This question was raised on karateresource:

What if, where we turn to the left or the right or step up to present the left or right side towards the front and having it explained as an attack from that side... What if just maybe it's responding to an attack from the front and the movement left or right is just an effect of the pattern of the kata?


Mick

Hi Mick

I don't doubt that changes in direction to specific angles are to do with the symmetry of the kata. But I think the reasons for changing direction are generally practical (the only aesthetic aspect is the choice of angle you turn through). Similarly with presenting one side of your body to the front. For example, going back down the line in Pinan Sandan, where you turn side on in a straddle stance with your hands on your hips. I think the kata is telling you to turn side on to the attacker, rather than suggesting you've been attacked from the side.

Mike

That's the bit where the application is for if you have your hands in your pockets when you're attacked?


Mick

Or your hands are tied at your at hip (bizarre way to tie someone up), but somehow they magically come free so you can do a downward sweep.

Yeah, that's the bit I had in mind.

Mike

Hi Mike,

Dumb ol' me, I always though one was performing a hip throw on the turn and following with a back fist if not all had gone to plan. The second and third being just practise of the left side and then returning to the original side. Live and learn eh! Hands in your pockets or tied to your hips One of my Japanese instructors said it was for when you were attacked when you were out shopping. A bundle under each arm

Cheer,
boz

Hey look! Now we have at least 3 applications for that part! Doesn't explain how to do it and not drop your bundle of shopping though..


Mick

In the UK we have an invention called 'carrier bags'. They negate the need to carry your shopping as bundle. You can just put it all in your carrier bags. I have therefore altered the kata so that this movement is done from the 'carrier bag holding position' with your arms by your sides. Some people refer to this posture as 'yoi'.

Mick queried how to do the technique and not drop your shopping. To account for this I've further altered the kata so that you pass the shopping to your other hand before doing the backfist.

Really gentlemen, I'd have thought you could have worked this out for yourselves.

Mike

Well, why couldn't you just hit them with the carrier bag? If it's anything like my bags of shopping it would drop an attacker, no problem!

Because then it would be an application of the second line of Seisan. You turn away from the attacker and allow the heaviest bag to swing behind you, hitting them in the kneecap.

Mike

I go away for a couple of days and look what I miss

This almost ranks up there with the seashells and Matt's Tensho applications

I do tend to think that e.g. moving at 45º doesn't mean exactly moving at that precise angle but more likely moving at some angle rather than directly forward, and the angle you do need depends more on the position and size of your opponent...


Mick