Learn Karate at Home – Shotokan Bassai Dai Kata
Many styles of karate practice Bassai Dai, it translates as “To storm or penetrate a fortress”. Passai is the original name for Bassai and there are several different versions in circulation.
It is believed that there were two versions of Passai practiced on Okinawa.
Some karate historians believe one version of Bassai/Passai, was shown to the local Okinawan martial artists by a Chinese martial arts expert, who lived on the island, the other version was taught by master Sokon Matsumrua.
The one we are referring to here, is the shotokan Bassai Dai, which many believe came from the Okan Oyadomari lineage.
When a karateka moves from 4th kyu to 3rd kyu, Bassai dai is usually the first kata taught. Bassai Dai, especially in Shotokan Karate dojo, is the karate kata many karateka use for brown and black belt tests.
The first move in bassai dai epitomizes this shotokan kata. A very strong move, driving forward off the left leg, with a knee attack and strike.
The sotouke/uchiuke and uchiuke/uchiuke combinations are a trade mark of the shotokan version of Bassai Dai. After the first move, there is a pause, then a 180 degree turn, with a double uchi uke. The first block is a left uchi uke and the second is a right uchike, finishing with the body square.
Bassai dai is a very strong karate kata, but it is also great for fast changes in direction. You will here the Sensei shout, more hips! Well, this next exercise is excellent for the hip movement needed in karate.
1.Really work this combination, it starts with a left tate shuto (edge of the hand) in shizentai (natural stance), then comes a punch block combination. To do this punch/block combination correctly, try and keep the body and hips square as you get ready for the uchi uke block.
2. You should be standing in natural stance with the right arm bent across the chest. Go stright into a small front stance to the left, by pivoting on both heels, or the balls of the feet. This exercise is excellent for developing a strong hip rotation.
There are karate moves in Bassai Dai, that are not seen in any other shotokan karate kata. The hooking blocks to the sides, in a long zenkutsu dachi, the three blocks or strikes in horse riding stance. The strange slow movement at the end of the kata in shuto uke kokutsudachi, where you look one way, but move another.
This kata should be practiced thoroughly in your karate classes, because Bassai dai is shotokan karate!
There are many karate sensei who have been training for over thirty years, so go find them out. Download a free bassai dai shotokan pdf and supplement your karate training with these free online videos, karate lessons for beginners.
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