One of the main differences that sets karate apart from kickboxing and MMA is the practice of kata. Many of the 32 kata practiced in SKIF have been around for two or three hundred years with their origins in China and Okinawa. They form a body of knowledge that encompass fighting techniques, defensive techniques and an exercise programme for health and longevity. When performed skillfully, they have an aesthetic quality, a rhythm, and an expression of dynamic power.
During my first 10 years of studying karate from white belt to 2nd Dan, neither of my instructors taught any application from any of the katas. In the 1970’s and 80’s, that’s how it was, “monkey see, monkey do”. It never occurred to me to question the rather odd double block sequence at the start of Heian Sandan or the slow beginning to Heian Yondan. What was the reasoning behind manji uke? why was my right hand held high above my shoulder? Why in Heian Shodan would you step forward 3 times and block age uke? Surely your opponent would not be so kind as to step back while trying to punch you? (and yet I’ve seen this application performed by old Shotokan Masters in black and white on YouTube).
The only criterion for an application is that it broadly follows the technique and that it actually works. It doesn’t have to involve head twisting, neck breaks, eye gouging and stuff like that, although there are certain techniques that suggest these. My intention is to give you at least one application for each kata so you don’t find yourself “lost for words”.
Bear in mind, the first time you are asked to explain a move in a kata is for the SKIF 4th Dan grading. That has flummoxed many of us because we were never taught any bunkai in our training. As instructors, we can and should demonstrate applications, but also ensure that everyone has a go themselves. This will enhance students’ understanding and give them confidence to experiment with applications themselves.
Shotokan must evolve if it is to survive as a Martial Art. We need to develop a new breed of karateka who are technically skilled and who have an understanding of kata and bunkai.
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