CFA Articles - Very Interesting: Three Pillars of Application

Charles Goodin's editorial in this issue of CFA was pretty darn good. He also had this article on Anko Itosu Sensei where Nakata Sensei made the statement about the three pillars of application that seemed to fit all martial systems - a bit like fundamental principles. He said, I quote:

Nakata Sensei: There are three levels of application that were taught.

Level one was for beginners and the very young students, which was punch, strike, kick, block, and cocking - pulling the hand back to the side in the chambered position for the transitional moves.

Level two was for the intermediate and older students and emphasized body mechanics, i.e. fundamental principles of martial systems (my emphasis), for more powerful punching, kicking, striking, and blocking. What originally appeared to be cocking/chambering, now became throws and/or locking techniques.

Level three was vicious and deadly. The punch, kick, strike, and block were now executed to destroy the opponent with a single technique. The throws and locks were fatal if applied correctly. This level was only taught to trusted senior students.

There were at least three meanings for each application or technique in a kata.

Bibliography:
Goodin, Charles C. "Anko Itosu Remembered:An Interview with Sensei Pat Nakata." Classical Fighting Arts, October 2011: pg 42.