Turn your disadvantage into an advantage

     The Kata Bassai is believed to have been created by Master Sokon"Bushi" Matsumura. kJust as in any Kata, we do not know the purpose and the application that was intended by its creator. But with bits and pieces of information gathered by such authors like Dr. Bruce Clayton; his theory about the Shotokan fighting system, Master Funakoshi himself and from our knowledge of Karate history both from digital source and oral traditions, they have provided hints on the "probable" purpose and application of the Kata. We can use these information to help us come up with our own expression and practical interpretation of the Kata. The original name of the Bassai Kata is Passai. Master Gichin Funakoshi changed the name into Bassai which is the Chinese pronunciation because it would be pronounced Batsu-Sai in Japanese. The Kanji character for Batsu means “to extract” and Sai means to “to block”.  In Bruce Clayton’s book "Shotokan's Secret: The Hidden Truth Behind Karate's Fighting Origins" he theorizes that in military strategy this could mean to extract the principal away from danger or become a blocking force preventing capture of the principal; with this theory Bassai would be similar to Tekki Kata which can be used as a strategy for body guarding or third-party defense, by defending and extracting the person of importance away from harm. 

Third-party defense, VIP protection

            Master Gichin Funakoshi used the title “To penetrate a fortress”. He opted to use the Chinese pronunciation, where in “Ba” means “to seize” or capture and Sai meaning “a place of strategic importance” or fort. He also said that in the Kata, the shifting of the blocks represent the feeling of turning the disadvantageous to advantageous and that the Kata implies the will of breaking through the enemy’s fortress. Dr. Clayton in his book interprets this teaching as penetrating through a violent crowd or mob. Being at a disadvantage facing multiple attackers, you use weakened opponents as cover or shield just as in Tekki Kata and therefore the mob becomes your tactical advantage. In a one on one fight with a formidable opponent, you must first break his will to fight not just through strong or superior technique but by gaining tactical advantage and having the stronger will or spirit. 

The military or police would conduct raids to enemy strong holds with speed and shock elements. They would breach fast, shouting loudly, employ flash bangs, smoke and fragmentation grenades. Their tactical maneuvers can turn their disadvantage into an advantage, like if they are up against a larger force or if the fight is in confined spaces (Close quarter battle). They would attack the enemy hideout hard and fast with overwhelming force. Such is the essence of Bassai. 

Raiding a stronghold is fast and with
 overwhelming force.

Turning the disadvantage to an advantage is to have the mind develop “Tactical awareness”. In self defense we must educate ourselves of the different tactics or modus of criminals so as to avoid being a victim. Counter criminal tactics and be a hard target. Know where we should sit or position ourselves so that it is safer, what are possible weapons within your surroundings, who are your connections in case you’ll need help, where do you run to when you escape (exit points), where can you hide (cover and concealment). This is the mind of Bassai.

These principles of combat in Bassai can be applied to one’s daily activities. Be creative and turn a disadvantage to an advantage, turn your weaknesses into strengths. If you make mistakes or fail, make it an opportunity to learn; use your failure to become better and stronger. If you had a bad or painful experience, heal your wounded heart and use your scars to help and to heal others. Acknowledge your weaknesses so you can focus on your strengths. Employ your will to overcome difficult tasks or challenges with the same spirit as a warrior breaking through a fortress. Seize or capture opportunities that would eventually lead to the accomplishment of your goals. In our business dealings we must have tactical awareness such that we would not be fooled or taken advantage of. 

       Control the pace of your activities, finish your work early if not on time and surprise them, deliver shock and awe; always make an impact. The high ground is an advantageous position. Always do your best and aim for that high position in your organization.

             Master Funakoshi says that the

             combination of blocks conveys 

        the feeling of turning the disadvantage 

        to an advantage.

Practically it will be harder for people to mess with you when you are in a high position but more importantly being in a high position means you have more responsibilities, more resources and power to help others, to do more for your community or organization, to empower your people and to serve. The high ground is not about pride but of humility and benevolence. Strive to have a strong mind and spirit that overcomes the fortress in your life.

   

He is our advantage.