Fudoshin Karate Club

Bassai Dai

Attributed to: Itosu (1830-1915) and Matsumura (1796-1889)

Bassai means 'To penetrate a fortress' signifying the internal battle for control of the self. The kata switches from defence to offence quickly and gracefully, and the emphasis is on hip movements.

The word Dai refers to 'large' or 'great' indicating the feeling, the length of the kata and the size of movement. Of the two Bassai Kata this is first and original version.

A mandatory kata for 2nd Kyu, 1st Kyu and Shodan, Nidan, Sandan and Yondan gradings.

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