Reddit reviews Karate Science: Dynamic Movement (Marial Science)

Practical bunkai is pretty much not taught by the Japanese instructors who came from the JKA. I was with the ISKF for over 20 years. Bunkai was only ever used for demonstrations at tournaments, and then it was only the pre-arranged multiple attackers doing karate techniques thing.

That's not to say that practical bunkai oyo is entirely absent from their group. I'm sure there are some high-level critical thinkers among their ranks. The author JD Swanson is a member of the ISKF.

I think front stance should be 1 wide and 1.5 deep, both knees bent, with the legs pressuring into the floor, the pelvis slightly forward and up, and the abs and shoulders pressuring down. That way, you are rooted, and have the freedom to rotate your hips to generate power in your hand techniques. A book that help describe this is Karate Science: Dynamic Movement.

I think kata is a collection of techniques that can be used in fighting. Look at this technique in bassai dai. I think that is raising your opponent's arms against a punch or grab and executing a double leg takedown. Any motion in a karate can be analyzed to find some interpretation. No guarantees on effectiveness.

One issue I have with kata is why the techniques are hidden instead of simply being taught as techniques. For example, the bassai dai takedown above isn't immediately apparent. Kata may be a method to transmit techniques before video, maybe its a relic from an older time. Why should we practice kata if I can improve more from practicing fighting with another person?

Another issue I have with kata is when aesthetic is prioritized over application. When you change things, like making the stances super deep to look nice, you lose application, like rotating your hips for power. If we're practicing fighting, I'd rather focus on effectiveness rather than looking pretty.