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Ratings: ★★★★☆(4.4/5)
Genre: Martial Arts, Karate, Self-Defense

Book Review:
Iain Abernethy's ''Karate's Grappling Methods'' challenges the way most Westerners understand karate. In many dojos, karate has become primarily a striking art—punches, kicks, blocks performed in air or against pads. Abernethy argues that this is a distortion; traditional karate, as expressed in its kata (forms), included comprehensive grappling methods that have been largely forgotten.

This book seeks to restore that lost knowledge. Through careful analysis of kata and their bunkai (applications), Abernethy reveals a complete fighting system including throws, takedowns, ground fighting, chokes, joint locks, and other grappling techniques. The goal is to enable practitioners to use karate as ''the effective and complete art its founders intended it to be.''

The range of techniques covered is impressive: close-range strikes (often neglected in modern karate), throws and takedowns, ground fighting, chokes and strangles, arm bars, leg and ankle locks, neck wrenches, finger and wrist locks, and even ''fighting dirty.'' The inclusion of live grappling drills shows how to practice these techniques realistically.

Abernethy's credentials lend authority to his work. As a 4th Dan black belt, A-class E.K.G.B. Kata Judge, and senior instructor, he combines technical expertise with teaching experience. His lifetime of study focused specifically on kata applications makes him uniquely qualified.

Geoff Thompson's endorsement is significant. As a 6th Dan karateka and renowned self-protection expert, Thompson knows the difference between martial arts that work and those that merely entertain. His praise—''a credible and marvellous book... an in-depth, thoughtful and thought-provoking examination''—carries weight.

For Sri Lankan karate practitioners, this book offers a deeper understanding of their art. It challenges the assumption that karate is ''just'' striking and reveals the grappling dimension that makes it a complete self-defense system. The techniques can be adapted to any style.

The main limitation is that the book assumes some karate knowledge; complete beginners might struggle. But for experienced practitioners, it's revelatory.

Overall, ''Karate's Grappling Methods'' is an important book that restores lost knowledge to the karate world. It will change how you see kata and deepen your understanding of karate as a complete martial art. Highly recommended for serious karateka.