “do” and the related benefits and shortfalls of “karate-justu” (karate for real fighting) and “karate-do” (karate for physical and mental development). In the podcast we examine both approaches and see where they differ and where they have common ground. These two suffixes are becoming more significant these days as the need to differentiate between the many activities that reside under the coverall banner of “karate” increases. In recent times, the term “karate-do” has become associated with ineffective karate that makes little or no attempt to train in a realistic way. The other side of coin is that those who tag themselves as practitioners of “karate-jutsu” are often viewed as dangerous psychotics who revel in violence and who are base individuals unable to appreciate the higher aspects of the martial arts. Are these views justified? Are we using the terms “jutsu” and “do” in the right way? We also look at what a number of history’s most influential martial artists had to say on this subject. This includes the thoughts of Gichin Funakoshi (founder of Shotokan), Hironori Otsuka (founder of Wado-Ryu) and Jigoro Kano (founder of Judo). I hope you enjoy this podcast and I’ll be back with more in 2008! Best Wishes, Iain

Karate-Jutsu / Karate-Do

	 Hi All, 	Please find below the latest podcast! You can listen to this podcast online using this blog’s built in player, or you can download it to listen to later. 	In this latest podcast I cover the combative application of the Pinan / Heian series of kata. These kata are sadly often considered to be little more than a form of physical exercise for children or beginners. However, it is my view that the Pinan / Heian series do in fact represent a coherent, complete and highly effective civilian combat system. Some of the reasons for why I hold that view are covered in this podcast. 	This podcast includes information on the fighting style of Anko Itosu (the creator of the Pinan kata), why the Pinan kata are structured as they are, an explanation for why Itou’s opponents were said to frequently end up face down and unconscious, the combative progression that is central to the Pinan series, etc. 	The recent video lessons included in this blog have included instruction on how the Pinan / Heian kata counter datums (grabs) and how there is a progression in the methods used as we move from one kata to the next. 	It is my hope that watching those video clips and listening to this podcast will give you the background information to begin to appreciate the way in which the Pinan / Heian kata are structured and how they should be applied. I hope that you enjoy this podcast and, as always, any feedback you’d care to give will be gratefully received. 	All the best, 	Iain

Hi All, 	Please find below the latest podcast! You can listen to this podcast online using this blog’s built in player, or you can download it to listen to later. 	In this latest podcast I cover the combative application of the Pinan / Heian series of kata. These kata are sadly often considered to be little more than a form of physical exercise for children or beginners. However, it is my view that the Pinan / Heian series do in fact represent a coherent, complete and highly effective civilian combat system. Some of the reasons for why I hold that view are covered in this podcast. 	This podcast includes information on the fighting style of Anko Itosu (the creator of the Pinan kata), why the Pinan kata are structured as they are, an explanation for why Itou’s opponents were said to frequently end up face down and unconscious, the combative progression that is central to the Pinan series, etc. 	The recent video lessons included in this blog have included instruction on how the Pinan / Heian kata counter datums (grabs) and how there is a progression in the methods used as we move from one kata to the next. 	It is my hope that watching those video clips and listening to this podcast will give you the background information to begin to appreciate the way in which the Pinan / Heian kata are structured and how they should be applied. I hope that you enjoy this podcast and, as always, any feedback you’d care to give will be gratefully received. 	All the best, 	Iain

The Pinan / Heian Series

This month’s podcast is a little different! Instead of giving you some information, we’re going to give you something to do. This podcast provides a 25 minute workout which includes shadow fighting, traditional basics, conditioning exercises, aerobic drills, anaerobic drills, punching combinations, slow kata, normal kata, and more! The idea is that you download the podcast to your MP3 player, mobile phone (cell phone for our friends on the other side of the Atlantic), laptop or burn it to a disk. You then listen to the podcast and do as instructed. It’s an ideal “bit of everything” workout for those days where you don’t have enough time to train as you would like. It also requires no equipment and very little space; making it possible to use the podcast in your home or a hotel room. At the foot of this blog post you will find the link where you can download the podcast (right click on “download”). You can also find a video clip that explains how to use the podcast (visit www.iainabernethy.com if you are reading this on i-tunes or a similar website). You can view the clip online or download it to your computer. When you have watched the clip, you are all ready to go! A word of warning: This podcast assumes that you are physically and technically capable of training in this way. If you have any doubt, please be sure to take the advice of suitably qualified and experienced person before engaging in the routine. Be sure to adequately warm-up and cool down and work at your own pace! I hope you enjoy this podcast and find it useful! All the best, Iain

This month’s podcast is a little different! Instead of giving you some information, we’re going to give you something to do. This podcast provides a 25 minute workout which includes shadow fighting, traditional basics, conditioning exercises, aerobic drills, anaerobic drills, punching combinations, slow kata, normal kata, and more! The idea is that you download the podcast to your MP3 player, mobile phone (cell phone for our friends on the other side of the Atlantic), laptop or burn it to a disk. You then listen to the podcast and do as instructed. It’s an ideal “bit of everything” workout for those days where you don’t have enough time to train as you would like. It also requires no equipment and very little space; making it possible to use the podcast in your home or a hotel room. At the foot of this blog post you will find the link where you can download the podcast (right click on “download”). You can also find a video clip that explains how to use the podcast (visit <a href="http://www.iainabernethy.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.iainabernethy.com</a> if you are reading this on i-tunes or a similar website). You can view the clip online or download it to your computer. When you have watched the clip, you are all ready to go! A word of warning: This podcast assumes that you are physically and technically capable of training in this way. If you have any doubt, please be sure to take the advice of suitably qualified and experienced person before engaging in the routine. Be sure to adequately warm-up and cool down and work at your own pace! I hope you enjoy this podcast and find it useful! All the best, Iain

25 Minute Solo Workout

In this podcast we are looking at Beginning Bunkai! One of the most frequent requests I get via email is for advice on how to get started with the study of bunkai (kata application). So I thought it was about time we did a podcast on that topic! The podcast covers finding regular instruction, setting up training groups, making the most of seminars, dealing with any negative reactions from your instructors and peers, studying the works of the past masters, what your study should include, developing your own unique approach to bunkai, etc. If you are one of those people who is keen to make practical bunkai part of what they do, but you are not sure how to get stared, then this podcast should help. This podcast also includes a free to enter competition! We have received quite a few emails about my accent over the years and I thought it would be fun to run a related competition. I have therefore included a short martial arts related phrase in board Cumbrian (my local dialect). One lucky winner – which will be whoever gets closest to understanding what I said! – will win a free book or DVD for their choice. I hope you enjoy the podcast! All the best, Iain

In this podcast we are looking at Beginning Bunkai! One of the most frequent requests I get via email is for advice on how to get started with the study of bunkai (kata application). So I thought it was about time we did a podcast on that topic! The podcast covers finding regular instruction, setting up training groups, making the most of seminars, dealing with any negative reactions from your instructors and peers, studying the works of the past masters, what your study should include, developing your own unique approach to bunkai, etc. If you are one of those people who is keen to make practical bunkai part of what they do, but you are not sure how to get stared, then this podcast should help. This podcast also includes a free to enter competition! We have received quite a few emails about my accent over the years and I thought it would be fun to run a related competition. I have therefore included a short martial arts related phrase in board Cumbrian (my local dialect). One lucky winner – which will be whoever gets closest to understanding what I said! – will win a free book or DVD for their choice. I hope you enjoy the podcast! All the best, Iain

Beginning Bunkai

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