Note: Before reading understand this is my view, or my interpretation, of what I have read coupled with my previous understanding in regards to kata and bunkai and their practice. Any errors or omissions are mine and do not reflect on the source material. After all, I am human and subject to mistakes. Understanding this, read on and enjoy. Please don't hesitate to comment so I may continue learning.
If a karate-ka, or any other system that utilizes kata/patterns to train and practice, utilizes their kata training to its fullest they will come to understand some fundamental knowledge going in that will be constantly referred to in maintaining focus on that just one kata model. There is some fundamental information in regards to kata training that everyone can benefit from as the venture into the world of karate-jutsu-do. I will try to convey some of that fundamental/basic understanding of kata here so the reader can challenge themselves to research this ancient and classical form of training and practice.
My goal is to stimulate thoughts on just how much you gain from remaining aware of and focused on kata as a strong tool to learn karate.
It might seem obvious that kata are learned in a systematic way with a definite sequence along a specified floor line called embusen. This is true. It must be understood that although this is a correct method of introduction to kata it is not the defining way of kata. Look at it as a floor plan that will rise up into a fully stocked home of karate.
Kata are the foundation that if properly practiced to the fullest provide the means to add such things as electrical, plumbing, framing, walls and their coverings, joists, flooring, insulation, lighting, windows, doors, roofing, etc. that complete the kata and its system of practice. As can be seen the foundation or the pattern and movement are just that, the depth and breadth of the house of karate are in the little things within the kata practice we call principles and bunkai.
Stances, those transitory positions taken only in the moment of technique application. The directions taken during transition of kata sections or combinations are not rigid and do not actually mean what some feel are obvious moves to multiple positions of opponents. The stances provide a means to find angles to the threat so you can apply differing bunkai in a non-sequential manner. The sequence is not necessarily those combinations that are connected to any one specific technique application. The sequence is a learning tool that must be transcended in time.
Perceived guard positions for the hands are not guard positions much like stances and movement are not readily apparent in true application for fighting but merely training guides to achieve what is needed in an encounter. Hands must complement one another in technique application much like taught by Iain Abernethy Sensei where one is a means to feel/control while the other to strike, etc. They flow and provide a means to feel how the threat moves so your moves can respond appropriately as hands are applied to deflect/strike/deflect or what ever is necessary to accomplish not being injured and so on.
Iain Abernethy Sensei's comments on angles far exceeds my mediocre explanation so I recommend reading his articles on kata to expand on the little guidance I provide here. Know that nothing in kata are set in stone. Angles are not where you go to to threats position. Angles are what you visualize that the threat ends at in applying movement toward angles off the center line of attack, etc. This need great contemplation to understand. Once you do, you got it. I quote Iain Sensei, "The angles in kata therefore tell us the angle we should be at in relationship to the enemy." read here: http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/content/what-angles-mean-and-why-things-are-threes-video
Bibliography:
Abernethy, Iain. "The Basics of Bunkai Series" 12 April 2010. Iain Abernethy: The Practical Application of Karate. 4 August 2011. http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/articles/The%20Basics%20of%20Bunkai%20%28Kata%20Application%29 and http://www.iainabernethy.co.uk/articles/More%20Articles%20by%20Iain%20Abernethy (Basics of Bunkai Part 1 to 8)
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