Bassai Dai (Shotokan version) question.

[Kanku65]

I've practiced Bassai this way since I was introduced to it 13 years ago.

It's simply a setup for an outside forearm block. Because we are changing direction, we cover the area behind us before turning, where as if we were moving foreward, we would set up the retracting arm in front of us prior to the block. Self defense. It can also be used as geidan barrai yes.

In Gichin Funakoshi's master text "Karate-Do Kyohan" I do believe it is referred to as a hammer block.

[wildbourgman]

I'm happy that the last two folks know what I've saw and I appreciate the reponses and explanations.

Thanks!

[Kanku65]

Always happy to help. I love Bassai. I love all kata actually.

There will always be something new to learn in every kata you practice. Im beginning to understand this more and more. They are not always all they seem to be, but of course, more.

That beig said, practice the way your instructor teaches the kata, develop your own applications and ideas behind the techniques once you've mastered the basics of said kata, and good luck on the rest of your journey.

[pers]

Hi I have been in shotokan since 1984 and I was a brown belt for 5 years ! and did Basaidai for a very long time , so much that I was really bored of it , one of the posters kindly posted a diagram of the kata which is very correct . no 26 is the only gdan barai when yiu land with speed and power into a kiba dachi .. those two mid section blocks soto uke and uchi uke are the only blocks in the basai.