AOKK Naihanchi Hanto Kata Sections

Hanto kata is a breakdown of the self defense portions of the kata. Many times the karateka that created the form will repeat a series of techniques. When this happens, it is sometimes to place the kata back on track, and it is also performed multiple times when it is a favorite series self-defense moves that the creator wants to emphasize. Lastly, the main reason is to force the karateka to practice the self-defense on both sides of the body. When this is the reason, you will only se the series repeated twice. Karate technique is to be practiced on both sides of the body, so when attacked from either side, your self-defense will be effective. Most people have a dominant side. By breaking down the kata into bunkai (dissection) or sections, the self-defense can be practiced, with a partner, so that it is more effective in an actual attack. Palace guards, court officials, police, and corrections officers had to rely on these designed responses.  All bunkai begin with a situational assault. It was from trial and error that the best responses were developed. Without bunkai in your kata, you’re simply dancing. Kata has been elevated to an artform in the modern world, but do not throw the baby out with the bath water because there are still valuable lesson to be learned.