Mokita

The JKA has developed it's PR skills very effectively over the last 10 years or so. So even the association Andre is part of still falls victim to the marketing and promotional requirements of an international association. I've been reading Mr Bertel's blog with enjoyment over the years now, but I must admit I have become quite surprised by his own sense of worth. It's not necessarily stated in words but more in the tone of his articles. I have also seen his most recent videos on YouTube and I personally think he is a little too rough with his volunteers. His scissor kick for example should only be done on people who know how to break fall properly. Humility can go a long way.

Excellent explanation. Much to think about here. May I recommend a great read called shotokan's secret by Bruce Clayton. Although sourcing shotokan's routes, the book is mainly about it's origins and pre lineage with some interesting theories, if you like a little adventure. Some serious oyo/bunkai too.

I pretty much agree with all this to be honest. As Matsumura was chief bodyguard to the king, its hard to know how the nobility trained and was it different to the outsiders that were then taught. Did the nobility/military train with arms but the villagers not. Perhaps training methods were changed for specific reasons. It's interesting as I train JKA and they have now changed the starting cupping hands position from left thumb inside the right fist to now outside which suggest holding something. Again, why do this unless to get back to its roots (samurai). But back to the original post which is the interpretation of the opening of Bassai Dai. To this day, I'm yet to be fullyconvinced by any wrist grab break or throw in this opening move. I question the practicality in an ancient martial feudalistic scenario. But if we're talking today in a street /police restraint, then sure it would work but if I'm surrounded by 8 men with sticks, knifes, spears then it's not going to happen. Just to finish off my exhaustive but unfortunately only theoretical point! Bassai Dai to this day is conversed as 'To penetrate the fortress'. But it actually means to 'extract' and 'block'. This signifies some kind of form that was designed to protect and extract the king and block attack for his safe passage. OSS!

I see no reason to employ a sword technique when there is no sword to employ it with. And from what I know of Karate forms, I don't think they were ever performed by the Samurai. To me, it doesn't make sense. There were weapons, they just weren't openly practiced. The samurai completely over powered the island for centuries. How can you say their fighting techniques would not have influenced the ryukyu? Especially around the time of conception of this kata. Who is credited with the creation of this kata? Does it have Chinese roots, like many of the others? Was the creator of the kata skilled in the use of the sword? I'm just curious, to see if this helps line up with the idea of the technique. Sokon Matsumura was central in the creation of the kata. His teacher's teacher was Chinese, so no doubt this had an influence in his training. However, as his position as chief bodyguard to the king of Okinawa would have been during the time of Samurai control on the island, sword skills would have been paramount (albeit illegal). Matsumura was noted as skilled in the sword, but most so the Sai and Bo I believe. Here's a video of Bassai Dai with a katana. Although some occasional weakness of sword interpretation, it shows validity in parts. In no way am I saying the whole kata was created for sword, but I just can't unthink that opening is which makes me now question it.

True, but it depends on how you want to interpret each kata. Kata's have many levels depending on ability and situation. This video is perfect on how a kata has parts that are clearly defined for weapons while other parts work better without. The flow of kata certainly becomes disjointed when embarking down this route, however feudalistic fighting against invaders or occupiers would no doubt have required you to be trained in arms as well as unarmed. The idea that some forms were designed to incorporate both armed and empty hand, I think is a smart thing especially if one is bodyguard to the king.

I see no reason to employ a sword technique when there is no sword to employ it with. And from what I know of Karate forms, I don't think they were ever performed by the Samurai. To me, it doesn't make sense. There were weapons, they just weren't openly practiced. The samurai completely over powered the island for centuries. How can you say their fighting techniques would not have influenced the ryukyu? Especially around the time of conception of this kata.

This is interesting. But why put a weapon-based series of moves in an open-hand form? There wouldn't seem to be any cross-over in applications.Also, it is my understanding that a koshi kamae technique in any form involves the drawing/sheathing of a sword. http://www.karatetsunami.pl/images/techniki_tsunami/10kyu/p1000171.jpg

This is interesting. But why put a weapon-based series of moves in an open-hand form? There wouldn't seem to be any cross-over in applications.Many forms using weapons do start and finish with weapon in hand. However, Samurai technique was to draw/sheath the katana in the Saya often. The line between danger and etiquette seemed highly confusing. I also consider moves 22-24 of Bassai Dai katana techniques. The history of the kata / matsumura suggests weapons would play a part. http://youtu.be/rZBvjJbse9o

First move of Bassai Dai - drawing your katana and striking/blocking another sword attack.

When I first started learning Bo, I broke the lampshade one night when the wife was in bed. The next night she took my Bo away and gave me one of the sponge swimming noodles I use to teach kids to practice with. I couldn't argue..there were scrapes all over the ceiling too

Hello all, I' m based in London uk. I'm a shotokan kid. Nidan level under JKA. But really now only beginning to see the deeper meaning and the many faults in my own karate! Like to pick up my Bo occasionally. Nice to see some decent martial arts talk going on. Keeps me reminded I'm not the only one there punching things..in self defence of course

True, but JKA is always advancing it's techniques so there is a danger of falling behind if you don't train often.

He's preparing the Uchi Uke slightly in front & off of his hip which makes it look like an inverted Gedan Berai. It's a faster more advanced technique. As you advance in this kata, those first few blocking techniques at the start won't start exactly on your hip like a beginner does, they will be smaller moves directed more 'into' your opponent.