Written by Guss Wilkinson 2000
In my opinion, bunkai is by far the most important element in martial arts training and should be what takes up the majority of any training. The techniques that are contained within the kata should be trained either in pairs or individually until they are a brainwashed part of an exponents coordination.
Having said that, it us up to the individual to decide what bunkai are to be included in his/her own personal set. Don't let anybody tell you that "..this is the true application to this move in this kata.." and certainly don't let anybody tell you that you are wrong - nothing that works for you can be wrong!
There is nothing intrinsically magical about the "original" moves that allow them to work for all people in all situations. All techniques will have to be fine tuned to an individual's body size, flexibility, weight and strength - some will have to be scrapped and totally reworked if that particular technique shows itself to be impossible for that individual.
See also my thoughts on kata.
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