Iain Abernethy

Christian Wedewardt is on his way back home after a great weekend! Functional and logical drills taught in a structured and very engaging way! Thanks to everyone for traveling from all over the UK to learn from the legend that is Wedewardt.

Fun session today with Christian Wedewardt! Les “Big Les” Bubka joined us too. More detailed write up to follow, but I have a wayward German to look after at the moment :-)

Christian Wedewardt is teaching in the UK on Saturday 11th of April 2026! Christian is one of my favourite people to share a dojo floor with! ACT FAST. More Info Here: iainabernethy.com/events/christi…

Vital Physical Self-Defence Skills Part 4 of 6: youtu.be/_jTaF6pKzZU This series of videos covers the basics of some vital aspects of physical self-defence that are frequently overlooked. We look at pre-emption, distraction, escape, escaping groups and protecting others.

Thanks to everyone in Reading today! We looked at using the methodology of kata to create, maintain and exploit pathways for strikes when fighting at close-range. Lots covered and I am grateful for everyone’s interest and enthusiasm! Thank you all!

Always a pleasure to teach in Bristol for Zenshin Dojo! We covered drills and bunkai for Hangetsu / Seishan. It was a fun day with great questions and enthusiastic engagement from all those there! Thanks everyone!

Congratulations to Hannah and Gregg on becoming our dojo’s newest black belts. Test includes kihon, combinations, pad-drills, kata, bunkai, self-defence scenarios, many types of live drill / sparring, & more. Thanks to the ukes and my colleagues on the grading panel. A great day!

New YouTube Video: Vital Physical Self-Defence Skills Part 3 of 6: youtu.be/fsOvL9-UD2E This series of videos covers the basics of some vital aspects of physical self-defence that are frequently overlooked. We look at pre-emption, distraction, escape, escaping groups, etc

A productive day in Shrewsbury! Bunkai and drills for Chinto / Gankaku. The entire kata in a single day is going some! Well done folks! Thanks to Paul for help with demos and Gareth for making it all happen.

Today in Burton-on-Trent we looked at joint-locking concepts and how they present in Kushanku / Kosokun-Dai / Kanku-Dai! I was delighted with how much we covered. Thanks everyone! Special thanks to Paul for making it happen and Dave for his help with the demonstrations.

Notice of the passing of Peter Consterdine (sent on behalf of Dawn Consterdine): facebook.com/share/p/1KAH2e…

Congratulations to Tony Valentine (4th dan), Kelsea Bartram (2nd dan), Chris Burge (2nd dan), Dave Garbett (1st dan) and Steve Beever (2nd kyu) on their BCKA gradings today!

Another big loss in the world of martial arts. Very fond memories of meeting Mr Norris and his people when I taught at their event.

NEW VIDEO: Vital Physical Self-Defence Skills Part 2 of 6: youtu.be/b5otaEybpfw

Back in the UK after an awesome weekend in Vaasa! It was great to catch up with everyone. We had fun exploring Hangetsu / Seishan / Seisan bunkai, principles and drills. I’m most grateful for the hardwork, hospitality and enthusiasm. We got lots done!

New Video Series!  Vital Physical Self-Defence Skills Part 1. Watch here: youtu.be/XK7djLTZx5U

Details of upcoming seminars (UK and Europe) can be found here: iainabernethy.com/seminar-dates

In this video I discuss “The Two Biggest Bunkai Mistakes” made my karateka. It is my view that if these two mistakes can be avoided, a lot of the other potential problems can also be avoided. I hope you enjoy it! Watch HERE: youtu.be/cO94z-cJpdE

Weights this morning then later on an hour’s walk to loosen everything up. Felt like Spring! Plants and animals certainly very active.

Karate trapping and locking drills in Chipping Campden! This included various training drills to help teach and develop these methods. I was very pleased with the way everyone was flowing with the Naihanchi / Tekki trapping flow drill. Thanks to Cotswold Karate for hosting!