In the martial arts, kata are the prearranged and choreographed
dance-like forms used to convey the intricacies of a particular style to
the practitioner. In a sense they are the physical form of an oral
tradition, (a form of knowledge transference that many believe extends
back several thousand years), training not only the body, but the mind
and spirit. Kata are the basis for which modern day karate techniques
have developed and hence kata are considered the 'textbooks' of the
martial arts.
Kata is often called the mother of Karate. Bunkai is a kind of analysis
(meaning, 'to disassemble') - a much neglected form of study within
Karate.
These self-defense applications are what give the kata their true
meaning and purpose. For the old masters, those of whom may have only
practiced one or two kata their entire lives, the repetitions demanded
of kata never became a burden because of the meaning, the bunkai. In
thousands of schools around the world today, the various kata of Karate
are taught and practiced. Unfortunately, not many know, or care to
teach, the bunkai, referring to them a mysterious 'secrets.' In Shihan
Te: The Bunkai of Kata, these "secrets" are revealed.
- Useful for all styles of Karate.
- The key to understanding Karate...and yourself!
- Discover the rich history and deeper meaning of the Martial Arts.
