Fighting Techniques in the Bubishi

The Bubishi is said to be the bible of Karate. Over the years many people have produced many copies of it which all include fighting methods, healing methods, finding vital points on the human body plus more. What’s interesting about the fighting techniques detailed in the book is how simple and effective they are. All the techniques described are defensive ones from common street attacks, including, grabs, swings, wild kicks, someone running at you and someone trying to wrestle you. The counter attacks are rarely more than one technique. This is because the writers of the Bubishi have found out that a real street fight will be quick and aggressive and may involve more than one attacker, so you will not have time for more than one counter attack. Because of this the techniques are aimed at vital points on the human body intended to do quick damage easily. Also the use of grappling should be pointed out. The grappling I refer to though is not ground fighting or clinch work but hair pulling, sweeping, catching legs and seizing testicles, Throws which don’t allow for successful break falling, neck cranking. All the “dirty” techniques that most modern day karate schools frown upon. But the main point that must be stressed is that all the techniques are counters. There are no attacking techniques in the Bubishi which shows a clear message that Karate is for defence only, and that these techniques should be used just for them situations. The Bubishi is a masterpiece, a very hard book to contemplate and must be read constantly to gain understanding of it but IT IS a vital read for all martial artists.

The Bubishi can be found and purchased at most webstores.