1. Shotokan Karate Kata Bassai Dai Bassai Dai , literally translates "To Storm a Castle, major" or "To Penetrate a Fortress, major" is a kata practiced in Shotokan karate and is one of many variations of the Passai kata. There are two Bassai kata, the other one being Bassai sho, and although the "Sho" translates to "minor", it is taught after Bassai Dai. Bassai Dai is characterised by repeated changing of the blocking arms to represent the feeling of shifting from a disadvantageous position to an advantageous one and repeated attacks such as the three consecutive yama zuki represent penetrating a strong defence. Bassai Dai is usually classed as an intermediate kata and is generally first taught to karateka at 3rd kyu (brown belt) and in some Shotokan federations is allowed to be performed as a grading kata as far as 1st dan (black belt). Master Gichin Funakoshi studied the Passai (original name for Bassai) kata under Master Anko Itosu (pictured). Master Funakoshi then made some changes, mainly lengthening the stances and took the new Bassai kata to mainland Japan. The ultimate aim of the art of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the characters of its participants. Master Gichin Funakoshi © KarateClassesOnline Free Karate Videos
2. Heisoku-dachi rei Yoi Left hand wraps around the right fist.Left thumb placed in the top of the right fist, next to the right thumb. Lift the right knee up and For this demonstration we Moroto uchi uke (augmented forward, at the same time, are landing then striking, forearm block) in kosa dachi pull both arms to the left when practicing the kata (crossed leg stance) knees locked. side of the body, keeping at full speed, try and land There are several applications the hand positions, with the the strike with the step. for this move, uppercut, backfist, right thumb facing up. palm heal, double knee atttack, etc Left leg steps across in left arm uchi uke(inside preparation for a left arm forearm block). Hanmi ( uchi uke(inside forearm block) sideon) position. To practice kata is not to memorize an order. You must find the kata that work for you, understand them, digest them and stick with them for life. Master Gichin Funakoshi © KarateClassesOnline Free Karate Videos
3. Right arm comes across the Perform gyaku uchi uke Right leg steps across, lift the stomach, the left arm can stay (reverse inside forearm left arm high and extend the bent or extend straight. block), with the right arm. right arm forward. Perform gyaku soto uke Right arm comes across the Perform right arm uchi uke (reverse outside forearm stomach, the left arm can stay (inside forearm block), taking block) with the left arm. bent or extend straight. the body from shomen (square), to hanmi (side on). We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit. Aristotle © KarateClassesOnline Free Karate Videos
4. Pull the right leg back. Initially As the feet come together The finished position is feet keep the right arm in the uchi bend the knees and hook together, left arm hikite and uke (inside forearm block) the right arm down and to right arm bent at 90 degrees, position. the right. Imagine you are elbow directly out from the catching someone's front kick. Shoulder, palm of the right fist, facing outwards. Perform right arm soto uke Left arm comes across the Perform gyaku uchi uke just using the right arm, the stomach, the left arm can stay (reverse inside forearm left arm remains at the side. bent or extend straight. block) with the left arm. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Confucius © KarateClassesOnline Free Karate Videos
5. Bring the left leg up into Start to extend the left arm Finish the tate shuto (vertical shizentai (natural stance), into tate shuto (vertical knife knife hand block). Shoulders keep the right fist at the side hand block). Timing the shuto down and relaxed. This is a and bring the left fist on top with straightening the legs. slow movement and zanshin of the right, with the bottom (remaining awareness), should of the fist facing down. be applied. Chokuzuki (straight punch) Keep the body still, bend the Pivot on both feet, 90 degrees with the right arm. arm, so the fist stops on the to the left, rotate the hips, body left side of the chest, with the and feet strongly. Perform uchi back of the right hand facing up uke as the rotation completes. Everything is based on mind, is led by mind, is fashioned by mind. If you speak and act with a polluted mind, suffering will follow you, as the wheels of the oxcart follow the footsteps of the ox. Everything is based on mind, is led by mind, is fashioned by mind. If you speak and act with a pure mind, happiness will follow you, as a shadow clings to a form. Buddha © KarateClassesOnline Free Karate Videos
6. Chokuzuki (straight punch) Keep the body still, bend the Pivot on both feet, 90 degrees with the left arm. As you arm, so the fist stops on the to the left, rotate the hips,