No bunkai until shodan?

[Spartacus Maximus]

Thinking back on past experiences, bunkai applications and practice was reserved for shodan and higher. This resulted in people reaching shodan with no idea of the purpose, meaning and use of kata. Much like learning swimming step by step, yet not knowing/understanding that it is meant to be done in water and never actually going in water. 

Never mind the frustration for students, it does not make for a very interesting or effective way to teach. When and why did this become the norm?

This is in sharp contrast to personal experience where Okinawan and Japanese instructors would teach the meaning and application step by step for each part of kata from the very beginning. 

[bushido_man96]

I think bunkai came to used as a retention tool to keep students interested in what lay beyond the black belt level.  I agree with you, it's a terrible idea, and a disservice to students that are wanting to learn self-defense sooner rather than later.

[sensei8]

I’m a firm believer that Kata without bunkai is nothing more than an empty dance; an exercise of ineffectiveness.