Studying the principles and tactics of kata

With regards to the principles of Goju, there are a lot of different elements which are all linked, and this is what makes Goju unique. 

Ideas such as circular motion, blending, unbalancing, drawing in, sticking, getting off line, moving to the outside of the opponent (ideally), tracking back, closest limb meets the attack – and all these things are just on the topic of blocking! 

Most Goju these days seems to be lacking in many of these elements, and the karate is becoming too linear, too impact based, and too much Go not enough Ju.  This is most easily seen in how people practice sandan gi and kakie.

For me, when thinking about the tactics of Goju, when I practice the kata I’m asking myself ‘what is this movement trying to show me?’.  I’ll then break it down part by part.  In the case of the first movement of saifa, where there’s a defence against a single wrist grab, my thinking will be; drop your weight to unbalance opponent (kazushi), move off line away from opponents free hand, move in to your own hand (pulling your hand to meet your body relies on physical strength, no good for little guys), disengage grip and secure opponents hand to prevent escape, controlling the maai, pull and strike.  Remain side on to opponent to present less of a target.

I’ll also look at why certain stances are used, in this case shiko dachi is obviously more stable for pulling an opponent, but it’s also great for unbalancing by attacking the opponents legs with your structure. 

The next progression will be how to make the bunkai even more effective by using distraction strikes such as striking, slapping, biting, spitting etc whilst you’re transitioning to keep the opponent guessing and maintain the initiative.

The kata when analysed in this manner provide a detailed step by step manual to self defence.