Bunkai

Bunkai is WHY we study the martial arts. This is the point in which the mental aspect of the martial arts meets the physical aspect that is so well known. The term bunkai, when translated, means "analysis", "investigation" or "detailed search" for the applications hidden in martial arts techniques and forms such as basics (kihon) and kata.

In essence, there is good reason to believe that the movements found in Goju Karate (and all other martial arts) consist of much more than just "blocks" and "punches". The techniques were developed over hundreds of years and incorporate many branches of knowledge such as acupuncture theory and Traditional Chinese Medical theory. The "true" meanings behind many of the movements were literally lost in translation when the art was brought back from Okinawa after World War II. Master George Dillman has discussed this topic at length in his books.


Over the coming months, we will post video clips on this webpage of basic motions and parts of kata found in Goju Karate along with our interpretation of the bunkai applications for these movements. In many cases, there is more than one interpretation. Often, the different interpretations will apply for martial artists of different body types / sizes. What works for one martial artist will not work so well for another. In this way, each martial artists interprets the movements in a way that makes sense for his or her body structure, ultimately making the art his / her own.


Basics Bunkai

Gedan Barai (Low Counter)

Kata Bunkai

If you would like to read about Bunkai visit Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.