When each of us started practicing Karate, we learned our 1st Kata and work on it many hours. Then we learned another one, and so on. Eventually, after many years of practice, we have been taught quite a few Katas. You might then start noticing identical moves that repeat in many different katas. These are usually important teachings that are Karate significant, and they should definitely be studied separately in order to capitalizing on them from a self defense stand point.
Once you have found your Bunkai for some of these common moves, you will notice that some can be practiced on a heavy bag to gain power, while others need a partner, etc..
As an example, let’s take the “Morote uke” (double motion middle block).
Choki Motobu (Morote-Uke)
The simple Bunkai of this move as I understand it, is deflecting a chest shove, and simultaneously hitting with an "Ura Tsuki" (= Inverted punch). Punching to the floating ribs if you are on your opponent’s outside, or in the stomach if you are on the inside. This move is in countless katas from Pinans / Heians to more advanced Katas like “Aragaki Sochin”, etc... A very simple move, however, devastating from a self defense standpoint if you can do it with maximum power and perfect timing.
Practice it with a partner trying to shove you at solar plexus level, and focus on reflex / timing and speed. Then practice it on a heavy bag with the block/deflect in the air and the “Ura Tsuki” landing on the bag; focusing on developing full power on the punch, using your hips, and remaining stable.
You can find many “common moves” in the different Katas of any Karate style, and as you grow your Karate and learn more Katas, you can apply this dedicated practice to many Kata moves. It will help you further capitalize on some important Kata teachings, and boost your self defence.
Time to practice!
Toronto, Alpha - KarateBoost blog