Practical Kata Bunkai: Passai / Bassai-Dai: U-Punch / Yama-Zuki

This video was filmed at a seminar in Norway at which we were analysing the applications of Passai / Bassai-Dai. This short clip looks at a basic application for the "u-punch" or "yama-zumi" (mountain punch). The technique is applied from a position of disadvantage where the enemy has secured a grip on your wrist and has opened up a pathway for a head strike. Whist not a good position to be in, by folding the lower arm over we can momentarily disrupt the enemy's posture and gain the opportunity to deliver an overhand strike to the side of the jaw. This also creates the opportunity to bar the enemy's arm to open them up for further strikes. From the end position of the kata sequence it is also possible to apply Gichin Funakoshi's "spinning top" throw. All of this is briefly explored in the clip. I hope you find the video of interest and I'll be back with more soon!

All the best,

Iain

[TheEmmissarian]

I was explaining to a Kung Fu friend of mine that the Yama-zuki or Double punch works better as a throw than a double attack like you see in the movies. Thank you for confirming my philosophy for that.

[stuartcohen]

Another great application by Sensei Abernethy. I like the fact that he acknowledges, as preface about the forearm trap/overhand attack that he's countering: "it's a good technique."

[jr]

first watched this guy a few years back on a karate grappling dvd, very pleased to find he has a youtube channel as his applications are fantastic, a real eye opener to me back then and still gets me thinking. Be great if there were more teachers like this.

[zshakur]

The U punch can be used as a double punch. I've used it in sparring to see how practical it can be and it works well. It forces the opponent to choose head or gut in an instant. Either way one punch always lands, high or low. It's a great way to confuse them for split second. Good for setting up the knee tap or ankle pick takedowns as well. I LOVE this application and will be teaching it this morning. Great info as always! Ooss!

[senseiruss]

Great explanation and application — as we've come to expect from the talented and generous Sensei Abernethy! Osu!

[ingvsanchezalonso]

I've seen many times your vídeos and I enjoy how you explain every movement of the katas. The fact some years ago I bought a book of you of grappling in karate. Thanks.
Regards from México.

[sbeveridge]

Excellent application, as usual. Keep up the good work, Iain, and thanks for sharing.

[NYKgjl]

Excellent details on the Yamatsuki...Do more vids sir =)

[samirberardo]

Great application. Thank you for sharing!

[ZenseiRevolution]

Nice explain, sensei. In Mae Do Taijutsu uses a variant of yamatzuki. Well done.

[MartyNozz]

Great video. I see Shihan Watanabe's emblem on the wall in the background. Very cool.

[victorribeiro]

I don't know if sensei Ian Abbernethy will read it or agree with me, but yama zuki is a good overhand/swing after slipping a cross punch

[boris]

"spinning top" is ikkyo followed through to the ground akido/jujitsu technique

[Pillers]

Very nice, thanks for posting.
G Bowes.

[bunkaiking]

I think the yama zuki is more of an inside leg takedown from the clinch

[RyanMDanks]

One of the most abused "punches" in martial arts cinema debunked!

Hint: it's not a "double punch".

[cinimatics]

And here I thought bunkai to these Kata was lost to time. I've met people who don't even know what bunkai is.

[FightClubStellingen]

Yama-tsuki could also be like an Aikido Tenchi-Nage °-^

[claudes.whitacre]

Damn....another closely held and sacred belief in applications debunked....ad replaced with a better application. Thank you.

[wiffmastermase]

I learned of this punch from Kenichi Shirohama