The fourth volume of this kata series expands and amplifies the broad spectrum of Bunkai – the analysis and comprehension of a technique or kata – the karate style Shotokan. The main theme of this book is the master kata. The applications presented here, strictly adhering to the kata sequences, offer the reader the possibility to attain exact and comprehensive interpretations of the complex higher-level kata. The book, on a didactic basis, supports the reader by providing tips for tactics, principles and additional applications. - At-a-glance overview of all kata - Supplementary explanations of difficult sections of kata - Explanations of Japanese terms through graphics - Additional detail drawings for difficult applications - Concise drawings with all details From the contents: "... In the Shotokan kata, the style-typical techniques are repeated from the first to the last kata, again and again. This is the right way to do it since, as we all know, one cannot practice enough if one wishes to master a technique completely. For this reason there are many techniques in this book that have already been presented in the third volume, in different interpretations. But now those at higher levels are addressed, and one can and must require more. This is why some applications will differ from the kata techniques somewhat more than before. The advantage is that additional applications are presented. The dan holder, having experience in karate, will have no problem implementing the complex Bunkai techniques or expanding them with his own perceptions. ..."

Bunkai – the analysis and understanding of a technique or kata - is an integral part of karate. The different kata applications shown in this book are possible defense solutions, which will supplement or partially reinforce the existing knowledge of the reader. However, they are not the only way to interpret the kata. The karateka, who wishes to gain more knowledge, will enrich his existing knowledge on the topic of Bunkai. - At-a-glance overview of all kata - Supplementary explanations of difficult sections of kata - Explanations of Japanese terms through graphics - Additional detail drawings for difficult applications - Concise drawings with all details From the contents: "... The evolution of Karate from martial arts to a legitimate sports discipline has led to its worldwide practice and acceptance. At the same time, karate has been made somewhat "safer" by this development. The classic discipline which, to an extent, served as a survival technique, has now adapted to the new generations and their communities. However, much of the original information of classical karate was preserved in the kata. The discussion of their various applications gives us the opportunity to gain insights that will enrich our karate-dô. ..."

This book - like the first of the series - shall be a support for those who want to look up the details or even the entire sequence of a kata. The topic of this book are those kata you learn as advanced karateka, after having learned the kata up to black belt level. - Illustrated presentations of all techniques from three different perspectives - Clear and detailed graphics - At-a-glance overview of all kata - Supplementary explanations of difficult sections of kata - Explanations of Japanese terms through graphics Content: Tekki nidan, Tekki sandan, Bassai shô, Kankû shô, Jitte, Gankaku, Chinte, Ji'in, Nijû shi ho, Sôchin, Wankan, Meikyô, Gojû shi ho dai, Gojû shi ho shô, Unsu.

‘Bunkai-Jutsu’ is the analysis of the karate katas and their application in real combat. It is also the title of this pioneering book by Iain Abernethy. The fighting applications of the karate katas (forms) is one of the most fascinating – and sadly misunderstood – aspects of karate practice. Bunkai-Jutsu provides the reader with the information they need to unlock the ‘secrets’ of kata and to begin practising karate as the complete and realistic combat art that it was intended to be! This groundbreaking and often controversial book provides a detailed analysis of the combative concepts and principles upon which the katas are based. 'Bunkai-Jutsu' is essential reading for all those who want to understand the real meaning of kata.

A Kata is fighting, self-defence, precision and dynamic force all in one. It represents a fascinating multitude of logical, sequential techniques, with which the Karateka can demonstrate what he can do regarding his body control, powers of persuasion, perfection and fighting spirit. The repertoire of Shotokan Karate contains 26 Kata in all. The Master Kata described in this work belong to the advanced part of the repertoire and carry on from the 17 basic and advanced Kata introduced in Volume 1. This then completes the list of all the Shotokan Karate Kata. There are 9 Kata with Bunkai in this book: Sochin, Meikyo, Chinte, KankuSho, Wankan, Ji'in, Jitte, Gankaku, Unsu. There are approximately 600 photographs and detailed descriptions, which allow a deeper understanding of the Kata and their application. Armed with this information, it should be easy now for the Karateka to be able to improve himself in his routine training, grading tests and competition.

Who has not been through this? You learn a kata, you practice it a few times, and then put it aside. And so it often happens that, in the middle of performing the kata, the karateka is not sure of the sequence and no longer knows how to continue the kata. ”If only I could find some place to look it up,” he thinks, ”I’d soon master the whole sequence.” This book is meant to be that desired reference book. - Illustrated presentations of all techniques from three different perspectives - Clear and detailed graphics - At-a-glance overview of all kata - Supplementary explanations of difficult sections of kata - Explanations of Japanese terms through graphics Content: Taikyoku shodan, Heian shodan, Heian nidan, Heian sandan, Heian yondan, Heian godan, Tekki shodan, Bassai dai, Jion, Kankû dai, Empi, Hangetsu.