Martial arts experts gather to hear teacher
Forty karate and non-karate martial arts practitioners from across Scotland and a visitor from the USA attended a seminar with world-renowned karate teacher, Iain Abernethy, in Blairgowrie recently.
Sponsored and hosted by Blairgowrie Karate Club, Iain taught the practical self-protection applications contained within the kata called Sochin.
This kata, originating from Okinawa, the source of karate, contains tactical templates for escaping and countering an attacker who grabs or clinches using various means.
Prior to the seminar Gordon MacKenzie, a member of Blairgowrie Karate Club, attained Second Dan black belt as a result of successfully passing an arduous and technically demanding grading exam, supervised by Iain Abernethy. Gordon’s performance was very good and he has much potential.
The seminar was attended by several senior karate practitioners, in particular much respected karate teacher, Jamie Gray, of Musashi Karate Club in Alloway, who ably assisted Iain during demonstrations.
The comprehensive nature of the seminar attracted several non-karate martial artists, who efficiently picked up the techniques, and organisers said it was“a welcome sight to see a coming together of like-minded practitioners from various martial arts”.
Club instructors Karen and Ally Whytock continuously seek ways to inspire members and as such recently spent time meeting with Ant Middleton, during his Mind Over Matter tour.
Former soldier, adventurer and television presenter on the Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins, Ant gave good advice on teaching through leading by example using a structured and disciplined approach.
For further information on Blairgowrie Karate Club call 07854 812 541.