Bassai Kata - Practicing
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'Thrust asunder', 'penetrating a fortress'. Also translates as 'remove an obstruction'. The
Karate Kata developed by Karate master Matsumura-Soken. Practised within the Shorin-ryu
schools of Okinawan Karate. Some styles practice two versions of this Kata, within their
syllabus, known as Bassai-dai and Bassai-sho. However, there is also a third lesser-known
version of Bassai, known as Passai-Guwa, which was passed down to a very select amount
of individuals by Motobu-Choki. Only two individuals are now known to teach this,
Shimabukuro-Zenpo and Miyahira-Katsuya. So in conclusion there are numerous versions of
the Kata Bassai, some having little differences from each other as they come from the similar
originating source. These variations include (as well as the differing terminologies) Bassai
(including Bassai-sho & Bassai-dai), Batsai, Ishimine-no-Passai, Passai (including Passai-sho& Passai-dai), Patsai, Matsumora-no-Passai, Oyadomari-no-Passai, Passai-Guwa, and
Tomari-no-Passai.
Batsu - pull out, remove, surpass, outdistance
Sai - close, shut, lock, cover, obstruct
Traditionally, Bassai translates as ‘to penetrate a fortress’, or ‘to storm a fortress’. From the
translation from these kanji, it seems to mean, ‘to remove an obstacle’. Possibly, the Kata
means ‘uprooted fortress’, as in a fortress that is uprooted and mobile like a phalanx, this
would be in the spirit of the Kata, as it incorporates quick motions but then roots for solid
attack and defence portions like a fortress. The oldest known version originated in the mid
1800's in Nishihara village on the east side of Shuri. The original kanji (and original meaning)
could easily have been lost over the last 150 years.
For further information please view the Bassai Instructional Video page.