Nai Han Chi, Nai Fuan Chin, Tekki, Neh Bo Jin, etc.
When we look at a Kata, we tend to observe and accentuate the obvious action of that move. However in the true spirit of yin and yang, we must as serious Martial Artists look at every detail of the action as they reveal more to the practitioner. Not only does this practice give you more insight, it gives you far more possibilities, capabilities and therefore skill.
As an example for his article we look at Kata Nai Han Chi, one of the more prominent, practiced and profound Katas in many styles and countries. Although there are variations of this Kata in the different styles, there is still a base that is the same. This Kata has mostly rotating fists throughout, with few open hand moves, so practitioners tend to concentrate on the fist and knuckles for striking.
But not many people think of the fist as it closes, catches or grabs... the action of making each fist is in itself an action and should be investigated and practiced as such to open far more possibilities to the Kata. But this is not the most hidden of the actions, nor the most powerful.
Throughout the Kata as the fists are seemingly delivered at varying heights, positions, rotations and angles, most neglect the elbow that is acting in unison. This is a far more powerful weapon in the Nai Han Chi and is utilized for closer range fighting than is the fist. If the practitioner would concentrate only on the elbows during practice of the Kata, a whole new world and set of skills would emerge.
These could range from arm trapping or destruction, counters for kicks, knees or even waist or leg tackles. On the ground they also provide infinite possibilities for your use and protection.
On way to learn them is to of course target Kyusho targets and practice thinking mostly of the delivery each action is making and what target could it access. These can range over the entire body depending on your and your opponents position. If you use the retracting fist as a grabbing and or pulling action into the other elbow, you have given yourself years of new Bunkai.
For more in depth ideas and Kyusho applications, you can refer to many of my video especially the Grappling and Compressions, but then go back through the first 10 as all of them were derived from Kata Nai Han Chi. (Platinum Subscription to Access all 87 videos.. so far)
Always look at all the details of each action, not just the more obvious or instructed actions, you are your best teacher so add to what is taught you on your own. That is what Old Karate was, an individual exploration... and why so many styles emerged from this bedrock Kata.
#Kyusho -ep
