(Approx 1 minute 40 second read)

I receive numerous comments on my articles from people struggling to decipher their kata. This is understandable, especially when considering the implausibility of many modern performance ‘bunkai’ demonstrations.
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A good starting point is to understand that “uke” does NOT mean block. Unfortunately, almost everyone is taught that it does, leading to a ‘block and counter’ response interpretation.
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I discussed this in a recent article, and practitioners find it difficult to move beyond the concept of ‘blocking’ because they have no other reference point.
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To compound this issue, many are unwilling to grasp the necessity of initiating a preemptive strike. Some have commented that this approach is too “aggressive,” citing the phrase, “there is no first attack in karate.”
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“Karate ni sente nashi” (there is no first attack in karate) is a widely quoted but often misunderstood term, a subject I have covered previously.
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A quote that fits pragmatic karate for me is: “Learning is not compulsory… neither is survival,” commonly attributed to W. Edwards Deming. I think this highlights a critical barrier to learning for self-defense.
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What is knowledge? It encompasses thoughts, ideas, understanding, facts, or information acquired through learning and practice.
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What is ignorance? It is a lack of knowledge or information about something. It is the illusion of already knowing, which prevents you from gaining any further knowledge.
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Consider this: when you practice ‘bunkai’ or seek a deeper understanding of a principle or technique, acknowledging that you don’t know should help you develop a keen interest in learning and finding answers. Don’t you think?
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Conversely, if you believe you already know it all, you’ll likely ignore any new or differing information, leading to a lack of attention and ultimately, a lack of understanding.
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Believing you know enough about your martial art, or any martial art, can stifle your interest in further learning. The illusion of complete knowledge, often driven by ego, severely limits deeper understanding.
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Teaching someone who’s open to learning is straightforward. But persuading someone convinced of their own knowledge? That’s a tough nut to crack.
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By challenging your assumptions and approaching your karate and kata with a questioning mind, there’s much more to discover. There’s always more to learn, which keeps the practice fresh and rewarding. Move beyond what you think you know, and shed the limitations of outdated interpretations.
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Photo Credit: With thanks to Don Came