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Interview 3
This is part 3 of 5
COMBAT Russell, tell us more about your views on Kata and the
Kata Bunkai usually taught within the MA World
RS Well Paul, I am sorry to say that most of what is taught is
absolute BS. There is zero chance or less of any of it actually
happening in any environment other than the sanitised inner
sanctum of the Dojo. The vast majority of the Bunkai taught is
shown with a Karate attack, a reverse punch or lunge punch for
example. Who has ever seen anyone, anywhere in the street attack
like that?
Bunaki MUST be taught against the types of attack that most
commonly occur. I wrote an article a few years ago that detailed
the most common attacks and that we MUST practice against these
attacks first and foremost.
COMBAT Surely, you can’t expect someone to use their Kata moves
against such a ferocious attack in the first few months of
training?
RS Like everything Paul, there is a learning process involved.
But the problem is that MOST Karate Dojos do not start the
learning process till it is too late, or they do not start ever!
What I mean by this is that you must have a method and a reason
for training. Whether it be Kata or any other aspect of the MA.
Training without reason is pointless. Each and every Kata move
has a reason. If you are not training a viable reason, then do
not train it!
Look at it this way….. Let’s use a Boxing analogy. A boxer
learns a Jab in thin air first. He learns the movement, balance,
timing etc. Then he starts to hit a bag, pads. Then he would use
it in partner work and at the same time learn some basic
defences against the Jab. Then he will start to utilise the jab
and the defences in controlled sparring. Then he will start to
increase the level and intensity of this sparring. Then he will
add in all the other punches and defences in his repertoire.
The SAME METHOD MUST be used to truly understand your Kata and
the Bunkai contained within.
COMBAT So you learn one move at a time?
RS Not quite Paul. You are always taking on board new “moves” if
you like. BUT only if they form a part of that Boxing analogy
and are useable in that which you are doing. Let’s take a simple
move like Low Section Block or Gedan Berai. What does it mean?
COMBAT Block a front Kick?
RS You like to wind me up Paul! You are well aware of the
meanings! I do not want this to sound blasé or to sound like I
do not want to give out any information. But, quite simply, it
means what you want it to mean. It can be a block if that is all
you want. Personally I would not want to use it that way.
Let me tell you how I teach it. I will first show the shape of
the movement. Then I will pick one technique that it could be,
for the sake of argument, we will make it an arm break. Then the
student will learn that basic movement as an arm break. He will
learn the balance, timing, co-ordination and the “feel” that is
required against his training partner. His training partner is
also learning the defences against this at the same time. They
are learning how and why their own and their training partners
bodies are working in terms of balance, resistance and ability
to counter. Then the compliance is gradually taken away, the
ferocity and savagery of the attack is increased.
Then the process begins again with the student being shown “high
percentage” ways of getting their through the utilisation of BAR
and Balance Points as mentioned in the previous part of the
Interview.
This process then gives the students one technique but loads of
ways of getting there.
COMBAT What about technique Log Jam?
RS What Log Jam? They only have one technique, an arm break.
They have learnt “how to earn the right to land it” which is the
most important part. Technique Lag Jam occurs when you have
learnt techniques as oppose to principles. It can only affect
you if you learn from a technique perspective as oppose to a
principle based perspective.
COMBAT But what about all the other moves in the Kata?
RS I want them to be an arm break as well. So that is what they
are.
COMBAT Russell, stop messing about, what are you talking about?
RS Paul, it all goes back to what I said at the beginning. Each
Kata move means what you want it to mean. You just have to make
that shape fit what you are trying to achieve.
If it is a low threat office type thing, you know where someone
borrows your calculator without asking and things get a bit
heated. There is no need to make that move an arm break. But by
taking away a few of the principles learnt, it becomes an arm
bar or a push away. BUT THE MOVEMENT is the same. The INTENT has
changed, that is all.
It’s a bit like the Boxer who uses his Jab to taunt and annoy in
light sparring, but tries to snap your neck with it in a real
fight. The INTENT and distancing and power has been reduced to
the level of the threat. In a fight it is increased to the level
or hopefully beyond of the threat.
COMBAT So, what are the reasons for the other moves if they can
all be what you want?
RS Everyone is different. Everyone has different build,
character, demeanour, ability etc. What works for me, may not
work for you and vice versa. So, by learning the nuances and
intricacies of the movements contained within the Kata, you will
find a way of movement, that works for you. Somewhere in that
Kata, is the Key that unlocks the door to a better you. MY JOB
IS TO SHOW YOU WHERE THAT KEY IS. This will enable you to vastly
improve what you are doing with your Kata. My Kata tapes, show
you these various Keys, show you different meanings for the
moves. One of these meanings, will be the Key that you need to
unlock your talent.
During my UK Tour in March and the various Training Camps I will
be holding in the UK, Cyprus, Romania, Bulgaria, USA and
Montenegro this year will explain this concept in fine detail.
COMBAT Thanks Russell. Can we chat more later
RS Sure thing Paul, off to practice some Kata now.
Russell
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