Shihan Te: The Bunkai of Kata

by Darrell Max Craig

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.

180 pages, Paperback

First published June 25, 2002

Reviews

[Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is some good information, but the author comes across a bit egotistical and pretentious. Unfortunately this is not an uncommon trait when you combined martial art rank and Western men together...IN MY Opinion.

The picture references I felt could get a bit confusing since there were several occasions where one had to refer back to previous pages and pictures for reference. I know this sounds like a bad review, but there was quite a bit of useful information in the book, when so often martial art book are full of fluff.

[Jim Smoak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave a great approach to analyzing kata, and appying bunkai. I used the framework of this book for a seminar I hosted.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is probably the most important martial arts book I've read so far. Incredibly helpful.