understand bunkai, it is necessary to understand certain combat principles of karate. These can be broken down into countering the first contact and measures taken after that. Some of these techniques will overlap with those presented .
Section 1 There is no First Strike in Karate.
This is the second of "Master Funakoshi's 20 Principles of Karate". This is commonly taken as a moralistic statement meaning that "Those who practice karate should not act in a violent way." From a technical point of view, however, I believe this aptly characterizes an important combative principle of karate. One is able to maintain a safe position when countering an opponent's attack. Using that countering method, one is able to deliver an effective attack.
Section 2 Think of Your Hands and Feet as Swords.
The 15th of the "20 Principles of Karate", "think of your hands and feet as swords." was a continuation of Master Anko Asato philosophy. It is said by some that the model for karate is Jigen Ryu Kenjutsu. Whether this is true or not aside, it was certainly thought of as a means of self-defense. Weapons existed throughout the history of combat. Empty handed fighting is actually the exception. It was not possible to block an armed attack with one's body alone. In such an attack, it was likely that one would have carried a weapon, so Master Asato felt that it was important to practice as if one' were carrying one. In other words, in order truly protect oneself, one should practice as though "One's hands and feet are swords."
Section 3 Counter Methods.
The most common combative technique in karate is a counter. A counter is where an attack is blocked and an attack is executed. In Master Choki Motobu's teachings there is an interesting concept. He said that "the blocking hand must immediately become the attacking hand. It is not a true martial technique to block with one hand and counter with another. As one progresses, the block and counter attack will be simultaneous, and that is the true martial technique.
Section 4 Immobilize The Opponent Before Striking.
According to Sensei Kubota, Master Funakoshi often said "Immobilize your opponent before striking." What this means is to render your opponent into such a state that he cannot attack again, or even move, before executing a strike or a kick. As one progresses in their understanding of bunkai, this concept becomes clearer. Just about whenever I practiced bunkai with Sensei Kubota, I was rendered into an immobilized state.
Section 5 Kick Low While Grabbing The Opponent.
There is a saying that goes "Kicks are meant to be delivered below the belt." Also, if we take a look at most of the bunkai for katas, they are executed while grabbing the opponent. In that manner, one can avoid the unstable situation of "standing on one leg". Moreover, by grabbing one's opponent and knocking them off balance, the opponent will not be able to execute a counter attack. In close fighting where one can grab an opponent, the field of vision is limited, so it is difficult to defend against a low kick. In the Book Kempo Karate, written in the late 1920's, most of the kicks it showed were described as groin kicks. Also in the kumite matches that used protective gear at the University of Tokyo's karate club, point were awarded for front kicks, which hit the groin, cover.
Section 6 The Development of Power.
Techniques essential to the development of power are also hidden in katas. For beginners it is sufficient to grab an opponent and punch while pulling them in to you. But how is one to develop the power required to execute a "killing blow", which is the catch phrase of karate? The answer is in proper posture and movement. A hint is hidden in Heian Shodan's first movement, down block, straight punch. The method of moving in karate is walking, not a connected gait. For purposes of practice, the simpler the better, so the Heian katas and Taikyoku katas were designed for that purpose.
Section 7 Throws and Reverse Techniques.
The common perception is that karate consists of kicks and punches, and Mr. Jisaburo Miki, in his book Karate Kempo Gaisetsu, defined karate as having no throws or reverse techniques. If one carefully examines kata bunkai, though, they will find that there are many throws, reverse techniques, and countermeasures against weapons.
Section 8 Parts of the Body That are Used.
In karate, many various parts of the body are used for attacks. Techniques such as nakadaka ippon ken, nukite, shuto, kentsui, and hiraken can be used effectively. There is a possibility, though, that they will be forgotten along with the bunkai for katas. Also grabs will be forgotten unless they are practiced.
Section 9 Weapons
Karate is basically an empty handed martial art, but if an opponent attacks with a weapon, it is not necessary to defend oneself empty handed. In karate there is a saying that goes, "weapon for a weapon". It sounds like "an eye for an eye".
No one goes into war without their weapons. Taking weapons into war is a fundamental principle of combat. In times of peace though, we can't carry weapons.
In Okinawa, the governmental ban on weapons, created the environment where the practice of weapons developed secretly. An added value of practicing weapons is the weight of the weapons themselves, which aides in the training of the body.
When karate was introduced to the mainland, the use of hands was emphasized, so the practice of weapons was not common, but it is a good idea to practice Okinawan weapons and karate together.
Section 1 There is no First Strike in Karate.
This is the second of "Master Funakoshi's 20 Principles of Karate". This is commonly taken as a moralistic statement meaning that "Those who practice karate should not act in a violent way." From a technical point of view, however, I believe this aptly characterizes an important combative principle of karate. One is able to maintain a safe position when countering an opponent's attack. Using that countering method, one is able to deliver an effective attack.
Section 2 Think of Your Hands and Feet as Swords.
The 15th of the "20 Principles of Karate", "think of your hands and feet as swords." was a continuation of Master Anko Asato philosophy. It is said by some that the model for karate is Jigen Ryu Kenjutsu. Whether this is true or not aside, it was certainly thought of as a means of self-defense. Weapons existed throughout the history of combat. Empty handed fighting is actually the exception. It was not possible to block an armed attack with one's body alone. In such an attack, it was likely that one would have carried a weapon, so Master Asato felt that it was important to practice as if one' were carrying one. In other words, in order truly protect oneself, one should practice as though "One's hands and feet are swords."
Section 3 Counter Methods.
The most common combative technique in karate is a counter. A counter is where an attack is blocked and an attack is executed. In Master Choki Motobu's teachings there is an interesting concept. He said that "the blocking hand must immediately become the attacking hand. It is not a true martial technique to block with one hand and counter with another. As one progresses, the block and counter attack will be simultaneous, and that is the true martial technique.
Section 4 Immobilize The Opponent Before Striking.
According to Sensei Kubota, Master Funakoshi often said "Immobilize your opponent before striking." What this means is to render your opponent into such a state that he cannot attack again, or even move, before executing a strike or a kick. As one progresses in their understanding of bunkai, this concept becomes clearer. Just about whenever I practiced bunkai with Sensei Kubota, I was rendered into an immobilized state.
Section 5 Kick Low While Grabbing The Opponent.
There is a saying that goes "Kicks are meant to be delivered below the belt." Also, if we take a look at most of the bunkai for katas, they are executed while grabbing the opponent. In that manner, one can avoid the unstable situation of "standing on one leg". Moreover, by grabbing one's opponent and knocking them off balance, the opponent will not be able to execute a counter attack. In close fighting where one can grab an opponent, the field of vision is limited, so it is difficult to defend against a low kick. In the Book Kempo Karate, written in the late 1920's, most of the kicks it showed were described as groin kicks. Also in the kumite matches that used protective gear at the University of Tokyo's karate club, point were awarded for front kicks, which hit the groin, cover.
Section 6 The Development of Power.
Techniques essential to the development of power are also hidden in katas. For beginners it is sufficient to grab an opponent and punch while pulling them in to you. But how is one to develop the power required to execute a "killing blow", which is the catch phrase of karate? The answer is in proper posture and movement. A hint is hidden in Heian Shodan's first movement, down block, straight punch. The method of moving in karate is walking, not a connected gait. For purposes of practice, the simpler the better, so the Heian katas and Taikyoku katas were designed for that purpose.
Section 7 Throws and Reverse Techniques.
The common perception is that karate consists of kicks and punches, and Mr. Jisaburo Miki, in his book Karate Kempo Gaisetsu, defined karate as having no throws or reverse techniques. If one carefully examines kata bunkai, though, they will find that there are many throws, reverse techniques, and countermeasures against weapons.
Section 8 Parts of the Body That are Used.
In karate, many various parts of the body are used for attacks. Techniques such as nakadaka ippon ken, nukite, shuto, kentsui, and hiraken can be used effectively. There is a possibility, though, that they will be forgotten along with the bunkai for katas. Also grabs will be forgotten unless they are practiced.
Section 9 Weapons
Karate is basically an empty handed martial art, but if an opponent attacks with a weapon, it is not necessary to defend oneself empty handed. In karate there is a saying that goes, "weapon for a weapon". It sounds like "an eye for an eye".
No one goes into war without their weapons. Taking weapons into war is a fundamental principle of combat. In times of peace though, we can't carry weapons.
In Okinawa, the governmental ban on weapons, created the environment where the practice of weapons developed secretly. An added value of practicing weapons is the weight of the weapons themselves, which aides in the training of the body.
When karate was introduced to the mainland, the use of hands was emphasized, so the practice of weapons was not common, but it is a good idea to practice Okinawan weapons and karate together.
