Colin dragged his group into Bassai Dai for four relentless years with no breaks, no distractions. Just one kata, over and over. Then he wrote a book about it. Through COVID. While the world was baking sourdough, he dissected angles, counters, and takedowns. Now he’s just spent twelve months in 19th-century Ryūkyū, researching a kingdom on the brink and the martial system that refused to die with it. If you’re not the type who reads martial arts books, good. This one wasn’t written for the usual crowd.
Breaking Through Book
Bassai Dai Bunkai and Martial Arts Book Clip
Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata is the culmination of a four-year kata obsession—one form, studied to exhaustion, until it gave up its secrets. This isn’t a book about choreography. It’s about what happens when you strip tradition down to its bones and ask: How does this actually work?
Inside, you’ll find:
- 12 combative lessons, with their applications broken down with step-by-step clarity
- 200+ annotated photographs showing traps, angles, takedowns, and transitions
- A blend of hard-style efficiency and soft-style adaptability
- Tactical insights that challenge assumptions baked into modern training
When instructors and students link the martial arts applications from Breaking Through to how I and my Black Belts got there and how it addresses dynamic situations, you will be able to fill in the gaps often created by modern hard-style training.
This book isn’t Karate-centric. It’s kata-centric. And that irony wasn’t lost on martial arts historian Ørjan Nilsen, who calls it “the best Bassai book ever written” and recommends it to his Taekwondo students.
Whether you’re refining your own practice or guiding students through the logic of application, Breaking Through equips you to bridge tradition and build real-world combat readiness.
'Breaking Through' Wins 2023 Best Indie Book Award (Non-fiction: Martial Arts)
Awards and Recognition
Winner – 2023 Best Indie Book Awards (Non-fiction Martial Arts)
Finalist – 2023 International Book Awards (Sports Category)
Book Details
Title: Breaking Through: The Secrets of Bassai Dai Kata
Author: Colin Wee
Publisher: Moosul Publishing, LLC., 2023 Website
ISBN: 0996264051, 9780996264051
Length: 160 pages
Originally published: 23 March 2023
Buy the book: purchase link
Join the Conversation
Have a question about the book? Want to explore how these martial arts applications fit into your system?
- Leave a Review on Amazon
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What other martial artists say
“Breaking Through … is jammed-packed with essential tactical applications, biomechanical principles, and self-study probing questions …”
Chris Hanson
Karate Unity
“Wee takes the traditional practice of patterns found in the striking arts … and repurposes them … as intrinsic components in the study of combat. “
GM Mike Swope
World Chun Kuhn Taekwondo Federation
“In a world where so many rush to criticize and divide, Master Wee stands tall as a leader who seeks to celebrate and connect. “
Sensei Ando
Happy Life Martial Arts
Acknowledgements
Stuart Anslow
You’ve supported Breaking Through so generously through Totally Taekwondo. Thank you, Stu.
Christpher Beckman
Thanks to you, I have a newfound appreciation for the humble anchovy! And thanks to your generosity of time, I’ve now improved how my manuscript unfolds.
Jack Berry
I’m glad you enjoy my martial arts. Thank you for your support through Taekwondo Times and MAM.
GM Kelly Cox
I really value your practice, scholarship, and your friendship. Thank you for your mentorship! It means the world to me.
David Gordon
Your energy is amazing. Thank you for supporting me through tough times!
GM Anthony Hockley
You are a good man, brother.
Peter James
You gave me clarity on that first manuscript. I’m glad our friendship is good enough for you not to need to hold back!
Will Just
No one, aside from me, has read this manuscript more times than you. Thank you for your unquestioning loyalty.
Joshua Lay
I wouldn’t have made it this far without you, Josh. Thank you for being a part of the journey!
Emmeline Lee
You, your energy, and your determination are inspiring! You make life worth living for!
David Moore
Your faith in me is truly heartwarming, brother.
Andrew Netes
Thank you for being so open-hearted and supportive!
Ørjan Nilsen
Please check out Traditional Taekwondo Ramblings.
Michael Proctor
Bryan Robbins RIP
I can’t thank you enough, Mr Robbins. I hope to make you proud.
Mike Swope RIP
You were so supportive and nurturing. I was blessed to have worked with you on the first book.
Betty Wee
Your excitement for this project is heartwarming, mum.
Beth Wee
You are an absolutely joy. Your pursuits and your interests energize me!
Will Wee
Your understanding of my journey and your support of my growth makes me so happy!
Steve Weston
Thank you for your faith and trust, but more so, your friendship and constant support.
GM Tim White
Thank you for the mentorship you provided into my senior ranks.
GM Peter Wong
You’ve been so supportive! I still can’t believe how you organized that grading.
GM Keith Yates
I am ever grateful to you and AKATO for my development. Beyond that, the support and the professional advice have helped me in ways I never expected. Thank you, Mr. Yates.