[2.8.0] Sunsu Section-2 Bunkai (Counter to a Lead Hand Punch)

[Source:] Non AOKK Isshin-ryu Black Belt]

[Rating:] Basic

Information: Below is the AOKK interpretation as to why this bunkai was fused into Tatsuo’s kata. This did not come from a student in the linage of Kichiro Shimabuku only the bunkai following the opinion.

AOKK Opinion: One of the things we miss, in most of our kata, is the position of the arms found in the opening moves of Sunsu kata. In our kata, one hand or the other is placed upon the hip. This obviously is not a position one would adopt prior to engaging in personal combat. In the original version of Tatsuo’s Seisan kata, this hands-up defensive posture was also an integral component. In the Goju-ryu version, this hands-up position is still the way it is performed. Shimabuku sensei trained with Miyagi sensei. The hands up position should not be considered revolutionary. No one, in their right mind, fights with one hand behind their back, so you might ask why is this hands-up posture so unusual?

Anko Itosu sensei could be responsible. The Heian and Pinon katas were developed for teaching karate in grade schools by him, and these nontraditional forms merged into traditional karate systems. Later, Funakoshi sensei made them part of the Shotokan curriculum. These beginner kata are an easy way to develop karate students. Isshin-ryu does not teach these juvenile kata. Isshin-ryu is old school karate. Do not get me wrong the Pinons/Heians are a good way to introduce a karateka to forms. The problem is that many students never go beyond these akachan (baby) kata, so the hand on the hip becomes part of the karateka’s understanding of karate.

In the kata Hangetsu, which is Funakoshi sensei or Shotokan’s version of Seisan one hand is again placed on the hip while the other executes a punch. This could explain the change in Isshin-ryu’s version in some schools. Still, it can be confusing to a student that begins learning kumite (sparring) and are told to keep both hands-up. Kata deals more with close-in self-defense responses than long distance personal combat. Kata is a catenated set of self-defense responses to many differing kinds of attack. When the hand is placed upon the obi (belt) it is because you are grasping something and keeping the adversary in your circle of combat, yet most instructors never explain this construct. Shimabuku Tatsuo sensei understood you keep your hands up for protection and wove this concept into his master’s kata.

Part-1 Attacker: Attacker Jabs

Part-2 Defender:

• Middle forearm block (RH).
• Counterpunch with a vertical snap punch (RH).

Note: The counterattack can be made with one, two, or even three punches in rapid succession.

Information: This is a speed technique the attacker. It must happen without thought. To make this happen the student must train full speed until it become a natural response.

[End Series]