Learn about Karate's Bunkai - The Practical Application of Kata

Bunkai is a Karate technique where kata is broken down and studied for its offensive and defensive elements. For example, an instructor could select a portion of a kata in order to show a student how this kata element is used to defend against an attack (i.e. middle punch, high kick, etc.). Bunkai do not have to be the same for each kata element studied because there can be different interpretations and applications. Bunkai require a partner or a group of partners in order to demonstrate attacks and counters.

According to Hawaii Karate Seinenkai, "there is a world of difference between being able to merely perform the movements of the kata and truly understanding them". Bunkai allows Karate students to "truly understand" a kata by reviewing the practical application of each kata movement.

To learn the kata movements associated with bunkai, please visit the main Katas & Forms section for Shotokan katas, Goju-Ryu katas, Shorin-Ryu katas, etc.

List of Bunkai - The sections below provide bunkai for the various katas used by that specific Karate style

• Goju-Ryu Bunkai
• Kyokushin Bunkai
• Shito-Ryu Bunkai
• Shorin-Ryu Bunkai
• Shotokan Bunkai
• Wado-Ryu Bunkai

References

1. Hawaii Karate Seinenkai, The Why of Bunkai, http://seinenkai.com/art-bunkai.html, Added - 07/24/14