Karate's Grappling Methods - Iain Abernethy

Taikudo-ka · Green Belt

I just got hold of a book called "Understanding Kata & Bunkai - Karate's Grappling Methods", by Iain Abernethy.

The book includes some principals of kata application, then many photos showing the standard forms and moves from some kata, gives the "easy explanation" bunkai, then shows how these moves can actually be hard-core street defense techniques for things like dumping opponents on their head, breaking their arm or elbow joint, applying joint locks followed by nasty blows, etc.

I was wondering if anyone else had read this book, and what they thought of it. Are his bunkai getting back to the heart of original karate-jutsu? Does anyone here teach this stuff?

Taikudo-ka · Green Belt

Just as a follow up to this, I found a number of articles written by Iain, including some from the book, for example the article on "real applications".

http://www.shotokankata.com/Articles/iain_abernethy.htm

This guy covers a lot of the stuff we've all been discussing on this forum. If you think karate is just a watered down kids version of sport kick-boxing, he will make you think again. This has made me look at my art with a new sense of potential.

G95champ · Black Belt

I have not read that book however we teach several differant applications for our kata. The first time we teach the basic blocks and punches then we look at the bolcks as punches and turns and stuff as throws and takedowns. There is tons and tons of hidden info in the kata. Look at my post under the horse stance message. The tekki kata is a Guard groudn defense.

Taikudo-ka · Green Belt

I have heard that each kata can be looked upon as a compressed database of techniques for a particular style, or fighting application. A master of old would spend hours compiling all the moves required for their most effective techniques into a kata so they could be practised, and taught and passed on.
Of course, without understanding how to "uncompress" or extract the techniques from the kata, it would be nothing but exercise.
To make things harder, most kata have been deliberately "encrypted" as well, so that an obvious surface application can conceal a deeper, more effective technique.
But in theory, an entire fighting style could be condensed into a kata, or a small set of katas.
Hehe I looked at some BJJ stuff, and sure enough, there was a guard, just like a proper horse stance, but of course on the back... very interesting.

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