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In this video we look at bunkai for Shotokan’s Wankan kata. There is another Wankan which is very different – which also goes by the name of Matsukaze in some styles – but in this video it is specifically the Shotokan version we are examining. It is a very short kata. Examining the bunkai, we see a core theme of distributing posture in various way in order to get the enemy to fall; as well as what to do if they don’t fall. As always, a short clip can never cover things in detail, nor can it cover how what is shown fits within the wider training matrix.
In this video we look at two of Gichin Funakoshi’s takedowns that are now almost entirely absent from modern karate practise. These methods were included in Funakoshi’s first book, but neither of them are included in the nine throws of his “master next” (Karate-Do Kyohan) which was published a decade later. Because throws and takedowns are not as widely practised in karate today, many karateka refer to these nine throws as “Funakoshi’s Forgotten Throws” or “Shotokan’s Forgotten Throws.” However, the nine throws of Kyohan are not the only throws recorded in Funakoshi’s writing.
Protecting others is an important part of “SELF-Defence”. In this video we look at the basics of: protecting others, facilitating effective escape, the use of the voice, common problems and how to deal with them, training drills, etc.
In this video we look at the opening sequence of Pinan / Heian Godan and discuss the importance of drilling the bunkai in a combative context. I hope you enjoy the video and thanks for the support!
In this video we look at a pad drill for the opening sequence of Kushanku / Kanku-Dai / Kosokun-Dai kata. This pad drill is an accompaniment for a two-person flow drill for the first part of the kata. Both drills are designed to give a quick run through the lessons of the early part of the kata. They are not to be considered a replication of actual violence, nor are they the kata bunkai as applied.
A video filmed a couple of years ago summarising some basic limb control drills. These drills are not representations of actual combat (application drills) but drills aimed at isolating a given aspect of combat (skill drills). In this case, we are isolating the the manipulation of the enemy’s limbs. In combat, this would be done to open up the enemy for strikes and to establish a position of advantage.
Gichin Funakoshi famously said, “The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the perfection of character of its participants.” In this video I give my views on whether karate actually achieves this aim. I discuss potential mechanisms for character improvement and the issues around them. I also discuss the potential problems with the assertion that karate improves character; in the dojo, as is relates to self-defence, and in everyday life.
This video covers a practical karate combination and gives three ways to drill it. The combination encapsulates a number of practical karate concepts. These include: Maintaining the advantage; The use of the non-striking hand to locate the target during the chaos of conflict; Utilising predictable response i.e. flowing with the enemy’s response to strikes; Taking away the enemy’s ability of give effective chase; etc.
We drilled the combination in three ways:
1 – With a partner, utilising control, in order to get the right placement and flow.
