Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.

Video

Sochin Bunkai (Opening Sequence)

This video shows bunkai for the opening sequence of Sochin kata. In addition to discussing the bunkai, the video also touches upon some key bunkai principles found in the sequence:

1 – On strikes in kata, the non-striking hand is either clearing obstructions or telling you where the enemy is via proprioception.

2 – The angle in the kata represents the angle you assume in relation to the enemy (not the angle the enemy is attacking you from).

3 – The hikite (hand on hip) is never idle but is either pulling or monitoring.

Continue Reading

Padwork Drill With Karate Throws (video)

This video shows a pad-work drill which includes two karate throws. The footage was filmed at a regular dojo session in September 2015. The drill begins with a long distance cross (gyakuzuki), the momentum of which takes the karateka forward into the throw that Gichin Funakoshi described as “Ude-Wa” (arm ring). The video includes a photo of Funakoshi doing the throw. The thinking is that the cross will cause the opponent to raise their arms which creates the opportunity for the throw.

Continue Reading

Seipai End Sequance Bunkai (video)

This video shows a bunkai drill for the final sequence of Seipai kata. It was filmed at an event in the Netherlands in September 2015.

In this bunkai drill, Seipai kata is firstly teaching us how to move the enemy’s limbs in order to initiate predictable motion and land strikes. Seipai then concludes with a rather brutal neck crank. Do not practise this technique unless you are under the supervision of a suitably qualified and experienced person.

Continue Reading

Seipai Arm Lock & Counter (as described by Kenwa Mabuni)

This very short video shows an arm-lock from Seipai, the counter to that arm-lock, and the counter to that counter, as described by Kenwa Mabuni in his 1934 book “Seipai no Kenkyu Goshin Jutsu Hiden Karate Kenpo”.

Mabuni shows the lock in the book (photograph included in this video), and describes how one could counter the lock by pushing the arm forward as you strike the back of the knee. He then states that if someone should counter the lock in that manner, then you can turn and strike the groin as per the kata (again, the original photograph is included in the video).

Continue Reading

Passai / Bassai-Dai Flow Drill (video)

This short video shows a bunkai flow drill for Passai / Bassai-Dai kata. The drill should be done on both sides and follows the order of the kata from beginning to end. The drill is part of a whole which also includes the practise of individual techniques, the practice of methods in alternative order, the practise of the techniques against impact equipment, the variation of the methods in line with the underlying principles, and the practise of techniques in live and semi-live drills.

Continue Reading

Seienchin / Seiyunchin Bunkai Drills (video)

This video shows clips of a seminar where a two-person bunkai drill for the whole of Seienchin (Seiyunchin) kata was taught.

It should be noted that the practise of individual sequences and the practise of techniques “out of order” was also covered. This short clip cannot capture the full seminar and it is not an instructional video.

Continue Reading

Kushanku / Kanku-Dai / Kosokun-Dai / Kong Sang Koon Bunkai Drills (video)

This short video shows two bunkai drills from Kushanku / Kanku-Dai / Kosokun-Dai / Kong Sang Koon. It was filmed in August 2015 at a seminar in Finland.

The demonstrations shown were an aid to memory that the students could film on their cell phones etc and take away with them. They had therefore already learnt these drills and what is shown is not instructional in nature. It may be difficult for those not there to follow what is shown as a result. I nevertheless hope this clip is of interest.

Continue Reading

Pinan / Heian Yodan (Pyung Ahn Sa Dan) Flow Drill

In this video we show a flow drill for the first half of Pinan / Heian Yodan (Pyung Ahn Sa Dan). It was filmed at an event in Connecticut in July 2015. The video explains that this drill is a form of time-efficient practise, and that it is also important to practise the use of the discreet parts of the drill / kata in a more realistic combative context.

Continue Reading

Three Fighting Takedowns (video)

In this video we look at some fighting throws and takedowns. The clip is a summary of some of the throws and takedowns we covered at a recent residential course. The first throw is Gichin Funakoshi’s Kubi-Wa (Neck Ring) throw which has applications in both self-protection and fighting.  The following three all involve ending up on the ground and hence they are not suitable for self-protection due to the vulnerability to multiple enemies that they inherently create. They are however very useful in a one-on-one fighting context … they are fun to do too!

Continue Reading

Two-person drill for the bunkai of Jitte kata (video)

This video quickly summarises a two-person drill for the bunkai of Jitte kata. Uke begins the drill with a throat grab (application of the opening “salutation”) before Tori then utilises all the motions from the kata in the same sequence as they appear in the kata.

For the purposes of the drill, when the kata shows a motion a number of times it is only performed once. To ensure both sides are practised, you would simply do the entire drill on the other side.

Continue Reading

Pages