Okinawan Karate (Toshu Jutsu) and many styles of Chinese Kung Fu (Quan Fa) are unique in that the forms contain hidden techniques. What can appear to be a simple block can be a throw. What appears to be a punch can be a weapons technique. The study of the kata is called Bunkai and the resulting application is called an Oyo. The Bushinkai headteacher was a pioneer in the study of Bunkai, publishing many articles on the subject of grappling techniques in kata bunkai at a time when many insisted Karate was all punches, kicks and blocks.... 


Above: Shuto Uke (knife hand block) can be both a strike and a lock

 
Above: Don't always assume you and the opponent are facing each other as this choke shows

 
Above: Positions like Gedan Barai (lower parry) need not be a block, they can also correspond to a throw and Juji Uke (X Block) can also be a lock

 
Stances are sometimes long because they are part of a throw

  
Even a simple Osae Uke (pressing block) like this Teisho movement that usually comes before a Nukite (spearhand) can be a lock

 
Above: Techniques like chokes must be precise

 
A technique like the opening move to the kata "Bassai Dai" is not immediately obvious as a neck crank.

 

Manchester Jujutsu classes:
Sunday 7:00pm-8:30pm
Manchester Karate classes:
Tuesday 8:00pm-9:30pm
Manchester Tai Chi classes:
Tuesday at 7:00pm-8:00pm
Classes held at Van Dang Martial Arts, Newton Street, Manchester.
For more information email Simon on kaicho@runbox.com