In this video, we look at an intermediate fighting pad drill. It’s not a self-defence drill because – while there is some cross over – the context and methodology is for one-on-one consensual fighting. The drill has us throw a punching combination into a high kick (always a good idea to have the hands set up kicks). As the kick lands, the pad-holder pushes forward. This simulates the idea of the kick being blocked and a counterpunch being thrown. The forward motion from the pad-holder forces the striker to punch as the leg is recovering.

In this video we explore some bunkai for the opening sequence of Tekki / Naihanchi Nidan. Once the techniques have been covered, the video then looks at how we should “add in the dirt” i.e. practise the methods of the kata in context. The emphasis is on applying the bunkai of the kata, in combination with other methods, in a dominating, free-flowing way in order to facilitate escape. This makes the practise of the bunkai more realistic and is a vital step along the way to live practise.

This video looks at bunkai for the sequence in Nijushiho / Niseishi that begins with a rising elbow. That elbow is then followed by either a “lower block” and “hook punch”, or a “low punch” and “lower block”, depending on the style being practised. The video looks at bunkai for both variations.

While on the surface the two variations seem quite different, I would suggest that they are alternate illustrations of how the arm can be manipulated in order to further create and maintain a position of advantage.

This video shows bunkai for the opening sequence of Tekki Sandan / Naihanchi Sandan kata. The video also shows how the discrete motions can be combined together into a single drill.

I am of the view that the Nidan and Sandan versions show alternative expressions of the core principles of Naihanchi Shodan (the original stand-alone kata once simply known as “Naihanchi”). Here we see variations on the limb-control and trapping methods that are first introduced in Naihanchi Shodan / Tekki Shodan.

Thanks for your support of these videos!

All the best,

Iain