Wado ryu Karate: Kata - Part II of III - Bunkai

Kihon Kata Shodan Basic awareness, stances, defenses, attack angles, economy of motion, & focus. High Blocks 2 & 3 may be used as strikes. Kihon Kata Nidan It teaches power generation through hip twisting and body torque as well as momentum. Pinan Shodan This kata helps movements become stable, efficient, and intimidating. The first technique, "c block", sets up for a redirection. Even the sword hand blocks can become attacks. Pinan Nidan This kata instructs further on timing, distance management, body shifting, consistency of stances, and redirection of attack. The first half may be interpreted in various ways. When practicing Pinan Nidan, imagine perceiving an opponent s intent and counter-attacking quickly. Pinan Sandan This kata teaches a continuous guard. It also helps become less predictable, and more efficient. The middle & low blocks in the beginning may be termed "continuous block", which may be interpreted in many ways. The turn after the spearhand strike, and follow-up with the outward tetsui, is twisting out of the opponent s grappling of your arm, and countering. The use of the elbows in naihanchi dachi may be either strikes or strong blocks. This may be interpreted in many ways in close quarters. The last moves of the kata may be seen as elbowing to both the back and front, breaking rear grapples with an elbow to each opponent s abdomen and a hook to the face, or a powerful hook to an opponent in front. Pinan Yodan Stepping into a back stance as you double block disrupts the opponent s movement, as you simultaneously block and counter. Blocking behind you immediately after the initial blocks cuts a sneak attack short. The low block, front snap kick, and elbow combination will block, stumble, and knock out an opponent. The sequence after the second elbow assists in learning how to follow through with attacks, and helps practice economy of motion. The cross-block that begins the second half of the kata counters a grab attempt. Pulling the hand back as you kick may be interpreted as trapping the opponent s arm under yours, and pulling him/her into a kick to the groin. Pinan Godan The high cross block sets up for an arm lock, tetsui, and finishing punch. The jump ends with a strike to a fallen opponent. The palm strikes followed by pulling motions represent attacking the groin and causing severe trauma to it. Kushanku The Pinan kata help one understand Kushanku, as there are many similarities. The ready phase of Kushanku clears the mind. The slow motions may often be used as blocks and/or attacks, but it is preferable to perform them slowly for breathing and focus. Practice consistency in stances, torque, and momentum in this kata. Kushanku provides endless insight, and helps greatly in the study of other advanced kata. In the second half, the sequence that ends with a punch to the ground represents blocking a kick, throwing the opponent, and knocking him/her out. The next sequence blocks and throws an opponent, then jumps over him/her to kick another, and follows through with a finishing strike. The last sequence is a takedown with a knockout blow. Naihanchi Naihanchi develops lower body strength. It also teaches one to settle all one s strength in the abdomen/center and draw from it. The methods employed in Naihanchi are best applied and interpreted in a narrow space. Bassai Bassai builds a stronger, more efficient defense. The first two middle blocks may be seen as a kick counter and takedown; the backfists near the end may also be used this way by performing scooping blocks to set up for the attacks. The crescent kick is a block to set up for the elbow strike. After the elbow is 3 sets of double strikes to counter a rear grapple attempt. Wanshu Wanshu, like Bassai, is technical and efficient, but is of a more aggressive nature. It is also a study in timing and follow- through. Stepping into side stance as you set up for a low block may be seen as body shifting to dodge an attack, as you move in to punch the opponent. The jump represents stomping on a downed opponent while preparing to block an attack from another. Seipai As an Okinawan kata, Seipai uses a small structure to reinforce mobility. Due to the Crane influence, Seipai is a study in entering and parrying. The first combination blocks and pulls a low attack, then knocks the attacker down. The rolling motion of the arms after the turn, low block, middle block, and mawashi uke combination represents a damaging arm lock. In a variation of Seipai, juji uke is performed just before the sweep. The last two strikes of the kata knock the opponent down, then out. Gojushiho Sho This kata is a study in close quarters techniques. The first sequence is a double wrist block, and counter attack. The sequences after the elbow strike represent a kick counter, nukite, and grapple counter. The last sequence represents blocking an attack to the midsection, blocking a grapple attempt, then counter attacking to the collar bones. Annan Annan contains many practical, efficient counter attack methods. It is also very useful in practicing breathing, focus, and fighting principles. Raising the knee and striking with the finger may represent blocking a kick, then hitting the vital point below the ear. Stepping into naihanchi dachi, extending the hands, and clinching them into fists will jam the opponent, and grab him/her to gain control for the side kick. The "ox jaw" wrist blocking sequence near the end blocks a middle punch, then knocking the shoulder out of joint. The author lives in Lake City, South Carolina, where he also teaches at his Wado ryu Karate school. For more information about Karate and the martial arts, please visit Johnston Wado ryu Karate or the Johnston Karate Online Community.



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