30/08/2026
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Today I'm diving deep into a very popular kata within Shotokan practitioners - Bassai Dai. I'll be giving the tips according to the JKA standard, so please keep in mind that other Shotokan organizations or styles may execute these sequences with slight variations. Let's start!
First, make sure not to raise your shoulders before initiating the first technique. Concentrate on pulling your shoulders down, squeezing your armpits, and engaging your core and pelvis. This creates the structure needed to explode force outward.
Watch your gyaku-hanmi positions closely throughout this kata. When performing right-hand gyaku-uchi-uke, your left shoulder should be completely hidden from someone viewing you straight-on. Keep your stance rooted without drawing the front leg inward, twisting your torso as far inward as possible to hold strong gyaku-hanmi.
On count 6 (sukui-uke into soto-uke), execute a true scooping motion. Deliver the soto-uke from a nearly straight right arm, keeping your left fist pinned firmly to your hip in hiki-te.
Transition into natural shizentai for tate-shuto, showcasing clear kime using the seiryuto (ox-jaw) edge of the palm.
For the choku-zuki on the spot, show the correct starting trajectory for the following uchi-uke by touching the area of your hip joint with your fist's thumb.
For the tsukami grip, make a large, clockwise top-down circle, keeping your elbows down and inward while holding gyaku-hanmi.
On the first kiai (gedan yoko-kekomi/ kansetsu) lock both fists tightly against the chest at the right ni**le line. Aim the side kick to cut directly under your opponent's knee. Another possible target is a hip joint. Always practice the bunkai so you understand the intent behind every motion.
For shuto-uke, the open palm in hiki-te must sit flat and parallel to the floor at solar plexus level. Treat the non-blocking hand as an active weapon. Keep it firm and straight.
I'll continue in the next posts. In the meantime, let me know in the comments how this part went!
