Our Bunkai Videos
We train in a tradition. Not in a museum. We practice, investigate, challenge, learn and share what we discover.
Bunkai: Pinan Shodan Nekko-Kosa dachi
In this version, we defend against a double punch to the center of the body, making use of the “Too Fast To See” quick reversal principle.
Bunkai: Pinan Nidan 1st direction
Yoi positions have an important role in training. For tactical kata interpretation they do not always provide a realistic starting point. Here we pass through the yoi position to counter a grab…
Bunkai: Pinan Sandan Nukite to Kiai
Blood, sweat and other things can impede effective throwing in self-defense. In this application instead of a throw, we use fast striking techniques.
Bunkai: Passai Nukite
This is an unusual two-handed application of nukite in our kata. Other nukite applications depend on body inertia or momentum for counterpressure, so you do not need to apply it with your opposite hand.
Second Kata – Outdoor Demo
Second Kata, Fukyugata Ni – Outdoor Training. Kata demo in flow style, from Mountain Karate – Castro Valley
Bunkai: Pinan Shodan Nukite
The nukite technique can be used for cavity penetration and muscle seizing techniques, as shown here in the kiai move of Pinan Shodan (Heian Nidan).
Bunkai: Pinan Sandan End
You step forward, twisting the whole power of your body against his exposed front arm, dislodging it and off-balancing him. Displacing his body with yours, you destabilize his body architecture and strike, simultaneously, to his head and to whichever mid-level target is exposed.
Bunkai: Pinan 1 Chudan Arch
In version one an ideal target for the backfist is the mental foramen in the lower jaw. A good hit will be stunning and will snap the head back, destabilizing the opponent briefly and creating a suki for the follow up.
Bunkai: Three Shuto Chudan
In Pinan Shodan and Wankan there is a sequence of three shuto chudan techniques, stepping forward in a straight line. There is a similar technique in Gojushiho which can work the same way.
Bunkai: Wankan the Beginning
…following the exact movement-pattern of the technique called “shuto chudan uke,” but with a completely different use than that name indicates…
Pinan 1 – Two Shuto Chudan
In Pinan 1 and Wankan there are two shuto chudan techniques in a row. This is probably not a repetition. The two techniques are different.
Bunkai Pinan 1 Direction 1
The opening move of Pinan shodan can be used to defend when an attacker grabs your sleeve or forearm and your lapel or shoulder – a standard opening in judo and other arts.
Pinan 5 Direction 1&2
We maneuver and strike, then immediately check our six. This happens frequently in our kata. We do not assume the threat is finished just because we have stopped one opponent.
Kata Kumite Disconnect
What is the relationship between kata, kumite matches and combatives? We cannot assume these are separate realms, or that they are the same.