The heiho, the strategy, of all Okinawan kata is the same but, sentou, the tactics of each kata are different .The study of the unique tactics in each kata is very important for the understanding of the kata applications.
Passai kata has three unique tactical elements that develop the ability to not only move the target and the weapon but creates specific results.
Suirakan No Kamae – The drunken posture utilizes the uchi otoshi uke to open the neck as a target.
Sagurarite No Kamae – The searching hand develops the ability to grab, seize and hold the attacker while counter attacking the eyes.
Tenshin No Kamae – The dodging kamae encourages the attacker to make the secondary movement to continue an attack which allows a counter.
Suirakan No Kamae
The drunken posture with the hands raised above the head give the appearance being unable to defend yourself. The posture should bring the attack to the middle of the body where the dropping block will press the arm down and move the attackers head forward. The neck becomes an available target for the spear hand. The neck is one of the nuchi dokuro, life and death places that will bring a quick finish to an attacker.
Sagurarite No Kamae
The searching hand while often thought of only in the context of searching in the dark is designed to allow you to search, touch or feel with sensitivity the attacking weapon. The circular motion of the searching hand allows you to react to the reaction of the attacker. Grabbing, seizing and holding are easily applied when properly utilized.
Tenshin No Kamae
The dodging or body turning kamae is used at the opening of the kata to dodge an attack. Moving the target out of the way of a forceful attack stops the continuous movement of the attacker and allows the defender to prepare for a second attack. Once you have dodged out of the way the subsequent kamae assumed will depend on the attacker’s distance.