The Rhythm of Three

Ever notice how kata practice tends to require sets of three. Some speak of this as a means to work both sides of the body regarding techniques so we don't become sold on using just a right fist strike or punch but allow us to conceive and visualize an identical technique used on either side for effective responses/actions. As anything in defense through martial systems this is not the only or exclusive meaning behind such practices.

When using any defense tactic you will also find that many times the combinations of techniques will begin with at least three techniques. Bam, bam, bam and hopefully the adversary is down and done provided you are applying the principles properly to your martial techniques. 

One of my concerns with the dogma or remaining true and unbending to how kata was taught to initiates is they tend to remain stuck with kata in its fundamental forms while a true kata must be broken down and blended to combinations flow with a one-two-three count that seen from the side looks almost like one fluid technique to take down an attacker. Watch a professional and you will see very little hesitation or time between the three or more techniques they use to get the job done. 

Once other important facet to kata and their bunkai once the principles are studied and become natural is to break down such things and mix and match to test out different combinations you can use for self-defense. It then does not really matter the literal bunkai you were originally taught to lay a foundation but to expand and extend such things into those techniques and combinations that work according to all the fundamental principles. 

For those who are not moving toward a teaching position in martial arts it is also important to use these types of methods to discard those techniques that are not effective or are not good for combinations, etc. to focus on the few things that work well for you. This is the heart of any martial system and I recommend to study such concepts thoroughly.