| Literally translated 'Bassai'
means 'to storm a castle', thus implying strong spirit, forcefulness
and an underlying will to succeed. The repeated changing of
the blocking arms represents the feeling of shifting from
a disadvantageous position to an advantageous one. Continuous
attacks with techniques like 'Yama Zuki' suggests a will to
penetrate the opponent's defences.
There are two 'Bassai' - 'Dai' and 'Sho'. Being the more
elementary of the two, Bassai Dai is generally taught before
Bassai Sho. Jion Jion is probably the most traditional Kata
practised today in the Shotokan system. It retains
its original name and the character, for it has appeared often
in Chinese literature since ancient times. Although speculation,
it was almost certainly conceived by someone associated with
the Jion Temple in China.
A theory strengthened a great deal by the distinctive salutation
at the beginning and end of this Kata. According to ancient
Chinese writings, the Monks of the Jion Temple greeted and
made themselves known to each other by wrapping the left hand
around the right fist. We know they were taught 'Kempo', and
were well able to protect themselves without the use of weapons,
and the salutation would imply, if pressed, they could retaliate,
but due to their religious doctrine, would 'rather not'. A
comparison is readily drawn with the Samurai and his 'sheathed
sword'. Jion utilises many basic stances, blocks and punches
and is truly representative of the Shotokan style.
Jitte The name Jitte, or Jutte, as it is sometimes referred
to, implies that once this Kata has been mastered, one is
as effective as ten men. Its somewhat heavy movements indicate
that it belongs to the Shorei School and many of its techniques
are strong and bold. In the Shotokan style, Jitte is an intermediate
Kata having twenty-six movements and is mainly practised as
a defence against the Bo (staff). The absence of kicks points
to its origin, for it was as essential part of training at
the Tomari School of 'Te' in the seventeenth century.
Chinte Documented evidence is scant, but the one thing we
can be reasonably certain of is that Chinte has come down
to us from Chinese Kempo. Renamed Shoin by Funakoshi but not
generally adhered to today; Chinte was retained by some Masters
of Okinawa-Te for its wide circular movements. These movements
are excellent for exercising the shoulders and when practised
by women, give increased power, due to the centrifugal effect
generated by the arms pivoting at the shoulders. Chinte's
hand techniques are artistic and the almost total absence
of kicking is significant. Tekki Shodan Tekki Shodan is basically
a 'training' Kata and makes generous use of 'Kiba Dachi',
which should be strong and stable at all times.
The hips should remain well set when performing the 'Returning
Wave' kick known as 'Nami Ashi' or 'Nami Gaeshi'. Previously
known as 'Naihanchi' this Kata was renamed 'Tekki' by Funakoshi,
and has three forms - Shodan, Nidan and Sandan. This Kata
is more difficult than it looks and requires mastery of tension
and relaxation. Tekki Nidan and Tekki Sandan Tekki Nidan and
Sandan are basically 'Training' Kata and make generous use
of 'Kiba Dachi' (straddle leg stance), which should be strong
and stable at all times. They were created by Master Itosu
from Shuri-Te being modelled on Tekki Shodan. Thought by some
to have originated in China, the horizontal line in which
the techniques are performed suggests fighting in a boat or
an alleyway - perhaps even with one's back against the wall.
The name Naihanchi was changed by Funakoshi. Eliminating
directional problems has been overcome by 'The Compass System',
and this book should prove beneficial to student and instructor
alike. It also contains ' Shoto Niju Kun' (Shoto's 20 Precepts),
The Ten Elements of Kata, as taught by Kanazawa Sensei and
a selection of profound, relevant quotations. This volume
concludes with one of Sensei van Weenen's favourite Japanese
stories, that of the young boy desperately wanting to become
the finest swordsman in the land!
About the Author
John van Weenen was born in Enfield, Middlesex in 1941, and
in 1963 he emigrated to Australia, where he first became involved
in the Martial Art of Karate. He returned to England in 1966,
where he established the first Karate Club in North London.
People came from all over the capital to his Dojo in Enfield
to learn this new and mysterious art. In 1967, John and two
fellow students crossed Germany, Poland and Russia and finally
arrived at Yokohama in Japan. The training sessions at the
JKA headquarters in Tokyo were at worst, as he recalls, severe,
and at best, inhospitable. In retrospect, they were priceless.
The following year he returned to the UK, and so began life
as a professional Karate instructor. In the 33 years since,
John has taught Karate-do to tens of thousands of people and
many of today's national Chief Instructors, began their Karate
training at one of his Dojo's.
All Customer Reviews
4 out of 5 - November 5, 1998
Very good detail of the non-Heian katas required
for Green belt and above.
Move by move photos, and floor plans/foot movements/orientations
for Tekki Shodan and others.
5 out of 5 - July 6, 2007
In his true inimitable style, John presents
here the remaining kata needed to complete you Black Belt
Syllabus. The ones that should have been in his first book
"Beginner to Black belt" namely Tekki Shodan and
Bassai-dai. The huge description above explains the rest of
the contents of this book.
The other kata's are Tekki 2 & 3, Chinte,
Jion & Jitte.
The layout is even better than his first book
in that it shows you intermediate moves & a better description
of how to perform the kata with bunkai as well.
This is the first of three volumes but the last
time I wrote to John some years ago, it seems unlikely that
volumes 2 & 3 will be completed. That's unfortunate because
John's style of presentation simply can't be beaten!
His passion for the art really comes through
his all of his books.
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