This shotokan kata, as can be seen from the name, is a very strong karate kata. This kata is an essential part of the shotokan karateka’s early development. In many shotokan karate associations, Bassai dai is the first intermediate kata to be taught. Basai dai usually comes after the 5 Heian kata and Tekki Shodan have been practiced thoroughly and a certain level of expertise has been reached. Normally, brown belt (3rd Kyu) level, is the first time Basai dai is practiced thoroughly. Between shotokan groups there are many, small technical differences in all the kata, but whichever shotokan association you belong to, 95% of the kata is the same and the basic fundamentals apply to all shotokan kata.

To read the rest of this article, sign up for FREE membership now!CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP NOW!FREE members have instant access to hundreds of exclusive shotokan articles and videos.