Double arm block in Heian Sandan

[Killer Miller]

There are four facets of learning kata:

1. The outside movements. This is pretty much do what you are told to do - the way you are told to do it...

2. The inside movements. This is where you apply/learn the inside feeling of proper breathing and breathing timing of each technique of the kata - as you are instructed to learn it.

3. The application of the kata. This is where you learn and apply the application of the kata to a real situation - as it is taught to you. This is to bring together #1 and #2 above for correct timing, breathing, and outside movements together.

4. The interpretation of the kata. This is where you visualize "your" interpretation of the kata in a real fighting/self defence situation. This is where and when you explore different bunkai of a kata and when a kata's performance becomes your unique performance or fighting interpretation - Bunkai...

- Killer -

[Wa-No-Michi]

Good post Killer.

Just on points 3 & 4 the process and order can be expanded further as follows:

Kaisetsu = Application of movements exactly as they appear in Kata against a third party.

Kaishaku = Interpretation of the kata movements - as they would be performed against a thrid party

Bunkai = Analysis or dissection of techniques and movement found within the kata - in order to assist in greater depth of Interpretation / creativity.

In answer to Busindo_mans question, Wado karate does not typically utilise the process Bunkai.

As I understand it, this in most part due to the pedagogy that Wado employs - which is tends to be more in Keeping with traditional Japanese martial arts.

We tend to use 1,2 and 3 of on Killers list, after which the karate is further realised through numerous yakusoku kumite, paired kata and oyho kumite drills eventually leading to jiyu kumite - (free sparing).

WNM

[bushido_man96]

Thanks for the clarification, WNM and Killer. I do think that Karate would be fun to experience at some point.

[fujau]

I do not do Karate but all concepts always seem the same ie block and counter although kung fu does it in a different way its all the same.

But there is a series pod casts on breaking down applications on Itunes and it is free

I have found this very interesting and interpretation very good there are some masters of tkd and karate at the top of the game. explaining things from there forms. It has help me to interpret thing s in kung fu forms even better as well

worth a look go to itunes then podcasts and type Martial Arts Explorer there is at least 50 or so podcasts production is very good

keep well