One of these moves was the so-called “augmented block” in Pinan Shodan. For the purposes of style and of kata, and yes, to keep the real nature of the move secret or hidden, the moves are modified and often called something else.
The real Bunkai, or the real move was revealed to us today. Now I am beginning to see the real purpose behind kata. Very interesting stuff. Anyone can learn the true Bunkai, or the true purpose behind kata by joining a class and being taught by real instructors, real SENSEI. It is not my place, desire, or purpose to explain this here in these posts mostly out of respect for my style and instructors, but also because I cannot teach, not having learned myself. Anything I might venture to teach people would endanger those people anyway since improper technique is worse than no technique at all. And I would not venture to teach anyone either. All I can do is refer interested people to a proper dojo for that.
So why am I, an old guy at 55 this May 27th taking karate at this late date? Believe it or not, it is not so that I can kick someone’s ass. Maybe that might have been the reason if I were 20 years old. But not today. I am taking it for the mind/body connection in terms of physical fitness and mental health. I shouldn’t have to explain that. Only someone who is physically active, or striving to learn new things can possibly know what I mean. Timothy Noakes in “The Lore of Running” touches on this when he explains about nerve and muscle fiber recruitment. It is literally, as I have written in the past, all about being able to walk, talk, rub your belly and pat your head, and chew gum at the same time.
Our style undergoes many refinements and minor technique changes from time to time and we must maintain the exact same kata forms as Japan. One thing we learned today is that there is not just a Zenkutsu Dachi (forward facing stance) as we have been using and practicing in all our katas and techniques. Suddenly there is a low deep stance Zenkutsu Dachi for blocking and a shorter variation for punching. Now we suddenly have to use both in all our katas and in everything we do. I say suddenly because it is suddenly to me, not to those who have been karateka for years.
Truly it is as the Sensei says: You don’t really begin to learn karate until the black belt levels. I’ve a few years to go before I can begin to learn.