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Kata is Karate in Action
The term Bunkai means to analyse or to take
apart. The term Oyo refers to applying what is learnt from that analysis, so
Bunkai Oyo is the correct term to describe and demonstrate applications for
individual techniques or combinations of techniques that are found in kata.
I am posting my thoughts on the Bunkai Oyo of
three Shotokan kata. These particular kata are:
-
Chinte which is a Sandan kata in the ASKA
system
-
Heian Shodan which is the first kata
taught in the Shotokan system, and
-
Meikyo which is a Nidan kata in the ASKA system. Many Shotokan schools
teach it at Yondan level.
There is never only one way to apply any
particular karate technique. If an application that you come up with for any
particular technique works, then it is correct for that technique.
Remember every situation you face will be
different. Each opponent you face will be taller, shorter, fatter, thinner,
faster, slower or stronger or weaker than you. You may have plenty of room
to move or you may have none. Your opponent may be affected by drugs,
alcohol or rage, or simply be a predator or a bully.
The principles found within the kata never
vary. But no two situations in which you may wish to apply these principles
will be the same. So you must, as Bruce Lee once said, be like water and be
able to change and adapt and apply the principles that are found within the
kata to any situation.
I provide these thoughts so you will think and
develop your own applications and deepen your appreciation for this
wonderful art that is karate.
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