Practical Kata Bunkai: Thoughts on bunkai for Goju-Ryu / Shito-Ryu Seisan

This footage was taken at a residential course in June 2014. At the course, all participants were asked what topics they would like to cover. One suggestion was the bunkai for Goju-Ryu's Seisan. I'm not a Goju stylist and therefore Seisan is not a kata I practise or have spent much time analysing.

In preparation for the course, I familiarised myself with the kata and had some initial thoughts. On the course itself we had covered the process of kata analysis in previous sessions, so this was a good opportunity to apply the process and see what the kata revealed. This clip shows what we came up with for all the motions prior to the first turn. Shito-Ryu's Seisan is similar, and therefore the bunkai shown would generally apply to that version too.

To me, in its "opening lessons" the kata seems to be showing a number of mutually supportive ways in which an enemy can be taken to the floor. The idea being that if one does not work, then we can flow to any of the others.

A huge thanks to Ash Nicholls for suggesting Seisan and for showing the kata in the clip. Thanks also to "uber-uke" Mike for his help with all the demonstrations!

All the best,

Iain

[RRTNZ]

Great video. Seisan is my fave kata, and I love the approach you've taken. Always enjoy Ian's vids and this one really made me smile. Thanks Ian!

[scottgarner]

Haven’t done traditional for long time, great explanation and exploration. You put in some real research! Thanks

[MrEcomusic]

your bunkai is really making sense and explains the techniques very good. as always I enjoyed your video

[bashlivingstonstampededojo]

I love these flow drills I have to find some of these drills for isshin Ryu seisan I've been coming up with some applications myself and some have been taught I would just like to string them together

[NaihanchinKempo]

Love these videos sir, gives me lots of ideas
I started asking questions of my Kata.
How am i being attacked? Punch, kick, grab(upper\lower arm), A push?
 You can't assume every technique is just  about punching and kicking.  Could be a hard shove or limb(arm) grab and attempted punch.
How am i defending?. Joint lock, Limb break, knee\shin strike..groin attack etc..

I try to remember. Just because I'm pointed in a direction doesn't mean the attack is from that direction.. The attacker may end up there. But, may start out behind me.

I look at techniques in Kata. Ask. Is this a strike, Or block or joint lock..I look at how its done in Kata(could be in reverse order) block maybe a strike. A strike could be a trapping grab . if i try it as a block and it some how directs the attack into say, my groin..then i toss that idea. then i look at any attributes that may lead me to other techniques like joint locks, or limp\collar bone strikes.

 To me a fight\defense against, needs an A, B, C flow. (A)start of the fight (knowing you just got in one) (B)reacting to it(controling the attack(er)trapping etc. (C)then subduing the attacker( knocking him out, snapping his limb, leg\arm. or pinning him to the ground) IF a kata technique leads me back to (A) I have done something wrong ..If you don't control and subdue an attacker you're back to square one. Longer a fight lasts, more likely the attacker will figure you out..5 seconds is about as long as i want any fight lasting 2 secs is better

[gojumaster]

"I can't defend him to death" :)

[Ronin-]

The application is way better than what anyone else has put out in YouTube. How did you come up with this? Was this taught or have u developed this after careful analysis and self study? Osu

[ninthkaikan]

Any thoughts about the bunkai of Uechi Ryu’s Seisan jump?

[PedroMartinez-wjll]

Lots of Isshinryu’s Sunsu here! I’ve never noticed that before!

[DavidBarnwelltkdja]

I'm looking at that X stance at the end of the Kata after the low kick to the knee. I'm thinking that's either a sweep or low kick to the ankle or inner thigh?

[iamnoman]

"Goju guys are thugs"... I need that on a t shirt!