Practical Kata Bunkai: Passai / Bassai-Dai (Gichin Funakoshi’s Ude Wa & Ebi Gatame)

This footage shows a small part of a Passai / Bassai-Dai bunkai drill which was taught over two full days at a seminar in the Netherlands. The techniques in this clip show a throw and hold; both of which were referred to in the writings of Shotokan founder Gichin Funakoshi.

The throw is “Ude-Wa” (arm-ring) which Funakoshi shows in his book, Karate-Do Kyohan. The following submission hold – which was shown as an interesting aside to the wider drill – is called “Ebi-Gatame” (shrimp-hold) and was referred to by Gichin Funakoshi in his book, Karate-Do: My Way of Life.

Later in the day, we were looking at ways to regain the feet should a situation end up on the floor. As part of this, we showed how Ebi-Gatame can be used to remove the enemy’s legs from around your waist. A short clip of that section is also included.

Both of these techniques are potentially dangerous and they should only be practised under the close supervision of a suitably qualified and experienced person.

Thanks for watching!

All the best,

Iain

[michaelvendick]

Im so glad I stumbled across you Iain. You have rekindled my passion for training karate again. I always knew the Katas contained practical self defense techniques, but all the bunkai that show these ridiculous blocks with one hand at the hip or across the chest, basically doing nothing, then punching with one hand and pulling the other back to the hip, leaving that side of your head wide open to counters, never made sense, and I couldn't believe that the old masters taught that as viable self defense because none of it made sense in a practical combat perspective. But the way you have unlocked the true (and I do believe you have unlocked the actual meanings) meanings of the bunkai of the Katas, has rekindled my desire to start training again. I just wish I would have discovered you earlier, but better late then never, eh?

[magicbymccauley]

IAN! Something you might not have thought of. The "Shrimp"/"Scorpion" position looks EXACTLY like Pinan Sandan middle section. As well, Pinan Sandan does it to the Side to avoid exposing the groin, as you said. Many styles have a Kick in the Kata too, the Kick is actually the STEP OVER of the body, not the kick.

Anyway, fabulous stuff as usual.

[SithV]

Great bunkai demonstration of Bassai/Passai-Dai kata.

[alfie]

damn this sensei is good and gives a fun feel to what would normally be very strict traditional karate! I could get used to this and learn a hell of a lot!

[DJAraRealSalsa]

Wing Chun/Chow Gar stylist here, but also an admirer of Karate and even moreso having discovered your channel.

[freelancerblitz]

Mind blowing!! boston crab in bassai kata! amazing!

[mboshoff]

Ben Smith of the All Blacks once tackled a much larger front row player using a similar leg grab. It is very effective.

[matthewbaumann]

Are you interpreting the lunge punch after the double rib strike as a double leg takedown?

[kamen]

I thoroughly enjoy the bunkai you present, but this one has me wondering though - what happens if Uke decides to throw his arm around your neck into a headlock position as you're trying to take him down?

[carlosgarcia-xhqq]

It would be an honor to train with you . Excellent vision

[jayd]

Question. If you do a double hammerfist to the ribs, most people would either buckle at the waist or knees in pain, hence changing levels and dropping their body weight. It would seem to me that it would not only give them the ability to be better able to resist the double leg, but you'd now have to go under their either crouched or bent over upper body to get to the legs.
 Wouldn't it be better to just go under from the "bull" block and do the takedown?
If the takedown was used, because the hammerfists weren't effective, I can see the point. However, if the hammerfists failed to do damage, wouldn't you assume that the opponent would be upright with his hands up and able to strike you? I assume if you were quick you could get the double leg.
 
 I'm not trying to nit-pick, I'm just trying to understand.
 Thank you for the videos!

[handsomestik]

If you get into a guard after you drop your opponent down wouldn't you want to lock the ankle or the knee instead of letting him up again?

[karatekid]

This looks very nice to combine with Bjj lol

[seppojk]

Try also this: step over and release opponent’s left leg and step over again and grab his hair.