17 September 2007

One of the leading exponents of combat applications within karate kata, Iain Abernethy, visited Northern Ireland last Saturday 15th September. He was invited by former British karate champion Sensei Danny Corr, to the famous Scout Hut dojo in Newtownabbey.

Local Carnalea Karate coach David Brashaw explained. “I have been practising karate for almost twenty five years and the detail and practical applications that Sensei Abernethy taught at this course have never been shown to me before. It was very obvious to all, including the lucky five of us from Carnalea, that understanding the 'real meaning of traditional kata' is his passion. At the same time he has nothing to prove, is very down to earth and open to ideas from others. In this day and age his approach is a very welcome breath of fresh air which encourages cooperation from all.”

The course itself started of with a gentle warm up, then moved into some basic grappling and blocking techniques. Then came the more serious side of bunkai-jutsu (analysis of kata) specifically Naihanchi and Passai were combinations of blocks and strikes became locks, breaks and take downs.

Certainly the 'hidden' combative strategies and explanations got us all not only thinking, but also created quite a lot of fun for some to inflict discomfort on others. (thanks Claire)

The four hours of training absolutly flew in. Sensei Abernethy was a true ambasador of the martial arts who was keen to share his knowledge with the many senior students who had travelled to train with him from across Northern Ireland. It was a great experience for all of us. Carnalea world cup stars Glen & Neil Bailie and Claire McPeake were inspired. “As for Kevin and I, we could have kept training and learning like this for a lot longer. We have always encouraged students to look at the best in all styles of martial arts and learn how they interlink and overlap. Following this course we will certainly be pursuing these open ideas in the future.”