Secrets of Bunkai Bunkai is the meaningful application of the techniques contained in a Kata. The Kata does not have to contain the techniques in every detail. Rather, the Kata merely provides a hint. The technique demonstrated in the Kata often represents only the first frame of a film. And only those who know the film can recognize it from this first frame. In many cases, however, a logical interpretation is possible. This means one can recognize the progression of the film without having seen it beforehand. Only through this possibility can the meaning and purpose of Kata techniques be deciphered, even in

cases where no competent master is available or willing to teach the bunkai of the Kata. However, there are also cases where incorrect applications were intentionally taught. In the case of Bassai Dai, the first technique (Soe Uke in Kosa Dachi) was taught to defend against a Chudan zuki. Whoever attempts this will realize (after waking up) that they have done their opponent a favor. In reality, the technique is intended as a leverage technique for twisting the opponent's forearm, which is similar to a throwing technique used in Aikido. The problem with teaching the true bunkai of a Kata is that it can contain techniques that can cause very serious injuries and even be fatal with relatively little effort. Should one really teach things in a physical education class that could enable someone to kill someone? If I teach a potentially lethal technique and my student kills someone with that technique, I am not responsible for it, but I am ultimately the cause. At least with a sufficiently strict interpretation of the principle of causality. Something that applies equally to every weapons factory. Therefore, responsible use of the bunkai of the Kata does not allow for every student to be taught all of its possibilities, especially the mortal ones. However, before I teach an incorrect bunkai, such as the Bassai Dai mentioned above, I refrain from explaining the corresponding technique of the Kata in the bunkai. Unless I can modify the technique in such a way that a purely athletic interpretation is possible. However, if this leads to its application only becoming possible after 1,000 practice sessions, it is neither athletic nor sensible. The principle of a bunkai is that the body perceives it as logical. One could also say that the practitioner's body likes it. The longer it takes to apply a technique, the less likely it is that it will function with the necessary automatism in an emergency. On the other hand, if I find a bunkai easy from the start, I can still practice it 1,000 times and find that I can still improve even the 1,001st time... H. Haß, 2016