KYUNA SENSEI: Oyo Bunkai is ok to practice, as long as you keep it close to the basic
movements of the Kata. If you stray too far away from the Kata and get too fancy, there is a
very real danger of changing the Kata itself. People begin to think that if the Bunkai is like
this, then the Kata must be done that way too. So that’s the key with Oyo Bunkai, don’t get
too fancy and keep it close to the original Kata movement.
Also Kata is designed to be used against multiple opponents. In many Kata movements you
may be blocking or striking forward with one hand, but also to the side or behind with another
hand. If you practice the Kata correctly and don’t change the movement, the correct defence
should emerge when you are attacked. That is true bunkai, Oyo Bunkai is a natural variation
on these. You have to followed the Kata movement first and then the self defence movement
will come from this.
KYUNA SENSEI: This is the main reason we formed the Okinawa Traditional Karate-do
Development Association six years ago as we felt that it was a necessity for Okinawan
traditional culture to survive. The association is going to establish who the carrier or the real
master of each traditional Karate style and we want people to come and study properly under
these Masters and understand the spirit and mental philosophy of each style. This is a key
part in keeping traditional Karate alive and well.
KYUNA SENSEI: For Shorin-ryu it would be Naifanchi Kata. To practice Naifanchi you only
need a small, straight line space – it doesn’t need a lot of room. You should also practice basic punching in the air.