The purpose of kata practise is not to solely develop better kata ability, rather it is to equip a student with principles for self-defence. Therefore, the evidence for whether a student has successfully developed the principles promoted in Bassai-dai don’t just depend on observing their Bassai-dai performance.
These principles (such as explosive speed, dynamic hip movements, maintaining solid stances etc) should also show up in their combinations and to some degree, in their kumite.
While the transference of these Bassai-dai principles might not be evident in a Blue belt’s training, one indication that a Red belt is becoming ready for their Brown belt is to see these principles show up throughout their training.
A potential hurdle many red belts encounter is having leant the kata Bassai-dai and developed a sound ability, rather than focusing on incorporating the principles into the rest of their karate (an exciting journey in itself), they instead seek mental stimulation by learning new (higher grade) kata.
While their body may be going through the same training their mind should have plenty of mental stimulation as they seek to unlock the many intricacies and meanings within the kata, and then endeavour to turn this knowledge in ability. A red belt’s journey should also remain exciting because they have the principles from Taigyoku shodan through Saifa to also implement into their kihon, combinations, self-defence training and kumite.
