Editorial Reviews:
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As a student the author enjoyed the power and grace of kata but was frustrated by the lack of intelligent explanation available for the use of the techniques. The bunkai that resembled the kata was awkward and implausible while the bunkai that seemed effective looked nothing like the actual movements in the kata. Convinced that the movements must have had some form of combat effectiveness originally, he decided to study, cross train and look out of the box himself to find an answer, an answer that led to the drills in this book. This book takes the 5 Heian Kata and breaks them down into progressively dynamic training and sparring drills to teach students how to effectively counter the habitual acts of street violence. The drills all initiate from movements that simulate the body's natural primal and protective flinch responses to attacks, and teach students how to close and create distance while moving freely between ballistic and grappling techniques incorporating close range striking, trapping, throwing, unbalancing and locking movements that mirror the forms. Each drill is clearly illustrated with photos and explanatory text. The drills interlink so that students quickly find themselves able to move freely from one Kata to another mid attack and defence to respond to the scenario created by their partner. The book also contains a detailed analysis of technique effectiveness, an outline of the history of the forms and a discussion of the nature of violent crime and its implications for martial arts practice. This book shows how to change kata from a sterile solo exercise into a dynamic form that belongs at the heart of your training. Whether you are interested in competition fighting or want to learn effective self defence, the drills in this book will improve your understanding of kata, timing, distance and repertoire. Heian Flow System will not only change the way you perceive these 'training' forms, but also the way you approach all kata. The author has trained in several martial arts and presently holds instructor grades in four separate systems. In addition to martial arts classes he has taught in secondary education, university and the military. His research training as a Doctor of History has always focused his approach to Karate; searching for effective answers to the question of bunkai. He is known for his practical approach to Karate training through his regular column in Traditional Karate Magazine and has taught seminars across the UK and in the USA. In addition to his writing and research he works as a senior officer in the Royal Air Force Voluntary Reserve Training Branch and teaches seminars across the UK between running two dedicated Personal Safety clubs in Buckinghamshire, England.
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