Practical Kata Bunkai: Pinan Nidan / Heian Shodan Moves 3 to 6

This video shows a bunkai drill for moves 3 to 6 of Pinan Nidan / Heian Shodan. It was filmed at a private training session in August 2011 and we had just been looking at applications for the previous turn. This clip joins that session as we look at the "lower-block" posture and onwards.

I see the Pinan / Heian kata as showing a combative progression from Pinan Shodan to Pinan Godan. It is therefore the bunkai that explains why Pinan Shodan is "Number 1" despite the fact that the solo form is harder that Pinan Nidan (which has seen the names swapped in Shotokan and the order changed in almost all dojo) i.e. the original order is for the progression of the bunkai; not the difficultly of solo forms.

The bunkai drills we teach for Pinan Shodan (Heian Nidan) cover the basic ways of manipulating a singe arm (among other things). In Pinan Nidan (Heian Shodan) we see both arms being controlled simultaneously and the methods used to exploit the opening building on things introduced previously. For more details on how the progression works visit the website or see both volumes of "The Pinan / Heian Series: The Complete Fighting System".

I hope you enjoy the clip and I'll be back with more soon!

All the best,

Iain

[claudes.whitacre]

The brain explodes when these movements are explained. Most BLACK BELTS still think these are blocks and punches, and perform the Katas as a form of aerobics. genius in the Kata design, and phenomenal insights into what these movements really are.

[BelloBudo]

I hope this bloke is getting the recognition he deserves for his contributions to karate and kata applications. I'm not at all easy to please when it comes to kata apllications and I have to say that I'm a fan of his work. Top shelf!

[hunterhall]

I only really started learning the real concepts behind kata from my teacher about 4 years ago, hard to believe the resurgence of traditional bunkai was being spread over ten years ago. WHY ARENT MORE PEOPLE LEARNING AND TEACHING THIS?

[captainahab]

That is one of the best Kata applications I’ve ever seen.

[brucecage]

Thank u sempi for revealing the beauty and practical funcitonality in kata bunkai

[johnburke]

Had the pleasure of training with Iain pre-covid. Hoping to do again sometime this year. Love his applications, they're realistic and effective.

[PhilT]

Great explanation of the shortening of the stance with the Tetsui uchi

[Jasonmadoc]

This reminds me of my old Sensei, I miss him. Thank you.

[senseiruss]

Beautifully conceived, explained and demonstrated, as always, Sensei! Osu!

[scipius]

I do the Tangsoodo, pyung ahn versions of these and this is still so helpful. I live the practically of form work.

[jomess]

i have seen styles taht rather than shortening the stance and doing a hammer fist they do a stomp followed but a palm up backfist

[thoronify]

Always very useful !
Thank you very much fro all your ideas !

[search]

+1. I wish i could go to some classes from him one day.

[akrocuba]

He keeps proving that there are REAL fighting techniques within Kata.

Too many people dismiss Kata as nonsense.
Great vid!!

[PauloFrota]

That's because most teachers reserve this level of training to experienced students of shodan (black belt) and above.

[NewEnglandBudo]

@BelloBudo007 That would be "bloke Sensei" ;-)

[ElliotArden]

Yon gadgee'd give yer napper a barie clout in a pagger!