Is Bunkai on the belt test?

[skribs]

Curious on one aspect of Karate training - is bunkai on the belt test?

If so, how is it tested?

If not, why not? Are the lessons learned tested in some other way?

 

[Hot Lunch]

Curious on one aspect of Karate training - is bunkai on the belt test?

If so, how is it tested?

If not, why not? Are the lessons learned tested in some other way?

For some schools, yes. It was at my last school, but bunkai was drilled on at least once a week there; so you weren't likely to walk into the test having forgotten anything.

 

[_Simon_]

Yes it is in our belt testing. From learning the first kata we are taught bunkai alongside, and in belt tests we are to ask our 'attacker' to do something specific to demonstrate how we can apply what's in the kata.

We do have set bunkai/applications as a standard and are graded on that, but are encouraged to explain alternatives and I always explain the principles contained within it that are at work.

Obviously the higher ranks you still have to demonstrate all bunkai from previous kata, but to a higher degree of understanding and proficiency, and more of them. Last grading was at least 5 applications per kata (I tended to go more haha).

Not all schools grade on or even do bunkai. Goju seems big on it. My last style it had zero focus, however in Dan gradings the examiner I've noticed ask to simply explain (not demonstrate) some (like maybe 2 or 3 total, and just for one kata) bunkai in kata, but that was it.

 

[skribs]

So there is a prescribed bunkai that you're supposed to demonstrate.

 

[_Simon_]

So there is a prescribed bunkai that you're supposed to demonstrate.

Yeah pretty much, certainly makes it easier to grade it objectively. But we are encouraged to show other possibilities, and in our general classes we explore what else could be occurring or how else to demonstrate the principles.