Inside Bassai Dai - Effective Kata Bunkai (applications) uniquely from both Karate and Kung Fu Perspectives
- Historical background
- Unique Kung Fu perspective (Karate is largely based on Kung Fu)
- A large range of different strikes
- Includes throws/takedowns, joint locks, restraints, escapes from restraints/holds and more
- Most effective points for stopping an attacker
- Mainly close quarters combat (no competition techniques)
- Although a Karate & Tang Soo Do kata/pattern; many movements are found in Kung Fu and Tae Kwon Do
What the experts Say
“Over the holidays I had a very pleasant experience watching on Shotokan bunkai DVD. It is called Inside Bassai Dai created by Sensei Charlie Wildish, UK. I found the bunkai in it to be realistic and easy to learn. He demonstrates how some of the techniques are applied. I was particularly pleased to see the application for the double uchi uke (inside forearm blocks). He interprets them as a uke followed by a uraken”.
Shihan Kousaku Yokota: 8th Dan Shotokan Karate & Author.
“Shotokan has always been my base system, so it was fascinating for me to watch the Charlie Wildish DVD on Bassai Dai, and come away with so much new information about this powerful kata and its origins. I particularly like the historical element about Sokon Matsumura (who created the kata) and how, when & why he created the “grappling kata”. I got a lot from this DVD and highly recommend it”.
Geoff Thompson: 7th Dan, co-founder of the British Combat Association, author of 34 books, 5 multi award winning films and BAFTA winner.
“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 his Karate. It is a must have principle for any serious combat martial artist. Good work Charlie”
Kevin O’Hagan: 7th Dan Combat Ju Jutsu & 7th Dan British Combat Association
“Imaginative, practical and effective bunkai applications presented in a refreshingly relaxed manner. It’s as simple as ABC!”
Rob Jones: 5th Dan Shotokai Karate.
“This DVD is a must for any true Karateka who is interested in uncovering the essence of Bunkai and understanding the true meaning of of kata”
Mark Winkler: 6th Dan Wado Ryu Karate and qualified Systema Instructor.
“This video is unpretentious, straight forward, and focused on content instead of flashiness. As such I feel it does justice to the spirit of Karate”
Matt Apsokardu: 4th Dan Okinawan Kenpo Karate.
“I have looked at both DVDs [Inside Bassai Dai & 10 Kicking Tips] and they look quite instructive with a comprehensive overview and in depth look at Kata Bunkai. I fully endorse their publication for the discerning Karate student”.
Arthur Wallace: 6th Dan Shotokan Karate.
Have you ever been disappointed being taught unrealistic, stylised applications (bunkai) which only work with a co-operative partner? I spent years, feeling that something was missing; that there was a whole level of knowledge and application simply not being accessed.
Eventually I moved to another club where they actually applied the kata’s in a sensible way. The instructor had worked some nightclub doors, so knew what did and didn’t work!
Later I went on all sorts of seminars with a number of the worlds top instructors in practical applied kata bunkai, pressure points, reality based martial arts, internal power and so on. Studied books and DVD’s.
I also had a long standing friendship with a Kung Fu Sifu, Keith McKay Cormack. We often train together, compare ideas and cross reference movements that were similar in our styles. Every time I learnt some application, I made it a practice to look at my Karate kata’s to see if we had the same movement. Most of the time we did; so everything I learnt from Kung Ku would enhance my Karate knowledge.
So when I decided to make the Download Inside Bassai Dai, it was only logical to invite my Keith to work with me as Karate is largely based on Kung Fu.
The result download, Inside Bassai Dai is a set of bunkai which contains the best insights and principles from 2 different systems.
Considering Karate is normally regarded as a long range fighting system of strikes, blocks and kicks; you may be quite surprised to find out how much of this actually turns out to be close range; including throws, locks, restraints, escapes, vulnerable points and more.