Reviewing the issues which we have looked at up to this point, we come up with these three points:

1. The bunkai for katas is not understood.

2. Bunkai cannot be used within the rules of competition. (in Japan)

3. It is possible to win using only simple techniques.

Part 1The Bunkai for Katas is Not Understood

This is because it was not possible to introduce Okinawan karate in its original form to the mainland. It appears that until now no specialized research has been carried out concerning the fact that kata bunkai is unclear. "An Instructional Text for Karate", published by the Japan Karate Federation is the only book about the bunkai for the Heian katas. It states in its preface, however, that "this training manual is not about the original combat aspects of karate, rather it maintains the educational standpoint of competitive sports based on the rule of mutual respect." Since that publication, no other works dealing with the martial aspect of bunkai has been published. 

Recently WKF competition rules require the study of bunkai. I believe that, as the study of bunkai advances, the interest in using different techniques will increase.

Part 2 Bunkai Cannot be Used in Competition.

Karate was introduced to the mainland primarily as a martial art consisting of kicking, punching, and striking According to "Explaining Kempo", published by the Todai Karate research Society, "There is nothing else in karate except kicks, punches, and strikes." Accordingly, many competition rules prohibit grabbing. World Karate Federation rules, however, permit grabs under a few seconds and throws are used aggressively. There appears to be an overall trend to return to the basics. 

Part 3It is Possible to Win Using Only Simple Techniques.

Currently, since most kumite competitions are won mainly by kicks and punches, emphasis is put on perfecting fairly easy techniques. It is a fact that it is better to practice fewer simple techniques, which are easy to use in tournaments. One can also not deny the trend to practice techniques, which are rewarded higher points according to WKF rules. Consequently, as the number of tournaments increases the tendency to practice only techniques for use in competition will become stronger. Indeed, if one doesn't, it will become more and more difficult to win.

Section 2 How to be Able to Use Kata?

Part 1 The Definition of Bunkai

Because Okinawan karate was taught in secret to a small number of disciples, there is nothing similar to a textbook explaining the movements of katas. Currently, it is common practice to practice katas without knowing the meaning behind the movements.

Learning a martial art involves learning the techniques, which have been passed down through that particular martial art. In the case of karate, though, bunkai for katas (the body of traditional techniques) is mysteriously unclear. To practice katas individually after one has learned the application of the techniques is meaningful, but merely the individual practice of a kata without knowing the application, is like performing a dance or gymnastics. 

On one hand it has been sated that "katas should not be changed." In fact, though, katas had already undergone changes before Okinawan karate was introduced to the mainland. The fact that a person's name has been attached to a different katas, such as such and such a bassai, or such and such a Kushanku, itself proves that katas had undergone change from their original form. If katas changed from their original forms, then it follows that their bunkai changed too. Thus, we see that the problem lies not in the changes of simple movements, but in changes in the techniques themselves.

Recently one hears stories where people imitate winning katas, which have been arranged (changed) in order to win. If that is true, then katas will continue to change more and more. Since the standard for winning in tournaments is whether or not the kata is strong and beautiful, not whether or not it is applicable, this phenomenon will increase. 

In the case of other martial arts on the mainland, katas are traditionally practiced by two people, and there are written texts, which contain the techniques being practiced, so even though there may be differences in the outward appearance, there are no major differences. Therefore I believe that it is impossible to correctly teach kata unless it is taught together with bunkai, working with two people. Consequently, I believe that kata texts should not just describe the sequence of moves, but should include and explanation of the bunkai of the kata.

Part 2The Need for a System of Advancement in Rank.

In addition to learning bunkai, it is also necessary to introduce into karate a systematic method of advancement with regard to the mastering of techniques and advancing in rank. In schools of martial arts on the mainland, there is a framework within which the transmission of techniques occurs. This system begins with "shoden" novice, to "chuden" intermediate, and to "okuden" advanced. This system was developed in the Edo period when it was customary to pass on the set of skills to one child. It was not possible to guarantee, though, that a suitable successor would be born into one's family, so the head of the family would choose a successor and teach him the body of knowledge.

Recently there are many books and videos about body mechanics. Some of them relate the style of movement of top Olympic athletes to the body mechanics of traditional martial arts. One gets a sense of the systematic method that Dr. Kano had in mind when he decided to introduce the basic technique of breaking the opponent's balance as the first technique to learn in the syllabus of judo. 

In traditional Japanese arts the curriculum advances in a prescribed way. Karate, on the other hand has not established the same unified system for advancement, and there are many questions, which arise, such as: How can one use the katas, which are the accumulation of the technical knowledge? Where does the practice of kata fit in to the overall curriculum? What is the relationship between basics, kata and kumite? 

The order that was proposed by sensei Kentsu Yabu; basics, moving basics, one step sparring, kata, and kumite is sufficient for general purposes, but I do not believe it is sufficient for the advancement of higher level students.

Part 3 The Need For Logical Rules For Technical Advancement. 

Because of the need to practice specifically for tournaments, there is a trend toward not practicing or studying those techniques, which cannot be used in tournaments. In martial arts, it is necessary to test one's strength against another. Apart from that, there is a need to have rules, which evaluate the degree to which one has mastered the techniques, which they have learned. In karate, as well, it is necessary to create a situation where one must use specified techniques in order to win. If the rules require the use of bunkai for katas, then the need to practice bunkai will arise.

If, for example, one must master certain work skills in order to make a living, they would desperately learn that skill. If one purposely creates the condition where a technique must be used, then the techniques, which are appropriate to that situation, will be practiced and improved upon. In an article in the magazine Gekkan Karatedo about free sparing in Goju Ryu, the system whereby one's ability is urged by how well they use the techniques, which are in the Goju Ryu's katas. I believe this is an extremely good system. If the method in this example is used more often, then the connection between kumite and kata will be strengthened, and the level of karate will be raised. 

Section 3 Karate as a Means of Self Defense.

I believe that more research is necessary in this area, since karate was originally developed as a means of self-defense. One can also imagine that the interest in self-defense among the general public is heightened these days due to the recent worsening of public safety. I believe it is also one of the duties of martial arts is to respond to the needs of such people. For the purposes of self-defense, it is necessary to teach the technical ability to fight off on attacker when the need arises. The need to fight an attacker must be available now, not in 10 to 20 years. In other words, the content must be such that one can use those techniques which they have been taught, or to the extent to which they have practiced them. In that sense, if ones one kata, and they practice it so that they will be able to use it, they should be able it to a self-defense situation. 

Of course there is a world of difference between knowing a technique and being able to use it. Let's take the example of the over the back throw of judo. Much practice is required to use it effectively. Even though one trains every day with a partner and then does free style practice, it will be quite some time before one can actually throw n opponent. With this in mind, one can understand the fact that master of old did not learn a great number of katas.

Heian Shodan, for example, is made up of 5 different combinations of techniques; gedan barai (down block), oizuki (straight punch) as a defense against a chudan zuki (mid section punch) and mae geri (front kick), kentsui (hammer fist), and oizuki, as an escape from a hold, a jodan age uke (upper block) as a defense against a jodan (face) attack, and a shuto uke (knife hand block) as a defense against a chudan attack and throw. If one were able to learn these techniques alone and be able to apply them, they should be able to defend themselves using those techniques. Additionally if one studies the use of weapons, one will learn how to defend oneself using objects close at hand.