Bassai Dai is an important kata to Shotokan Karate enthusiasts. It is generally taught to brown belts and black belts, and some groups use it as their examination kata for taking shodan.
Seen in many different lineages of Karate, Bassai is sometimes an enigma. It was groups who insist that the series of turning blocks are there for stopping people who wish to hit you with oi-zuki chudan that prompted John Burke sensei to write the book Fortress Storming about this kata's applications.
The complicated sets of joint locks and escapes are there to make a complete martial arts style in themselves - the Fortress Storming style. Rather than performing defences against roundhouse kicks and combinations that people don't really do, John Burke put together a book to show how the kata works with Pressure Point applications against real types of attack. The author's training with experts from all over the world culminated in him teaching seminars for diverse groups. Foreword contributors to the book include Patrick McCarthy 8th dan hanshi, Anthony Blades 6th dan renshi, and Russell Stutely 6th dan renshi.
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While no book or DVD can ever take the place of training, the following guides can act as useful reference material to the discerning student or teacher.
Fortress Storming is a 200 page book featuring background and historical information, a PP primer, and the common rules for self defence situations. Every move is shown to be useful, with no "preparatory positions" necessary.
You can download the book here or buy it now for £14.95 (approx $22) with no shipping charges if purchased through this site.
The Bassai Dai DVD, featuring an hour of no-frills tuition on the kata applications by John Burke sensei is also available. Taught at a "learning speed", the demonstrations help with the understanding of some of the moves from the kata.
Buy the DVD now for only £19.95 (approx $27) with no shipping charges
Oh - we've gone and put together a special offer! Book and DVD deal! Fortress Storming and Kata & Application volume 8 - Bassai Dai, together come in at £34.90. Buy today at £29.95 and get both sent to you together with no shipping charges.
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John Burke's Bunkai Resources
Karate Academy, Unit A2/A3, Bradley Mill, Bradley Lane, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 1LZ, United Kingdom
Our Vision is to offer the best products and services to our customers. To always exceed customer expectations resulting in customer delight. Our mission is to provide highest possible quality at the right price.
