Here we look at the opening sequence of the kata Nijushiho (also known as Niseishi). In Shotokan in particular the usual interprutation of the slow forward moving “elbow strike” is that it applies an armlock under the opponents elbow by applying upward pressure. However, it seems to work much better if you apply the armlock across your chest. Have a look at the video and see what we mean.
Month: September 2010
Bunkai For Pinan Shodan/Heian Nidan (TKD: Won Hyo)
Here is a very interesting kata bunkai video from www.ikigaiway.com. They look at the opening sequence of Pinan Shodan (Heian Nidan in Shotokan Karate and Won Hyo in Teakwondo). They start of with simple explanations which beginers can easily get to grips with, then condencing the timing and movement to give a more effective application.
Ikigaiway appear to be Okinawan based Kenpo Karate and look like they’ve got a lot to teach. Be sure to check them out at: www.ikigaiway.com.
New DVD: Inside Bassai Dai (Kata Bunkai)
Keith and I are very pleased to release our new kata bunkai DVD, “Inside Bassai Dai”. For those not familiar with Bassai Dai, it is a very central kata in many Karate systems and is often used for black belt gradings to 1st Dan. This is fitting considering it’s author is the Okinawan master, Soken Matsumura who is a very pivotal character in the development of Karate.
Matsumura was one of the prime movers in developing linear technique (previously, Okinawans practiced primarily Chinese based circular techniques). He also taught Azato and Ituso, who went on to teach Funikoshi (who introduced Karate to Japan and hence the World). So Matsumura’s impact on Karate is enormous.
He also faced unusual and unique challenges, which I have written about before, so I won’t repeat it here.
Matsumura’s master was taught by a Chinaman and Matsumura is known to have gone to Shaolin to do some training. It is therefore appropriate that I am working with Keith (a Kung Fu exponent) as it takes us back closer to Matsumura’s original influences. It also makes this DVD a bit unique. There is also a free DVD on Kicking Tips being given away with it. Anyway, it’s been getting some great endorsements and is available at our store with full details if you want to check it out.
“This DVD delivers a down to earth and realistic look at the often misunderstood Kata of Karate. Simple to follow and easy to understand. It is great to see Charlie Wildish incorporating my ABC system of manstoppers in to his karate, it is must have principle for any serious combat martial artist. Good work Charlie”.
Kevin O’Hagan: 7th Dan Combat JuJutsu, 6th Dan British Combat Association.
“This DVD is a must for any true Karateka who is interested in uncovering the essence of Bunkai, and understanding the true meaning of Kata.”
Mark Winkler: 6th Dan Wado Ryu Karate, Qualified Systema Instructor
Dis-Mounting An Attacker
Should you be unfortunate enough to be taken to the ground and end up with some gormless thug on top of you trying to bludgeon the living daylights out of you, we look at some ways of getting them off (so that you can bludgeon them – much more fun).
Keith’s favourite is flesh grabs which is used quite a lot in some styles of Kung Fu. The nasty ones 🙂
We are not taking about grabbing large lumps of muscle or limbs, just a handful of surface skin, which can be surprisingly painful. I know that some people will prefer pressure points. My only concern with that is that you really have to know what you are doing. If you are interested in pressure points, then you should look the work of somebody like Russell Stutely.
Pressure points are probably better if you really know what you are doing, but if you don’t then flesh grabs are much easier and much more accessible to the average martial artist and still hurt the opponent (though be aware that if they are high or drunk they won’t feel it quite so much).
From a Karate perspective, show how you can use the good old Gedan Barai (lower sweep/block) to dis-mount your attacker.
Bunkai For Karate/TKD’s Shuto Uke and Wing Chun’s Fun Sau
Today we look at Karate bunkai for Shuto Uke (knife hand block). However, if you raise the elbow to the side and perform the strike/block with the forearm parallel to the floor, it looks very much like Wing Chun’s Fun Sau strike.
Shuto Uke can obviously be used for blocking or striking, but here we look at other possible applications, in particular escaping from a double handed throat grab.