“Real karate is for self-defense and kata bunkai is the main tool for this.”
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Yoshio Kuba 10th dan Goju Ryu, repeating a quote from Gogen Yamaguchi. ?
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It is all in the kata. Understand the combative principles contained within them and you will find that you are able to extract a myriad of techniques applicable to self-defense.
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Use “bunkai” 分解 (analysis or disassembly) to extract the information and apply the resulting techniques in “oyo” 用 (application).
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This is just the top level of the “whole”. Don’t place kata on the back-shelf thinking it is not relevant today, or, use kata just to pass your next belt level. There is so much more.
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Kata, the heart of Okinawan karate. ??
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? Courtesy of Champ Video Japan