In our style (Hawaiian Kenpo) the Taikiokyu kata are taught first. The way we teach them, they are simple, straightforward kata. As with any kata, however, there is a great depth of meaning for each of the moves.
Move 1 - Stepping out
The first move in our T1 is to look to the left and step out with the right foot. You then pivot and execute a left downward block. Immediately you step forward to a right forward stance and execute a punch to the midsection.
I typically hear this series explained as a downward block of a kick followed by step in and punch. A more effective (I won't say the "proper" bunkai because I am sure there are other equally valid bunkai) bunkai would be this:
The look to the left signifies that your body is oriented with your left side to your attacker. The step is a dodge, you are stepping off the line of your attacker's movement (in this case I'm assuming the attacker is stepping in with his right leg and performing a right punch). As you pivot into your left forward stance, let your knee impact the attacker's right knee so that his stance is opened up. As your pivot finishes and just as you settle into the left forward stance, fire a left hammer fist into the attacker's groin (this is typically described as a downward block). From here rotate your left hand around to hook under the attacker's right thigh. As you step in to punch, pull your left hand back and upset the attacker's balence just as the right punch is coming out. This should encourage the attacker to put his hands out to catch his fall just as your right mid punch lands.
I hope you have found this helpful and/or informative. I will post additional bunkai (to this kata and others) as I'm able (and as I discover them).
Thanks.
Tags: Bunkai Kata Forms
