I've been looking forwards to this DVD since I heard about it some time back as we've been working on Naihanchi and drills taken from it this past year or so. I wasn't disappointed. The kata itself is discussed, explained and demonstrated and, and this was a key point for me, given context. By that I mean that Iain explains that the kata takes up the point where awareness, avoidance and pre-emption have failed or the opportunity has been missed and the assault is imminent, if not actually in progress.
Another key point that Iain explains very well is that the drills need not follow the same sequence as the kata. We've often found in practice that a technique applied to uke naturally leads on to another, which doesn't necessarily follow on in the kata, depending on how he or she reacts or responds. This DVD gives example after example of this, and does so convincingly.
A word of caution though - this isn't an entry level bunkai DVD. Anyone who has read Iain's books, watched his DVDs and, more importantly, attending his seminars will find a wealth of material here. Anyone new to his approach and methods would do well to start with Bunkai Jutsu 2 and one of more of his Seminars DVDs.
Dear Santa, guess what I want for christmas
Hi Lee - Thanks for the kind words about the DVD. That strikes me as good overview of what my intentions for the DVD were.
Hi Dave - I hope you're on the "nice list" and Santa is good to you
All the best,
Iain
Thanks Santa,
Hi Dave,
I'm pleased the elves managed to put one together for you :-) I hope you enjoy it.
All the best,
Iain
Watched the DVD a fair few times now and its good, very good. As always with Iains work it is well thought out, presented and produced. What I found great is how Iain is showing the different ways of applying the various techniques and explains that it won't be pretty when done in practice which I know from experience it isn't.
My verdict is it was well worth the money and would advise anyone who likes Iains work to buy it, you won't be disappointed