Kata Interpretation vs Bunkai. What is the difference?
Kata Interpretation vs Bunkai: Language in the martial arts is very important. I have an article called Learning the Language of Budo. Have a read if you have a moment when you are done here.
Now I am going to be honest. I have been very wrong in the past about the definitions and meanings of these terms. And thank God for the teachings of Hanshi Juchnik who has corrected me in this. And language does matter.
I love to learn. Each day I study and learn something. Everyday I learn and practice my second language of Romanian, as well as the Natural Laws of Kosho Ryu. So let's get started.
Kata Interpretation vs Bunkai - Kata Interpretation
What is Kata Interpretation? Like when speaking a language it is a specific meaning. In the case of Kata you come up with an interpretation of what part of the form means. Below is an example from a video I did many years ago.
So this is a Kata Interpretation of a low or down block from Dan Gun Hyung. However this interpretation in of itself is NOT BUNKAI. And the error I made for at least 3 decades was that this was. Kata Interpretation vs Bunkai, yes there is a big difference.
Kata Interpretation vs Bunkai - Bunkai
Bunkai means " to have a discussion." And the interpretation above comes from a Bunkai about the down block in Dan Gun Hyung. And this one is a Kyusho Jitsu / Pressure Point based interpretation.
However it does fall short as it is far from complete. Is that all there will was to discuss about this movement? Far from it! Today in the dystopian nightmare the Western Cultures discussions have become discussion is a lot art.
Today there is a narrative [always a lie] and anything else is "disinformation." Therefore all communication is shut down. If the narrative was correct discussion, Bunkai would be welcome.
But Bunkai, a discussion is never short, it is lengthy and there are always counter views and opinions. And this is what makes Bunkai so rich and so important.
You can have Bunkai on any topic! In my former Dojo Art Mason's Peaceful Warriors the adult class would go out after class for beer and pizza and discuss the training over the night. This was true bunkai! And what make my school so strong.
Kata Interpretation vs Bunkai in Conclusion
When it comes to Kata Interpretation vs Bunkai the definitions are very clear. And please understand BOTH are very important. But this also gets down to the importance of the definitions of words.
Learning a second language I really understand this idea.
The different narratives we see today love to change the definition of words. Do NOT play their games. Make your martial art teaching clear with the correct usage of the terms. Do not be lazy and cheat.
Be a true teaching of the martial arts, not an "instructor" or professional counter. Thank you for reading Kata Interpretation vs Bunkai.
The goal of Bunkai is to open the students mind.
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