Master Isao Obata Karate Kumite/Bunkai: Master Funakoshi’s Self-defence - The Principle of Irimi

Perhaps not talked of enough is Master Isao Obata, who became and remained one of Master Gichin Funakoshi’s most senior students for the entire period from when Master Funakoshi began teaching Okinawan karate-kenpo in mainland-Japan, to Master Funakoshi’s passing. Apparently this footage was shot in 1946, which is possible despite the martial arts ban in Japan, as karate was successfully defended to result in its instruction being continued over those few years. The original uploader of this footage is referenced in embedded text on the film, somewhat unfortunately for this further-edited version. The purpose of uploading only the footage of Master Obata is to highlight him as a leading figure of Master Gichin Funakoshi’s ’original’ and ’correct’ karate teachings, evidently presented by Obata as being focused on the concept of irimi (entering) and on effective techniques with freedom of movement, while stances are shown, even by the tall Obata, to be higher than the “Japanese“ sort that is recognised as ha