As most know, kata is a set pattern of movements that simulates defenses and strikes against an opponent. Bunkai is the interpretation of specific ways those moves could be used. In many dojos, students are encouraged to perform their kata as if they were actually facing opponents and reacting to an attack.
However, one can also do a slightly more realistic form of the kata, which involves one or more partners. These partners stand opposite the kata practitioner and take on the role of aggressor. They force the reaction by attacking, and they respond to counter-attacks.
For example, take the basic kata known as 'Seisan' in Isshin-Ryu. It begins with a left-side middle body block, then a right-side straight punch. Then the katateka steps forward with the right foot and punches left, then steps forward with the left foot and punches right. Then the karateka defends an imagined overhead strike with a double overhead block.
In this example, the person providing the 'backside' of the kata begins by facing the karateka performing the kata and punches right. This forces the kata performer to middle-body block left. Then the kata performer punches right, and the uke middle-body blocks left. And so on, culminating with the uke stepping forward and performing a double-overhead strike, forcing the kata performer to double-block overhead.
Every kata we do can be broken down in this manner. The way we practice it, the person performing the kata controls the uke's movements if they are not practiced as a team. For instance saying to them "Step left, punch mid-body right." "Defend my right kick with a low block left." And so on. The attacks don't have to be the same, but generally they are not tricky bunkai-wise; they are just straightforward movements designed to provoke the response according to the kata.
The goal of this is to put reason together with practice. This is the kata, this is why we do it this way. I find that it helps me to maintain my fight-line (embusan) and to understand why, for example, I would perform an uppercut and then a backfist in a given sequence. I find it is much easier for me to 'imagine' an opponent when I have done the backside of the kata and had it done for me as well. Now I 'see' what it is that is happening; it all makes much more sense to me. It's not just a ritual, it has a purpose.
I'm interested in your thoughts or comments. Do you do this in your dojo? Do you think it is useful if so? All comments welcome.
However, one can also do a slightly more realistic form of the kata, which involves one or more partners. These partners stand opposite the kata practitioner and take on the role of aggressor. They force the reaction by attacking, and they respond to counter-attacks.
For example, take the basic kata known as 'Seisan' in Isshin-Ryu. It begins with a left-side middle body block, then a right-side straight punch. Then the katateka steps forward with the right foot and punches left, then steps forward with the left foot and punches right. Then the karateka defends an imagined overhead strike with a double overhead block.
In this example, the person providing the 'backside' of the kata begins by facing the karateka performing the kata and punches right. This forces the kata performer to middle-body block left. Then the kata performer punches right, and the uke middle-body blocks left. And so on, culminating with the uke stepping forward and performing a double-overhead strike, forcing the kata performer to double-block overhead.
Every kata we do can be broken down in this manner. The way we practice it, the person performing the kata controls the uke's movements if they are not practiced as a team. For instance saying to them "Step left, punch mid-body right." "Defend my right kick with a low block left." And so on. The attacks don't have to be the same, but generally they are not tricky bunkai-wise; they are just straightforward movements designed to provoke the response according to the kata.
The goal of this is to put reason together with practice. This is the kata, this is why we do it this way. I find that it helps me to maintain my fight-line (embusan) and to understand why, for example, I would perform an uppercut and then a backfist in a given sequence. I find it is much easier for me to 'imagine' an opponent when I have done the backside of the kata and had it done for me as well. Now I 'see' what it is that is happening; it all makes much more sense to me. It's not just a ritual, it has a purpose.
I'm interested in your thoughts or comments. Do you do this in your dojo? Do you think it is useful if so? All comments welcome.