This book is aimed at both the experienced Karate student and those just starting up in finding their way through the theoretical and historical background of Karate and in the practice of the so-called secret techniques. THE BOOK In reading the book it becomes easy to see Karate s relationship to other Asian Martial Arts systems. Its content includes Basic Techniques, Tuite (Lever) Techniques, Chin Na-Techniques (Hold and Control), Nage Waza (Throws), Shime Waza (Strangling Techniques) and Kyusho (weak points) Techniques. In this book we have tried to analyze Tuite and Kyusho Techniques from a modern anatomical point of view and to this aim have put together a new type of graphic illustration. At its hub is the Karate Kata, which contains all of the techniques mentioned above and which is invaluable for daily training once the various levels of the Bunkai (application) have been understood. The depth of these levels of understanding is layered according to the Omote (obvious interpretation) for the beginner and the Chuden Techniques (middle level) for the more advanced. The hidden, or secret, techniques open themselves up to the higher Master levels, which are described as Okuden. ISBN 978-1-84126-289-5 $ 19.95 US/ 14.95/A 19.95 www.m-m-sports.com
THE AUTHOR Helmut Kogel learned a modern system of Karate fighting combinations from a western point of view when he started training in 1973. In 1992 he began to train in German Jujutsu. He also learned Philippine Arnis, Kobudo and Nihon Jujutsu. During several study visits to Japan, he gathered experience in several martial arts and in Kyusho. Under the guidance of Japanese Grand Masters he achieved the degree of 6th Dan in Karate Renshi, 5th Dan in Kobudo and 2nd Dan in Nihon Jujutsu. Kogel founded a Dojo in Germany and was head of a Karate group at the University of Ulm. THE OKUDEN The hidden, secret uses of the Kata (Bunkai) were passed on by the old Masters only to those students who had earned their complete trust. In Japan these techniques are described as Ura Waza. The secret techniques were also alternatively known as Okuden. It is still common practice for those techniques which hold the true content of the Bunkai to be shown only to the higher Dans, and then only occasionally. The passing on of advanced or hidden techniques is also carefully sifted. The particularly clever and refined techniques are only shown to especially trusted students (Uchi Deshi). The fact that Karate techniques belonging to the Okuden were not written down in earlier times makes it difficult to define the separate Kata, now, in the way they were probably defined 100 or 200 hundred years ago. Unfortunately, a lot of knowledge will remain hidden to us.
The Secret Karate Techniques Kata Bunkai
Warning The techniques described in this book and the techniques of any martial art are dangerous. You should, therefore, train under the supervision of an expert. Please also use caution when handling or using any weapons and consult a qualified teacher. Please use restraint when practicing techniques described in this book. Neither the author nor the publishers of this book are responsible for the results of your choice to practice these techniques. Please respect the law and order of your country.
Helmut Kogel THE SECRET KARATE TECHNIQUES KATA BUNKAI Meyer & Meyer Sport
Original title: Kata Bunkai Die geheimen Techniken im Karate 2010 Meyer & Meyer Verlag Translated by Judy Keenan The Secret Karate Techniques Kata Bunkai Helmut Kogel Maidenhead: Meyer & Meyer Sport (UK) Ltd., 2010 ISBN: 978-1-84126-289-5 All rights reserved. Except for use in a review, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means now known or hereafter invented without the prior written permission of the publisher. This book may not be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of by way of trade in any form, binding or cover other than that wich is published, without zhe prior written consent of the publisher 2010 by Meyer & Meyer Verlag, Aachen Aachen, Adelaide, Auckland, Budapest, Cape Town, Graz, Indianapolis, Maidenhead, Olten (CH), Singapore, Toronto Member of the World Sport Publishers' Association (WSPA) www.w-s-p-a.org Printed by: B.O.S.S Druck und Medien GmbH ISBN: 978-1-84126-289-5 E-Mail: info@m-m-sports.com www.m-m-sports.com
Contents Contents Introduction........................................................ 6 Acknowledgements.................................................. 8 Preface: What is the Essence of Karate? (Tetsuhiro Hokama)............... 9 A General Part....................... 12 1 The Historical Development of Okinawan Karate..................... 13 2 Understanding the Kata......................................... 23 3 The Three Levels of Karate Techniques: Omote, Chuden and Okuden.... 29 4 A Selection of Okinawan Masters.................................. 34 5 Fifty Years of Okinawan Karate (Tetsuhiro Hokama).................. 50 6 Karate as Seen by Today s Okinawan Grand Masters.................. 55 7 Cultural Differences in How the Human Body is Viewed............... 64 8 The Importance of Acupuncture in Karate........................... 67 9 The Role of Bubishi.............................................. 80 B Special Part....................... 88 1 Coded Kata Techniques in Karate Cracking the Code................ 88 1.1 Ready Position (Yoi)........................................... 89 1.2 Etiquette, The Bow (Re)........................................ 94 1.3 The Opening Movement (Iriguchi Waza).......................... 98 1.3.1 In Jion, Jiin, Jitte........................................ 99 1.3.2 Starting Movement in Bassai Dai......................... 101 1.3.3 Starting Movement of the Kata Enpi...................... 104 1.3.4 Starting Movement of Kanku Dai........................ 106 1.4 The Closing Movement (Degushi Waza).......................... 110 1.5 Basic Techniques from Another Point of View..................... 113 1.5.1 Withdrawal of the Fist to the Hips (Hikite)................. 114 1.5.2 Fist to Fist............................................ 116 1.5.3 Utilizing the Turning Movement.......................... 119 1.5.4 Chudan Attack Becomes Jodan.......................... 121 1.5.5 The Particularities of Shuto Uke.......................... 122 1.5.6 The Preparatory Hand in a Block......................... 122 1.5.7 Turning the Front and Rear Fist.......................... 124 1.5.8 Each and Every Block is an Attack........................127 1.5.9 Kousa Dachi.......................................... 136 1.5.10 How Mae Geri Became Yoko Geri......................... 137 1.6 Multiple Meanings of One Technique and Ground Work (Ne Waza)... 138 1.7 Levers (Tuite, Kansetsu Waza).................................. 146 5
Kata Bunkai 1.8 Escape Techniques (Gedatsuho)................................ 178 1.9 Sensitive Points (Jintai Kyusho)................................. 204 1.10 Throws (Nage Waza), Foot Sweeps (Ashi Waza), Reaps (Gari Waza)... 230 1.11 Lock and Choke (Shime Waza).................................. 236 2 Principles in the Kata........................................... 240 2.1 Ju and Go (Tai no Shinshuku).................................. 241 2.2 Rhythm (Waza no Kankyu)..................................... 242 2.3 Using the Flow of Energy...................................... 242 2.4 There is No Block in Karate.................................... 242 2.5 Touching One s Own Body During the Kata....................... 243 2.6 The Circle and the Proper Angle................................ 243 2.7 The Meaning Behind a Preparatory Movement.................... 244 Literature........................................................ 245 Internet......................................................... 247 Credits.......................................................... 247 6