Kanku-dai

[Shizentai]

The most common bunkai I've seen for that technique is an evasion of practically any attack (kick, bo strike, punch, whatever else have you), but I've also seen it as a "what if" scenario where an attacker has swept, and the karate-ka must fall correctly, then swiftly regain a more favorable and defensive position. Therefore, the proper execution of a modified gedan shuto-uke that follows is integral to that point.

Also as Sensei8 pointed out, it's important not to forget the jodan augmented uppercut punch done with the right hand immediately preceding this falling technique. When I've seen the fall taught as an evasion, the practitioner is both attacking and defending at the same time. It's a cool moment imo

I'd say train it for what it is.

An exercise in learning how to drop (after turning), kicking maybe, land and then get back up (whilst turning).

Doesn't need to be any more complicated than that.

Sojobo

I like that. So you see it as more of an agility drill. Not a bad thing. Promotes coordination and kinesthetic awareness...plus it's simple. Would you say the same for the jumping turn at the end of empi?

Haha! I can attest to this! I train kata jumping often on my own, and it's surprising how useful it is in a pinch to look at barriers around you and be sure you can clear them with little to no room for a running start.

[sojobo]

I'd say train it for what it is.

An exercise in learning how to drop (after turning), kicking maybe, land and then get back up (whilst turning).

Doesn't need to be any more complicated than that.

Sojobo

I like that. So you see it as more of an agility drill. Not a bad thing. Promotes coordination and kinesthetic awareness...plus it's simple.

At least on one level yes.

As well as the advantages you mention, the other thing you get out of it is learning correct and efficient movement - on a multi axis level - up and down as well as backward and forward.

In a nutshell, in kata sometimes the combative function (that you get out of training it) is simply training the body how to move efficiently and well. Add in other elements like correct breathing, mental awareness, distance and timing and you have a tool that has unlimited potential.

Sojobo

[sensei8]

I'd say train it for what it is.

An exercise in learning how to drop (after turning), kicking maybe, land and then get back up (whilst turning).

Doesn't need to be any more complicated than that.

Sojobo

Solid!!

[SaiFightsMS]

As enigmatic as this may sound a kata, or moves within a kata are not truly yours until you have done it enough times to have internalized it and made it your own. You can be taught bunkai but until you really feel it inside yourself it is not yours. When the muscle memory kicks in with the instinct you have learned from other moves you have learned ideally one day you will feel the purpose of the move. Or see ideas on your own how you can use that move for a purpose or to lead to another move. Some moves this takes more repetitions than you can count.

[ps1]

As enigmatic as this may sound a kata, or moves within a kata are not truly yours until you have done it enough times to have internalized it and made it your own. You can be taught bunkai but until you really feel it inside yourself it is not yours. When the muscle memory kicks in with the instinct you have learned from other moves you have learned ideally one day you will feel the purpose of the move. Or see ideas on your own how you can use that move for a purpose or to lead to another move. Some moves this takes more repetitions than you can count.

I think most of us would agree with this and echo it. But I'm just seeing what else people do with the movement. Just creating conversation really.

[SaiFightsMS]

When I was working on Kanku Dai there were other movements I spent my time working with. It seems to me t hat for everyone there are different parts of each kata that call to them first to concentrate on.

[albeaver89]

We have a diffrent version of this kata called kusanku. I think the part in question could be a throw or a double kick to the torso then knee. Just my first idea.