Bunkai
分解
Analysis of a kata: finding and practising the fighting use of its movements with a partner. Literally “disassembly”, the techniques used are called oyo.
Quick Facts
Word breakdown
Definition
Bunkai (分解) literally means “breaking down” or “analysis”. In karate and other Japanese martial arts, it denotes the analysis of a kata, in which fighting techniques are derived from the movements of the form. The practical applications obtained are called oyo. One stance or movement of a kata can have several to dozens of interpretations: against a punch, against a kick and against various kinds of grip. For techniques that are not visible in a kata at first sight, the terms toridai and himitsu are used. Goju-ryu masters formulated rules for the correct analysis of a kata, called kaisai no genri.
In practice
Bunkai is usually practised with one or more partners who attack in an agreed way. The practitioner in the middle tests on them what the kata movements are for. In doing so they learn maai distance, timing, rhythm and fluency of movement in combat.
Relations to other terms
See also
A prescribed sequence of movements against imaginary opponents or with a partner, literally “form”. The core of teaching in karate, judo, kendo and aikido.
Hikite引き手Pulling hand. In karate the arm drawn back to the hip during a strike or block, in judo the hand that holds and pulls the opponent's sleeve.
Ma-ai間合いThe distance between opponents from which one can strike or evade. It is not only meters but also the time an attack needs to cross the distance.