Source 1: "Katas of Shorin ryu Seibukan" by Kim
Mitrunen & Tommi Prami
Passai
is an age-old form, and one of the oldest versions of this kata is
Seibukan’s Oyadomari Passai. Passai is often explained as a low light
or night fighting kata, because of it’s many sagurite (searching hand)
techniques. The name of the kata means to “break through the
fortress.” It might have received the name from the beginning movement
where the defender throws a strong forward movement combined with an
augmented chudan-uke, meant to unbalance of attacker. After this
powerful start, the kata changes characteristics by making fast blocks
and strikes with open hands to vulnerable points of human body. There
are many angular movement changes, all quickly executed and in varying
degrees. In the last part of the kata there is combination technique
where the attack is avoided by ducking the opponents attacking arm,
while simultaneously blocking the opponents other arm and striking a key
point in the stomach region. By bending the body one can add extra power
to the strike. This technique has disappeared in many of the modern
karate style’s version of Passai.
Source 2:
The name pasai means "To Breach or Break Through".
The versions practiced most in Shuri-te styles are the Matsumura
versions. Contrary to popular belief, Bushi Matsumura created both of
these, probably from pre-existing kata he got from Yara and Sakugawa.
There are other versions out there that are not Matsumura. The Matsumura
Seito versions come the closest to Matsumura's originals than any
others.
Source 3:
Pasai
has long been cherished by karateka from both Shuri and Tomari, and was
said to be the favorite kata of Chotoku Kyan. The composer of this kata
is unknown. Indeed, the Shuri-te and Tomari-te versions of this form are
discernably similar, but which version pre-dates the other is uncertain.
There are several versions of this form: Matsumura-passai,
Oyadomari-Passai, and Matsumura-Passai and it has been suggested the his
personal version reflects elements of all three.
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