iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Thanks to everyone in Maldon today! Pinan / Heian drills on the pads being the theme. We covered a lot of different types of drill and I am very grateful for everyone’s interest and enthusiasm. It was great seeing you all!

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

A fun session yesterday in Martley covering escape skills, pre-emption, dealing with groups, protecting others, weapons, and other aspects of self-protection that are often not given enough attention. Thanks everyone!

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Thanks to all in Leipzig this weekend! Combative principals from kata being the theme. 10 hours of training and loads covered! Thanks for the hard work, enthusiasm and laughter. It was great seeing you all!

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

An old video of mine explaining kata and bunkai. It’s probably the most important and in-depth one I have done on the topic and is well worth a watch for those who haven’t seen it: youtu.be/ZOKZCsxHDY8?...

youtu.be

Kata Bunkai Explained!

YouTube video by practicalkatabunkai

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

New video of part of our kyu grade combinations. Follow this link for an explanation of it: www.instagram.com/reel/DdWolXB...

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

A fun day in Keighley exploring drills and applications for Kushanku / Kosokun-Dai / Kanku-Dai. I’m grateful to Oliver for organising and helping with demonstrations. Thanks to all there for your interest and support. Thanks to Oliver’s mum for ensuring everyone was well fed. Fantastic day!

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

One of those AI scam calls this morning. Decided to speak gibberish just to see how it responded. When it asked if I was the homeowner, I replied, “I have sellotaped a banana to my monkey’s forehead in order not to be outdone by my neighbour’s new unicorn.” It hung up.

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Working body shots last night. For any strike we need transfer of body-mass, acceleration for optimal speed on impact, and for correct combative tactics to influence how the first two are achieved.

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

In close-range, non-consensual combat, the non-striking hand will often have a more productive role than a passive “guard”. Yes, practise keeping your guard up when the non-striking hand is unoccupied ..: but also practise putting it to use. Active is best; up when at rest; never empty and down.

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Thanks to all in Shrewsbury today! Theme was “How to Train Naihanchi / Tekki” which included flow drills, pad drills and live drills. We covered a lot and I am most grateful for everyone’s hard work and enthusiasm. Thank you!

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Had a run out on the bike and ended up next to Ennerdale Water. Photos never do the views justice.

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Short clip from a recent dojo session where we were linking together bunkai for the first half of Pinan / Heian Godan into a flow drill. Variety in how we get technical repetition gives the training greater depth and prevents unnecessary boredom.

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

On Sunday the 30th of August 2026 I will be teaching an open seminar in Shrewsbury! The theme of this seminar will be “How to Train Naihanchi / Tekki”. iainabernethy.com/events/semin...

iainabernethy.com

Seminar in Shropshire! - Iain Abernethy

On Sunday the 30th of August 2026 I will be teaching an open seminar in Shrewsbury! The theme of this seminar will be “Ho...

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

A fantastic four days in Germany! A small group residental where we covered a wide range of karate and self-defence topics. Venue, views and food were are amazing. Above all, a fun group who I greatly enjoyed spending time with. Thank you all!

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

NEW YOUTUBE VIDEO: youtu.be/T5WOB5U9-L0 In this video I discuss three approaches to kata bunkai kata that I strongly reject (there are others!). Having looked at these approaches, I have found they lack both historical validity and, more importantly, combative utility.

youtu.be

Three Approaches to Bunkai That I Strongly Reject

YouTube video by practicalkatabunkai

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Congratulations to Christopher Webb on completing his BCKA / WCA 5th dan earlier today! A demanding test on a very hot day, but the years of consistent preparation shone through. Strong, precise and sharp from beginning to end. Awesome job!

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

A clip from a recent series of videos in the iain abernethy app. Here we are looking at the body-mechanics for maximum weight transfer for a lead hook / kagi-zuki. This can also increase the acceleration of the punch through the stretch and release of the fibres of the body ie a “throwing” action.

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

An awesome weekend in Galway! Pinan / Heian drills and kata-based-sparring. Tons covered and we had fun doing it. Great craic! :-) Thanks to Galway Shotokan for making it happen.

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

NEW YOUTUBE VIDEO: It’s an unfortunate fact that most martial artists don’t appreciate the differences between martial arts and self-protection. In this video I attempt to use analogies around motoring to illustrate how absurd some of these misunderstandings can be. View Here: youtu.be/Sd9psKcHsP0

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Self-Protection, Martial Arts and Motoring

YouTube video by practicalkatabunkai

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

Chinto / Gankaku / Jindo seminar in Brynnmawr today! Flow drill encompassing the entire kata in order. Lots to get done is a single session, but we managed it! I am very grateful to everyone for the hard work, fun conversations and laughs. Thanks to Heads of the Valleys Tang Soo Do for hosting!

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Thanks to all at Brighouse today! Kururunfa bunaki, drills and principles. It was a fun day and I’m grateful for the enthusiastic engagement and thoughtful questions. Thanks to Andy and the Junboku Karate Academy for making it happen.

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Some photos from today’s hour out on the motorbike. Circuit over Honister Pass, along Derwent Water, over Whinlatter Pass (England’s only true mountain forest) and back to the beginning. Great for clearing the mind and easing stress.

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Two of Funakoshi’s throws from his 1925 book, Rentan Goshin Karate Jutsu. The first (throat press) is a favourite of mine and a close variation - pushing across chest with forearm - is also, according to the man himself, Chuck Liddell’s favourite takedown. The second is “stamping through”.

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Seminar in Brighouse, Yorkshire on Saturday the 11th of July 2026! iainabernethy.com/events/semin... On Sunday the 12th of July 2026, I will be teaching an open seminar in Brynnmawr, Wales! iainabernethy.com/events/semin...

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

The Karate Praxis Castle Retreat is now over. Great weekend with great people! Ludwig Binder, Jürgen Kestner, Christian Wedewardt and myself greatly enjoyed leading a highly motivated international group through various aspects of self-defence and applied karate.

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

Despite the intense heat here in Bacharach training continues to be fun and productive. My sessions on Funakoshi’s throws and takedowns are now complete. Lifts only when were were in the castle courtyard :-)

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

Congratulations to all who passed their WCA gradings yesterday. Extremely strong performances from Justin, Julian, Max and Katya … gradings are always tough but the heat and the humidity definitely added an extra element of difficulty. Well done all!

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Arrived at the castle in Bacharach! The castle, UK travel group, instructor group and view from dojo window.

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Congratulations to Den Francis (2nd dan) and Dave Cole (4th dan) on passing their BCKA gradings! A tough test made harder by the heat and humidity. Well done gentleman!

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

A fun quiz inspired by The Rest is Science podcast designed to scientifically estimate the number of words in your vocabulary. 72,500 in my case. I know way too many largely pointless words 🙂 vocabowl-870366514258.us-west1.run.app

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Congratulations to Stefan Maier (2nd from left) on passing his 6th dan grading last weekend! It was a wide ranging test and a solid performance!

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Great weekend in Stuttgart! Gojushiho Sho and Dai bunkai, drills and pad drills. It’s always great to get to spend time with you all. Thank you for the enthusiasm!

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

This video was taken at a dojo session where the kyu grades were learning hip throws. Part of this was a basic walk through a throw we call, “The Reverse Cross Buttocks Throw”. We use the term “Cross Buttocks” as a nod to a similar throw found in our native grappling art of Cumberland Wrestling.

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

NEW VIDEO: youtu.be/wwgpmU1unT4 In this video I discuss Seven “Ranges” of Combat. Personally, I dislike the term “range” but if we think of these “ranges” as “aspects of combat” then things become clearer and we can better consider the emphasis we place on each “range”.

youtu.be

Seven Ranges of Combat

YouTube video by practicalkatabunkai

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

It was great seeing everyone in Ayr today! Principles of kata as expressed in Passai / Bassai-Dai. It was a deep one with a lot covered. Thanks to Jamie for making it happen. Thanks to all who attended too for making it a fun and productive day.

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Left home on the motorbike, over Whinlatter Pass, along Derwent Water, over Honister Pass, along Buttermere, then Crummock, & then back home. 25% slopes, high elevations, and stunning views of the lakes and fells. I would have shared it with you, but the video camera went flat 10 mins from home :-)

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

A great three days in Hamburg: Pinan / Heian Godan, Chinto / Gankaku, escape skills, protecting others and more! Great city; great people; great fun!Thank you all!

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

One recent addition to the iain abernethy app was a look at the double hip and common misunderstandings around it. I’m now in my 5th decade of martial arts training. If there is a more effective means of power generation then I’ve yet to see it or experience it. “Feeling is believing” - Peter C.

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

An awesome weekend in Roermond! We covered Naihanchi / Tekki sparring drills, escape skills, multiple enemies, protecting others, and dealing with weapons. The enthusiasm and effort was second to none! Thanks to all for their support and good company!

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Took the bike out for a spin along the edge of Derwent Water yesterday evening :-)

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

A great day in Grays, Essex looking at Seiyunchin / Seienchin bunkai and drills! Many thanks to Richard and Caroline of SRK Martial Arts for making it happen, Lee for his help with demonstrations, and all who attended for their enthusiasm and support. I enjoyed it lots!

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

Advanced Pinan / Heian drills in Newton Aycliffe today! Strikes, trapping, strangles, throws, etc in kata based flow drills! Thanks to Newton Aycliffe Karate Club for organising, Dave for uke-ing and Fred for his help teaching. Very advanced material and you all did great with it!

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Iain Abernethy @iainabernethy.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

NEW VIDEO: This short video covers the tackle defence sequence at the end of Ji’in kata. It’s a very short clip lacking detail, nor does it discuss wider training methods. However, I hope it is of interest. Watch Here: youtu.be/Zc7O9kLubtU

youtu.be

Ji'in End Sequence Bunkai

YouTube video by practicalkatabunkai

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