Quote:
Dan Harden wrote:
Kata is NOT the way to train aiki, Kata are the result of aiki in changing and controlling force.It takes years to do.
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Kata without
bunkai have never been the way to train ANYTHING. 分解 ? "untie/unravel + small piece" i.e. -- "analysis." Without
bunkai there is no basis to extend the principle/concept/body structure/form of movement beyond the constraint of the precise kata form or exercise used to develop it. What Kenji Ushiro calls "useability."
Tohei's ki exercises that Rob was referring to in his broken link are his version of
bunkai. The "body structuring" movement that Mike S. relates to the ki tests and
kokyu undo are another way to the same functional end. That's a large part of what you are doing --you, Ark, Mike and the rest -- various methods of
bunkai without the kata/waza/whatever you choose -- to use as a reference form. Tohei's effort was no different in purpose and effect -- just a different method to breakdown what is going on in more general terms in the specific instances of set waza. It allows variations on the waza and novel movements to express the same things. Saotome's insistence on seeking "principles" are also
bunkai in this same way. In a more subtle way, so is Saito's ki-no-nagare progression method and its openness to examine inevitable "mistakes" resulting from the contingencies of action at speed without impeding smooth, stable movement All
bunkai -- all different methods of breaking down the parts.
While
bunkai is not intellectual in action it is an intellectual exercise to structure training in an attempt to encompass representative aspects of the entire space of possible interactions with the sketch marks of set movements. Understanding mechanics is just another form of
bunkai and not a replacement for sound physical training.
Some people along the way may have forgotten the aspect of
bunkai in their aikido training, but there are many versions and approaches to doing the
bunkai work.