Martial Applications

A large part of our practice of Karate involves the applications of the movements, which involves working with a partner to explore how the technique would actually be applied in a specific situations. These martial applications are derived from basic techniques, kata combat counts, and combinations.

The martial applications are not available on the web page, because they are most effectively learned with a partner during class time. If you need to learn a martial application for a test, you may ask a senior student to instruct you. Generally, students meet before class for extra time to work on martial applications for several weeks before the end of each quarter.

You can also develop your own martial applications, and in fact, you should be doing so by the time you are testing for brown belt ranks. It isn't as difficult as it first appears. Look at a few movements from a kata, and think about how they could be applied as a defense to an attack. Sensei Anastasio describes katas as 'maps' of what could be done, not exact duplicates of what should be done in a application, so be creative! A move in which you trap your own arm against your body, as in the second count of Pinan Shodan, could actually be a representation of a defense in which you trap your attacker's arm against your body, or hers!

Combat Count

The combat count of a kata separates the kata movements into logical groups that each represent a martial application. A martial application may include a single move or many moves. A kata that has 21 normal counts may have only 6 or 7 counts in the combat count. It is important to note that there is no 'right' combat count for any kata, because martial applications are just maps, they are not set in stone.

Bunkai

A bunkai is a set of martial applications such that each count of the combat count is represented. A student testing for 1st dan must develop and perform a bunkai for a kata of their choice.

Martial Application Example

Here is an example of a martial application. This one is represented by the first five moves in Fukyugata Ichi, the first kata that students learn in WSU Karate. This martial application follows the kata movements very closely,

Martial Application: Fukyugata Ichi

Kata: Fukyugata Ichi
Counts: 1 - 4
Defense Against: Left flat-hand lapel grab.

Detailed Description

.
Martial Application
Dir
Result
Kata Movement
1a Right hand covers attacker's left hand, pressing it tightly against your chest.
N
 Attacker's left hand is trapped. Hands raise to chest to chamber for kamai position.
1b Left hand blocks attacker's right punch by meeting the inside of the attacker's upper arm.
N
 Attacker's punch is halted.
1c Left hand strikes attacker's right cheek as it passes his/her face on its way to cover your own right hand.
N
 Attacker is distracted by strike.
2a Place your left foot out directly to the west, then pivot on the balls of your feet, while keeping your elbows down and pressed to your body.
W
 Attacker's body is thrown down and to the south-west. 90-degree turn counter-clockwise.
2b Left lower technique to the back of the attacker's head or neck.
W
 Attacker may be stunned by lower technique. Left lower technique in left long stance.
3a Slide your left hand up the attacker's arm and switch it with the hand that is holding his/her hand against your chest.
W
 Your right hand is now free to attack. Right punch in right walking stance.
3b Right punch the attacker's temple, jaw, side, whatever was exposed by move 2a.
W
 Attacker has been punched so is more vulnerable.
4a Reach to the far side of the attacker's head to grab his/her chin (or collar, for practice) with your right hand.
W
 You are prepared to throw the attacker. 180-degree turn clockwise, right lower technique in right long stance.
4b Step out east with your right foot, pivot on the balls of your feet. Use the force of your hips to pull the attacker backwards.
E
 The attacker is thrown backwards to the ground, leaning against your right leg.
5a Left punch the side of the attacker's face.
E
 The attacker is finished off. Left middle punch in left walking stance.

* KC = Kata Count

Questions about WSU Karate or about this web page may be sent to Jen White Doom: jen@wsukarate.org.

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