From time to time the topic of bunkai comes up, people asking what particular moves are for in some kata.

Recently I seem to have been discussing anti-bunkai (for want of a better term) - talking about some of the fanciful (IMO) theories and applications for kata sequences which are sometimes even taught as "the bunkai for this is...".

Is anti-bunkai useful or not? If you think something doesn't seem right but don't have a better explanation for it should you practice what you've been shown, voice your feelings, or just forget it?


Mick

lol - definately a post to be read in conjunction with your disclaimer mick

Blatant examples excluded, when does something become "anti bunkai"? Is there a rule which says THIS IS THE ONE TRUE BUNKAI and all attempts to try any other interpretation are wrong!? Recent posts have described out some peoples interpretations of kata in relation to self defence techniques and their own experiences. are they wrong if it fits the pattern?

To answer your question I think you should voice your feelings and question it (respectfully of course). Make your sensei sweat - my students have caught me on the hop quite a bit. makes you think about things a bit more before opening your trap

yep just make up what sounds good at the time, the way they change katas it makes sense to change the bunkai to what you want. ok ok so i dislike kata but why change them all the time is the question grasshopper.

OK what about in saifa at the top of the 'T' after the 3 reps of the opening sequence where you sidestep and block 1 hand up and 1 hand down... I've heard it told as blocking a punch from the front (top hand) at the same time as a kick from someone at the side (bottom hand). Does this kicking person simply give up and walk off when you block their kick? Or perhaps they move behind you and wait for the turn-and-grab-and-smack-the-head?


Mick

The concept of kata is very simple and anyone who tries to tell you "the one true bunkai" obviously doesn't understand it. The concept is this - learn a series of combinations of moves to the point that they become automatic for any appropriate situation. That is an extension of the basics that become practical. Each kata has several different bunkai for each move, otherwise they would be next to useless as a training aid "Oh sorry I can't fight you properly cause I never practiced when you come from the front"

Agree. Many schools have a standard bunkai for each kata but the unfortunate thing is that some people take this to be the one and only application and become blinkered to any other possibilities.

On the other hand some people create applications which don't hold up to scrutiny but they will defend it to the end. One of my favourites in this area is the "the only reason it didn't work is because you held on too tight" lol


Mick

Hi sionnagh,
What happens in siafa to the person who kicks you. You've given them the big DON'T ARGUE stare where upon they shrink back into the shadows. If they didn't the very next move you would side step straight into them.

After the side step we front kick, step back and do a cross hand shoulder grab. An anti-bunkai is this.
Whats up my sleeves?
pull back and double punch to collarbones.
"ner ner na ner na tricked you" as you push their head down and side fist into their temple.