Bassai Kata
To penetrate a fortress
Sho=Minor ,Dai=Major
There are two forms of the Bassai kata: Bassai Dai (Bassai Major) and Bassai Sho(Bassai Lesser) Bassai Dai was originally known as Passai Dai, but was generally known as Matumura-no-passai. The original kata was developed by Bushi Matsumura, and was one of the first katas taught to Anko Itosu. After years of practicing the kata, Itosu develpoed the Passai Sho form which is seldom performed today.
The most common interpritation of the word Bassai is"to storm a fortress", although another more descriptive interpretation is "to break through the enemies defences by shifting and finding the weak points". This description looks at the variety of techniques utilised in the kata . Although not a literal translation, this is ultimately the true meaning of the kata.