Practical Kata Bunkai: Chuck Norris’s Chun Kuk Do’s Kong Sang Koon

This video shows a few clips from my session on the applications of Kong Sang Koon at Chuck Norris’s UFAF ITC (United Fighting Arts Federation International Training Conference) in July 2014. It was a fantastic event and I’m very grateful to have played a part.

The first part of the video discusses the opening motions of Kong Sang Koon. The second section shows the part after the first spear hand. The third section shows how the first quarter of the kata can be practised as a two-person flow drill. The final part shows a snippet of the awards dinner with Chuck Norris, Aaron Norris, Rener Gracie, etc.

We covered a lot more than is shown in this short clip. This video does also not show the instruction given on other sections of the form and hence it is incomplete. It should therefore not be mistaken for an instructional clip. I nevertheless hope you find it an interesting watch. If you are interested in all that was covered … you should have been there :-)

All the best,

Iain

[claudes.whitacre]

There is a world full of Black Belts that still think that these moves are a series of blocks and punches. It's what I was taught. Only though videos like this did I learn what's really going on in Kata. Thank you Mr. Abernathy.

[rcbmmines]

Shotokan practitioner here. I've been looking for Kanku Dai/Kusanku Bunkai everywhere and I find this. Amazing stuff! Probably the best application I've ever seen! Wish it could be more widely known.

[bongothom]

I don't want to sound like a salesman, but I started purchasing Mr. Abernethy's DVDs a few years ago and he totally revolutionized how I train kata. If you are serious about traditional karate, I can't recommend his material enough.

[firebellyK]

I studied Tang Soo Do and got a black belt in Korea in 1986. I ended up in Las Vegas in 1987 and was looking for a school to train in. I found Bob Barrows school which was UFAF (Chuck Norris system). I joined the class and they honored my black belt. Within a few weeks I was teaching classes. A short time later Chuck Norris came to town for the UFAF convention. The Black Belts from our school got to escort Mr. Norris from the Barbary Coast hotel to Cesars Palace where he was staying. He was an extremely cool person. Very friendly. I’ll never forget that.

[roloduarte]

What an honor teaching with Chuck Norris there, you deserve it Ian.

[akrocuba]

OUTSTANDING EXPLANATION, AS USUAL, OF HOW TO ACTUALLY USE KATA IN THE REAL WORLD!!!
OUS!
MUCH RESPECT!!

[ArielDominguez]

this sensei is a genious. Really apreciate the content. I´m really happy to have found this channel. great work. OSSU!

[michaelvendick]

This dude is amazing with his interpretation of kata bunkai. He brings to light what the movements actually mean, and they are devastaing!!! Its no wonder that the old masters tried to keep the meanings of the kata movements a secret. But the way he explains the centerline theory, your position to your opponent based on both of your centerlines, you want to be off your opponents centerline while having your centerline facing your opponent, makes so much sense. And once you understand that the Katas are all based off this simple principle, the meanings of the movements of the Katas start to open up and practicing kata becomes fun again and more relevant to your training than you ever imagined

[fabiocarraro]

Chuck Norris shook Iain's hand: now his pulling hand CAN generate power!

[QuestOfChris]

Excellent stuff. Not enough people look at Kata like you do, I always saw it like when boxers shadow box. People don't mock boxers for practicing against invisible opponents. What you are doing brings them to life and translates them to their original purpose👍🏻🙏🏻

[southpawmoose]

what a privilege to give such a presentation infront of Grandmaster Norris.

[MartyNozz]

I always love hearing the reaction from the crowd when they suddenly realized how vicious some of these bunkai are.

[MaurizioPappolla]

I Guess you are the best Karate teacher I never seen in action...finally Someone that gives a real self defense sense to the Katas

[simonbuck]

As always, informative, practical and entertaining Iain. 

[TFSMikeRath]

That was the best way of showing what that kata is for!  I loved your explanation, it must have been amazing to have so many high ranks cheering almost out of the, "OHhh! That's what it does." type of applause.

[Ronin-]

Sir, I was like kata is full of BS but you know you changed a bit of that and I'm researching more into kata now.

[ghostsx]

That's fantastic. I'm so glad that you have posted this about KongSangKoon!

[garycleveland]

Mr Abernethy is an authority on the subject of kata.

[lucaspatrick]

Great practical instruction of kata always impresses. And of course two of my most respected legendary instructors! Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[Ramin]

chuck norris, rener gracie and iain abernethy in one room. *faints*