Iain Abernethy - The Practical Application Of Karate

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 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.

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.

This latest podcast calls into question the accepted translation of “Pinan” as “Peaceful Mind”. I’m currently preparing a book on the combative application of the Pinan (Heian) series and, as a result of some of the new research for that book, I’m now convinced that the karate world has got the translation wrong and that this alternative translation has ramifications for how we should view those forms. You can see the characters used for writing “Pinan” (Heian) as part of this blog entry and their meaning will be explained in the podcast. I believe that Anko Itosu (the creator of the Pinan Series) did not intend for these characters to be read as “Peaceful Mind” and that they do in fact have a name directly related to their purpose and combative function. The view expressed in this podcast runs contrary to the universally accepted meaning of “Pinan” and I am aware that this view is potentially controversial. To my knowledge, I am also the only person to who has suggested this alternative theory to the widely accepted “Peaceful Mind”. However, by suggesting it, I hope that others will look at the evidence for themselves and come to their own conclusions. So what does “Pinan” mean? And why do I now doubt the accepted translation of “Peaceful Mind”? You’ll have to listen to the podcast to find out! The second part of the podcast covers some of my answers to the questions posed to me as part of Martial Arts Illustrated’s “Ask the Experts” column. The questions in this podcast relate to the creation of kata and which past master I would most like to talk to and what questions would I ask them. I hope you enjoy the podcast! Best Wishes, Iain

This latest podcast calls into question the accepted translation of “Pinan” as “Peaceful Mind”. I’m currently preparing a book on the combative application of the Pinan (Heian) series and, as a result of some of the new research for that book, I’m now convinced that the karate world has got the translation wrong and that this alternative translation has ramifications for how we should view those forms. You can see the characters used for writing “Pinan” (Heian) as part of this blog entry and their meaning will be explained in the podcast. I believe that Anko Itosu (the creator of the Pinan Series) did not intend for these characters to be read as “Peaceful Mind” and that they do in fact have a name directly related to their purpose and combative function. The view expressed in this podcast runs contrary to the universally accepted meaning of “Pinan” and I am aware that this view is potentially controversial. To my knowledge, I am also the only person to who has suggested this alternative theory to the widely accepted “Peaceful Mind”. However, by suggesting it, I hope that others will look at the evidence for themselves and come to their own conclusions. So what does “Pinan” mean? And why do I now doubt the accepted translation of “Peaceful Mind”? You’ll have to listen to the podcast to find out! The second part of the podcast covers some of my answers to the questions posed to me as part of Martial Arts Illustrated’s “Ask the Experts” column. The questions in this podcast relate to the creation of kata and which past master I would most like to talk to and what questions would I ask them. I hope you enjoy the podcast! 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 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 subscribe to the newsletters. Thanks once again for your support.   Best Wishes,   Iain

Welcome to the latest Iain Abernethy.com podcast! This month’s podcast is called “Kata: Why Bother?” and it discusses the nature and value of kata from a practical viewpoint. It also asks if there is a place of kata in modern training or if it is increasingly becoming an archaic waste of training time? The podcast is around 18 minutes long and is based on an article I wrote a number of years ago. The podcast also looks why kata were created in the first place and suggests how we need to approach kata if it is to have value as a record of combative techniques and as a training method. I hope that you enjoy the podcast and as always any feedback will be gratefully received (iain@iainabernethy.com) Best Wishes, Iain

Welcome to the latest Iain Abernethy.com podcast! This month’s podcast is called “Kata: Why Bother?” and it discusses the nature and value of kata from a practical viewpoint. It also asks if there is a place of kata in modern training or if it is increasingly becoming an archaic waste of training time? The podcast is around 18 minutes long and is based on an article I wrote a number of years ago. The podcast also looks why kata were created in the first place and suggests how we need to approach kata if it is to have value as a record of combative techniques and as a training method. I hope that you enjoy the podcast and as always any feedback will be gratefully received (iain@iainabernethy.com) Best Wishes, Iain

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 & 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 & 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 & 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

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 & 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 & 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 & 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

 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

Hi All,  Please find below the latest Podcast! We’ve had a lot of feedback from the podcasts and plenty of you have been writing to let me know what subjects you’d like me to cover. One topic that kept coming up was weight training for the martial artist. As you may know, I am also a qualified weight training coach and a keen weight lifter. In this podcast, I discuss some of the fundamentals you need to be aware of if you are to make weight training an effective supplement to your martial arts training. This podcast also covers how I personally train with the weights and the methods I’ve found the most effective. I hope that you enjoy this podcast and find it useful. As always, all feedback will be gratefully received.  All the best, Iain

Hi All,  Please find below the latest Podcast! We’ve had a lot of feedback from the podcasts and plenty of you have been writing to let me know what subjects you’d like me to cover. One topic that kept coming up was weight training for the martial artist. As you may know, I am also a qualified weight training coach and a keen weight lifter. In this podcast, I discuss some of the fundamentals you need to be aware of if you are to make weight training an effective supplement to your martial arts training. This podcast also covers how I personally train with the weights and the methods I’ve found the most effective. I hope that you enjoy this podcast and find it useful. As always, all feedback will be gratefully received.  All the best, Iain