Many styles of karate practice Bassai Dai, it translates as "To storm or penetrate a fortress". Although there are many different versions of bassai (passai), there is no mistaking that all the versions as Bassai, come from the original Passai kata.
On Okinawa, two versions of Passai were practiced initially, then the many variations that we have today, were developed.
Many believe there were two slightly different versions of Passai/Bassai, that both came to Okinawa via China. Sokon Matsumrua brought one version from China and the other was shown to Okan Oyadomari, by a Chinese martial artist, who lived on Okinawa.
The one we are referring to here, is the shotokan Bassai Dai, which many believe came from the Okan Oyadomari lineage.
When a karateka moves from 4th kyu to 3rd kyu, Bassai dai is usually the first kata taught. Bassai Dai, especially in Shotokan Karate dojo, is the karate kata many karateka use for brown and black belt tests.
If someone asks the simplest way to sum up Bassai Dai, I say watch someone who knows what they are doing, do the first move. A very strong move, driving forward off the left leg, with a knee attack and strike.
This karate kata also has some fast double block combinations. After the first move, there is a pause, then a 180 degree turn, with a double uchi uke. Uchiuke with the left arm is first, with a right uchi uke following the left.
Bassai dai is a very strong karate kata, but it is also great for fast changes in direction. Sensei and Sempai will shout for more hip rotation! So here is an excellent exercise for developing strong hip rotation.
1.First there is a right chokuzuki immediatley after the slow left handed tate shuto (blade edge of the hand), instantly followed by a right inside forearm block. Keep the body and hips sill and square, as you bend the right punching arm in preparation for the uchi uke.
2. So right before the uchi uke, you should be standing in shizentai (natural stance), with the right arm bent accross the body to the left side of the chest. Now, as you block, pivot strongly, 90 degrees to the left, into a very small front stance. Many karateka find this sequence difficult, but if you persevere, the benefits from this combination are many.
There are karate moves in Bassai Dai, that are not seen in any other shotokan karate kata. The hooking blocks to the sides, in a long zenkutsu dachi, the three blocks or strikes in horse riding stance. The strange slow movement at the end of the kata in shuto uke kokutsudachi, where you look one way, but move another.
They say Bassai dai is a 'typical' shotokan kata, I agree, Bassai Dai is very shotokan!
Linden has been training and teaching karate for over 30 years and loves to share his knowledge and experiences from the karate dojo. Download a free bassai dai shotokan pdf and supplement your karate training with these free online videos, karate lessons for beginners.
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