For the purpose of this article, I might sometimes use "The kata"/ "Naifanchi" to refer to all 3 Naifanchi katas as a whole, whether Naifanchi, Naihanchi, or Tekki..
Naifanchi is a kata that can be found in many Karate styles, sometimes with minor differences, however, i do believe the Bunkai and idea is universal across styles.
In order to fully understand it, Naifanchi katas are undoubtedly to be studied as a whole, as a single teaching.
As for all other karate Katas, the main sequence (Found in all 3 Naifanchi) gives us the theme behind this very unique Kata. As I understand it, Naifanchi is all about grappling, joint locking, controlling your opponent with one hand so you can hit him many different ways with the other. Finally, projecting him.
Modern "squared" obsessed Karate, as well as "punch/kick only" misconception of Karate, has put many people in the wrong direction when it comes to the Bunkai of this Kata. Adding to this is the "myth" of defending with a wall in your back. I believe the truth for this kata is simply fighting in front of you, and projecting on the sides (Unlike most Kata that fight in multiple directions). Again, studying older Karate is the key to understanding any Kata's main idea. In the case of Naifanchi, key elements done differently back then, reveal the real intent of the Kata. One key element is the rotation of both the body and stances on the right and left, vs nowadays Naifanchi keeping the stances facing the front, and only rotating the torso.
The main sequence of Naifanchi is simply "yoko uke/ Uchi uke"(=Inside middle block),
followed by "Kura Tora" (Simultaneous"yoko uke/ Uchi uke" and "Harai uke/ Gedan barai" = Double block), then followed by "Ura Tsuki" (= Inverted punch) or Uraken Otoshi [Downward reverse fist] in some styles. Your other fist is placed under the elbow of the striking arm.
All 3 katas have this core sequence with a slightly different teaching/perspective, before, or/and after that same sequence. Fully understanding this sequence is really helping to understand the whole kata Bunkai.
As I understand it, this main sequence starts with evading a one handed chest shove from the inside.
Moving slightly sideways to get off the line of attack while blocking with "yoko uke/ Uchi uke" on the inside of your opponent.
Then immediately apply the "Kura Tora" to your opponent's arm (This must be done extremely quickly in order to turn your opponent and put yourself out of reach from his other arm/punch).
Continuing in a single fast motion, twist his arm further and grapple his shoulder (or clothes at shoulder blade level).
Use the elbow joint lock to bring your opponent lower, and do "Ura Tsuki" to the face (Uraken Otoshi to the neck if your style does Uraken), while still keeping the control with your other hand.
At this point, you have your opponent under control using only a single arm, and you can use the other arm to hit your opponent in many different ways reflected in the Kata .
Through the practice of this Bunkai, it becomes very obvious why "Ura Tsuki" is the perfect choice to hit your opponent's head while you are forcing him to go lower with your other arm that has your opponent’s arm twisted towards his back.
Once you have practiced and understood this sequence, you can better go through all 3 katas and find out their entire Bunkai!
Happy practice!
Toronto, Alpha - KarateBoost blog
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