Kata Variations?

Naihanchi (all three) of them are my favorite Kata. I took the time to do an in depth study of Naihanchi Shodan (Ryukyu Kempo Version). So far, I have more than 50 different Bunkai for the short Kata. Kata without knowing the hidden applications has limited use. Kata study to find and develop the ability to use its hidden Bunkai is a limitless source of learning.

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Chris - you are not qualified to make that statement because you went to a school that does not have an understanding of kata and its application.

You should have looked for Oyata Shin Sho Ho or Ryute dojo, and you would have known that you were in the wrong school the whole time.

Your "claim", false as it is, means that all the things I learned from my teachers, and many other here who really have an understanding of their art - according to your "infinite knowledge", our in depth understanding is a figment of our imagination.

That's like someone who works at mcdonalds flipping burgers, saying that a person who trained in the culinary arts and works as a chef, has no clue of cooking.

To answer the question - I trained in different lineages of Goju Ryu so I was exposed to a few variations of the kata. I go through the motions, at times, of those variations. Any variation may or may not change the application, but it also depends on your level of knowledge in the application of martial arts.

@Chris I have read the Shotokan Secrets so must tell you that as someone who has actually been to Okinawa, I can say without any doubt that the Shotokan Secrets is pure crap. Anyone who has walked into the Shuri castle can confirm that all applications of Naihanshi in that book are based on fallicies especially as there are no small areas in it. the other one is that Naihanshi was popular in Tomari prior to Shuri

If you look at who was famous for Naihanshi it would be Motobu. If you look at pictures of his fighting style, it is close, very close. I am starting to research aspects of that kata and have found that there are many applications that work based on Motobu (and the principle of Ikken Hissatsu) It could be used as anti grappler kata check out the pictures of motobu

http://karatedr.com/792/

I usually do my kata as we learned them. But from time to time I do them the opposite way. And I'll also do them from time to time with my eyes closed.

What I do all the time though is mix up the power, speed, and intensity. I also always focus my kata as a fight and visualize how I'd use the techniques against someone as it's the only time that one can strike full force and not have to pull a technique to prevent hurting someone.

I'm not a fan of training in multiple styles. Especially for beginners (anyone below the rank of Nidan). Now with that said, I am for crosstraining and learning about other arts. I think working with folks in other styles, and learning some of their techniques helps you to learn how to apply your own techniquies and to be able to anticipate what others may do.

i learn different variations to better understand the kata better as well as the bunkai to the kata. and in some case for judging them in competition.

but i only teach one version to my students.

naihanchi (tekki) is an interesting kata, i think i have learned about 10 versions. i dont recommend learning that many. most of them was the shotokan or tekki version there was about 5 versions just in that.

I've done all of my forms with eyes closed. I will also do one half of a form and then switch to the second half of a different form. I've only been doing this two years, though, so mostly I'm still working on bettering my overall technique doing them the standard way.

Katas are the thing and it helps you do ceremony for loved ones that did martial arts that is the only reason I believe in martial arts because my loved ones that did martial arts from 2003 to 2010 that passed on make me want to understand a stand up striking martial art you can pick your wife as a man but as a grappling student you dont get to pick your wife or food you want to eat.

Hidden applications of kata... That's funny. Give it up already. Stop trying to sell something that is not there.

In my opinion this page http://www.shotokanssecret.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.ph...

applies to all kata having taken classes that were kata oriented for years before I woke up.

Yes years, why? because I really wanted it to be true but it's not.

I do them in variations as training aids, such as for developing balance, speed, power, technique.

For example, I'll do them in slow-motion dynamic tension to expose how the rest of the body should move, but, this is also a conditioning aid.

I'll do them one-sided (one-handed), to develop techniques the Japanese call "henka waza".

I'll do them with a partner using a variation of sticky-hands, to develop tactile sensation development.

I'll do them such that a partner is distracting me with music, thrown pillows, etc to develop focus on the technique.

I'll do them with playing cards tossed onto the floor, with the idea to avoid touching them. This creates slippery surfaces, and so, helps develop balance. Similarly, x-ray film can also be used.

I'll do them with small objects - like dice or marbles - thrown onto the floor, which is a training aid for practice on uneven ground.

And, I'll do them to music, to develop rhythm.