Practice today was focused on two kata: 観空小 (Kanku Shō) and 拔塞 (Bassai Dai).
Yes, there is a performance aspect, but this performance is directed by precise form and effective application. This brings me to my main focal point in my training today: ‘Speed, power, large scale technique and precision’ through being in a state of total relaxation.
The 太極 (Taikyoku) Connection...
This is based on 太極拳 (Taikyoku-ken), which is ‘Tai Chi’ in Japanese. Of course, many reading this will immediately think of Funakoshi Gichin Sensei’s Taikyoku Kata.
Not coincidentally, Funakoshi Sensei stated: stated: “Because of their simplicity, these kata are easily learned by beginners. Nevertheless, as its name implies, Taikyoku is of the most profound character and one to which, upon mastery of the art of karate, an expert will return to select it as the ultimate training kata.”
What did he mean by this? The mere movements? Well, not according to the older masters who have guided me here in Japan. The simplicity of movement and technique ‘removes places to hide weaknesses’: moreover, it allows one to ‘deeply perfect a state of being’. That is softness of the body and mind for ultimate reactivity and total softness of the body.
Does that mean ‘one must do Taikyoku’? Well, in the case of my training here in Japan, 平安初段 (Heian Shōdan) has always ‘officially’ been the first ‘old-school JKA-style’ kata. But Taikyoku, and others, such as 序の型 (Jō nō kata) are commonplace.
Certainly, all three Taikyoku kata hold a very place for our colleagues in the Shōtōkai, who most closely follow the Karate-Dō of Master Funakoshi.
So, returning to their purpose, and linking back to my practice of KANKU SHŌ today: “…beginning and ending with ‘tai chi’ in one’s softness and flexibility” is a critical aspect of Karate-Dō kihon and, certainly, ‘the effective utilization and practical application' of the art". This was a point made by the late Kanazawa Hirokazu Sensei (Sōke of the SKIF).
With these points in mind, today’s practice of BASSAI DAI also reflected the aforementioned focal points in Kanku Shō. However, in it I spent more detailed time on the individual waza and, in particular, 技の緩急 (Waza nō kankyu). I personally like to make each action very large scale, especially decisively attacking with the ukewaza.
Nakayama Masatoshi Sensei stated that “Bassai Dai is a dynamic form that requires strong vitality, vigorous techniques, and imposing dignity”; furthermore, that “…it is a bright jewel among the 15-core kata of the Shōtōkan”.
To conclude, whilst Kanku Shō and Bassai Dai have very different technical characteristics, the underpinning aspect of ‘correctly utilizing energy is shared’. Keeping this in mind, during kihon, kata and kumite is imperative. Why? Because stiff and ‘muscularly forced’ karate is weak. It results in the reduction of speed; the tightening/shortening of actions; jerky transitions; and lessens impact power. What’s more, “…when the body is tense the mind becomes more fixated/less aware” and, consequently, less defensively capable. These aspects highlight the value of kata in one’s training regime.
押忍!
André Bertel
©️ André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2026).
