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Very cool video. I maybe being pedantic but the katas have your right foot forward if your going to the right side of your opponent. I have heard Iain say look for the small details so I wonder if the technique works better like that or sets up further techniques better. Obviously the kata is a guide and the principle of what you are doing is the same. I am new to analysing bunkai so I don't mean you aren't doing it right, more wondering if the kata footwork is important or its simply saying footwork doesn't matter just get to a similar position to the side. I noticed a similar thing on Iain Pinan San bunkai where he is wrenching an elbow up. The arms he does it with are opposite to that of the kata. Opps sorry Iain, I typed like I was replying to the guy in the kata lol. I think I find it easier to get to the side using the opposite legs of the kata as shown in the video.
… more wondering if the kata footwork is important or its simply saying footwork doesn't matter just get to a similar position to the side.
The footwork work can’t be known ahead of time because of all the variables. Is the enemy, pushing, pulling, turning, etc? What is the floor surface? Is there a slope, wall, steps, etc? Which foot do you both have forward? And so on.
The kata simple says, “get to this angle in whatever way is appropriate”.
I noticed a similar thing on Iain Pinan San bunkai where he is wrenching an elbow up. The arms he does it with are opposite to that of the kata.
No, he does not :-) It is the same arm as in the kata. This video may help address both your questions:
I take the angle is whatever way is appropriate. The first hit to the arm is the first “block” in the kata. You can obviously drill it on both sides, but in this video, I hit with my left … which is the same as the kata. I then lift my partner’s arm up, as a prime my other arm (right arm up, left arm down. Same as the kata’s first “double block”). I then raise my left arm and drive down with my right arm (same position as the kata’s second “double block”). It is the same as the kata.
Was there something about that sequence that confused you? Maybe you were missing the “pump” / “first double block” needed to get maximum impact for the hit / “second double block”?
You've included the turn and you've used it pre-emptively. Very very nice.
Thanks for sharing the video.
Very cool video. I maybe being pedantic but the katas have your right foot forward if your going to the right side of your opponent. I have heard Iain say look for the small details so I wonder if the technique works better like that or sets up further techniques better. Obviously the kata is a guide and the principle of what you are doing is the same. I am new to analysing bunkai so I don't mean you aren't doing it right, more wondering if the kata footwork is important or its simply saying footwork doesn't matter just get to a similar position to the side. I noticed a similar thing on Iain Pinan San bunkai where he is wrenching an elbow up. The arms he does it with are opposite to that of the kata. Opps sorry Iain, I typed like I was replying to the guy in the kata lol. I think I find it easier to get to the side using the opposite legs of the kata as shown in the video.
Hi Rhidian,
The footwork work can’t be known ahead of time because of all the variables. Is the enemy, pushing, pulling, turning, etc? What is the floor surface? Is there a slope, wall, steps, etc? Which foot do you both have forward? And so on.
The kata simple says, “get to this angle in whatever way is appropriate”.
Mabuni was pretty clear on that: https://iainabernethy.co.uk/comment/5745#comment-5745
No, he does not :-) It is the same arm as in the kata. This video may help address both your questions:
I take the angle is whatever way is appropriate. The first hit to the arm is the first “block” in the kata. You can obviously drill it on both sides, but in this video, I hit with my left … which is the same as the kata. I then lift my partner’s arm up, as a prime my other arm (right arm up, left arm down. Same as the kata’s first “double block”). I then raise my left arm and drive down with my right arm (same position as the kata’s second “double block”). It is the same as the kata.
Was there something about that sequence that confused you? Maybe you were missing the “pump” / “first double block” needed to get maximum impact for the hit / “second double block”?
I hope that helps.
All the best,
Iain