Here we look at the opening sequence of the kata Nijushiho (also known as Niseishi). In Shotokan in particular the usual interpretation 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. Continue reading “Kata Bunkai For Nijushiho/Niseishi: (Part 1)” »
Month: September 2010
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. Continue reading “New DVD: Inside Bassai Dai (Kata Bunkai)” »
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 🙂 Continue reading “Dis-Mounting An Attacker” »
Bunkai For Karate Shuto Uke (Knife Hand Block) and Wing Chun’s Fun Sau
Today we look at Karate/Taekwondo 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. Continue reading “Bunkai For Karate Shuto Uke (Knife Hand Block) and Wing Chun’s Fun Sau” »