Darrell Craig

A collection of historical notes and illustrations used to train samurai in their arts. The violence of the training brings a sobering perspective to what is often seen as pure and spiritual.

In the martial arts, kata are the pre-arranged and choreographed dance-like forms used to convey the intricacies of a particuar style to the practitioner. In a sense they are the physical form of an oral tradition, (a form of knowledge transference that many believe extends back several thousands years), training not only the body, but the mind and spirit. Kata are the basis for which modern day karate technques have developed and hence kata are considered the 'textbooks' of the martial show more arts. Kata is often called the mother of Karate.

Bunkai is a kind of analysis (meaning, 'to disassemble')-a much neglected form of study within Karate. These self-defense applications are what give the kata their true meaning and purpose. For the old masters, those of whom may have only practiced one or two kata their entire lives, the repetitions demanded of kata never became a burden because of the meanng, the bunkai. In thousands of schools around the world today, the various kata of Karate are taught and practiced. Unfortunately, not many know, or care to teach, the bunkai, referring to them as mysterious 'secrets.' Remarkable well done, Shihan-Te: The Bunkai of Karate Kata, these 'secrets' are revealed.

Practical for all styles of karate. The key to understanding karate...and yourself! Discover the rich history and deeper meanng of the martial arts.

Darrell Max Craig is a highly regarded teacher of many of Japanese martial arts, and a pioneer in their development in the West for over forty ryears. He holds multiple black belts and is a U.S. Kendo champion, leading the U.S. Kendo team to the world championships. In 1973 he was awarded the title of 'Shihan,' or 'Master Teacher.' Among his many books on the subject is the widely praised The Heart of Kendo. He lives in Houston, Texas.

Paul Andersen (co-author) is a student of Darrell Craig and professional technical writer. He lives in Houston, Texas.

Contents

Dedication
Foreword
Acknowledements
Chapter One: The bunkai of kata
Why write about bunkai of kata
To disassemble kata
Historical context of karate
Kata today in the twenty-first centruy
The triangle of teaching
Chapter Two: Traditional kata: The lost soul
The source of kata
The secrecy demanded of kata
The oral tradition of kata
The two schools of karate: exhibition and traditional
Chapter Three: Some know better
Everthing in life is kata
The modern teaching of old ways
Boxers and ballerinas
The creeping effect of novice teachers
Kata's staying power
Language, translation, misinterpretation and ignorance
Bunkai, oyo, henka and kakushi
Zanshi, finishing with attention
See the light or feel the heat
Chapter Four: The four elements of kata: Bunkai, oyo, henka, kakushi
Bunkai, the first element
Oyo, the second element
Henka, the third element
Kakushi, the fourth element
Capturing the intended sense
Chapter Five: demonstrating the four elements of a kata
Demonstrating bunkai
Demonstrating oyo
Demonstrating henka
Demonstrating kakushi
Conclusion: The practical application of bunkai
Chapter Six: Waza descriptions
Chapter Seven: My introduction to kata
Glossary
Index show less

This is an amazing book, if you overlook the fact that the writer has learned a lot since he wrote it. It is one of the few sources that describe not only how to wield a sword but also how to appraise it, examine a friend's sword without threatening etc. The illustrations are slightly sub-par, but you always understand what he means. Worth having, whatever school of iaido/jutsu you practice.

This book covers all aspects of Japanese sword. From examining a sword, ettiquete, seppuku, kata and history. This book is a must reference book for any martial artisit who is studying the sword. Iai, iai-jutsu, kendo etc...