Advance

Advance Kata

(Bassai Dai)

Bassai Dai, translated to mean ‘To Storm A Fortress’ is an extremely strong kata, and is a very popular kata for competition. Reason being that it is flashy enough to interest spectators, but powerful enough to feel good to perform.This kata, also called Passai in other styles, is an advancement from the Heian Series. The concept of this kata is to develop power intense and destructive enough to storm a fortress, and the opening technique has been interpreted by many as the breaking down of the fortress doors, signifying the fantastic levels of power produced by the karateka.

Despite such impressive displays of power, this kata is commonly regarded as a Shorin-ryu kata, since it employs many fast and sharp techniques, with particular attention being paid to the precision of the techniques.

This kata introduces many new techniques including the opening attack, which represents the attack to the fortress or castle’s doors. It also introduces yama-tsuki or mountain or U punch. One element that makes this kata particularly complex is the movement and shifting of the feet. At one point, while performing shuto-uke, you step forward, but immediately retreat. Here, the kata has taken a relatively simple technique found in most of the Heian katas, but placed it in a scenario where it is harder to perform. Therefore, this factor, along with many others, means that this kata is valuable in the transition from a beginner to intermediate. For this reason, the kata is studied at brown belt, for it has many lessons to teach the developing karateka.

(Bassai Sho)

There are many different versions of the Bassai Kata in the various styles of karate, but historical evidence found by many historians have come to the conclusion that Bassai Sho can be credited to Master Itosu.

Bassai Dai can be described as ‘To storm a fortress’, whereas Bassai Sho can be described as ‘to storm a fortress and capture the enemy', with the former being the break into the castle, and the latter being the escape. When you apply these mental attitudes to the Kata, performance is both intense and emotionally charged.

Seemingly lighter than Dai, this kata uses less brute force, and more dynamic movements in order to generate power. The only contradiction being at the kiai points in both kata, where in Dai, you lightly support the right hand, whereas in Sho you forcefully hold the arm that grabs at the hair, wrist, or lapel of the gi.

One element of this kata that is particularly useful is the defence against a stick attack, with the applications being of great interest.

Although this kata does not look as powerful as Dai in appearances, you may find that there is a dangerous calm to this kata, with techniques such as the end movements being particularly dangerous, although visually they appear very graceful and beautiful.

Jion

As mentioned in Kanku Dai, under the WKF rules is one of the compulsory kata in competition, usually being performed in either the first or second round. This kata is popular both for its fundamental significance and because of its symbolic implication, with the Yoi position being a profound symbolic gesture.

The origin of this kata is a topic of much debate. One theory of its origin describes its development in a Chinese Buddhist Temple called ‘Jion’, with the kata taking its name from the temple. Others believe it could very well have been developed by someone deeply connected with the temple Jion. These are just two theories of many, but this kata today, both for its philosophical and fundamental reasons, is a very important kata in the syllabus, and one of only two that have kept the same name since its origin.

Although the techniques are fairly basic and simple, and only taking approximately one minute to perform, this is a kata favoured by many instructors, for it teaches the student so much, which is evident since it is also practiced in Wado-ryu.

As already mentioned, this kata is central to many controversial arguments. One such argument concerns the origins of the kata. Another argument has also arisen over the actual performance of the kata. Many rules, for example under the WKF, have introduced a ‘Standard’ way of performing the kata, which in itself has caused a great deal of discussion. Many claim that such standardisation removes the personality of the performer from the kata. Nevertheless, there are several ways of performing this kata, and all of value. This kata should be performed calmly, but with a deep fighting spirit and attitude, making it an explosively powerful kata.

Jitte

This kata shares the same Yoi position as Jion, and contains many similar characteristics. One such characteristic is the rhythm and timing of the three teishos in the kiba-dachi position. The timing here demands much control of the legs in order to quickly achieve effective, solid stances.This kata, also described by many as Jutte, can be translated to mean ‘Ten hands’. It is commonly believed that mastery of this kata may result is the karateka having the power of ten men. Others believe the number ten is a reference to the number of attackers.

Jitte is a Shorin-ryu, Tomari-te kata, and is specifically useful in the study of defence against weaponry, and involves elements of the old Gyaku-te waza grappling techniques. Depending on application, the kata teaches you to defend against a variety of stick attacks, and instils an attitude of fearlessness in the face of extreme danger.

Empi

This again is a very popular kata for competition, and because of the lightning speed performance of many of the techniques, it is both very dynamic and extremely beautiful to watch. The kata ‘Enpi’, or ‘Empi’ as many associations call it can be translated to mean ‘Flight of the swallow’, and when you watch an effective performance of this you will see why.Anyone who has ever watched Asai sensei or Yahara Sensei perform this kata will fully appreciate the value of this kata. The swallow flutters up and down in defence against its predator to make capture as difficult as possible, and like this defence mechanism employed by the bird, this kata acts out the same kind of movements, raising with the knee, and then dropping to kosa-dachi.

Power in this kata is not quite as obvious as a kata such as Sochin, which uses deep-rooted stances. Instead, this kata creates power through movement, making this kata quite deceptive.

This kata was formally known as Hanshu, although the kata we practice today has been greatly modified by Master Itosu. Master Funakoshi however gave this kata it's name while trying to make this okinawan art accessible to the Japanese audience.

This kata introduces age-tsuki, while also using a huge, highly athletic jump. This kata requires lightness on the feet, and through training in this kata, you will learn to move quickly and generate power through momentum and movement.

Hangetsu

Hangetsu (Half Moon), formally known as Seishan, is one of the less popular kata amongst the younger student of Shotokan. Many very senior karateka have commented however that they gained an appreciation for the kata with age and experience.The one characteristic of this kata that makes it so important in the Shotokan syllabus is the attention to the breathing. Different associations use breathing in this kata differently, but all place emphasis on the deep inhalation and exhalation, particularly on the opening sequences of uchi-uke -gyaku tsuki.

When applicated, the techniques for this kata are perfect for close-quarter defence and close-quarter counter-attacks, with the feet movements representing the desire to fight from a close-proximity, with the intent of pressurising, unbalancing and thus weakening the opponent.

Other styles practice their own version of Hangetsu, and many do not consider this kata as a representative kata of the Shotokan Style. Many view Shotokan as a style characterised by the long deep stances for stability and power. This kata mostly uses hangetsu-dachi and also uses neko ashi-dachi, which although powerful and rooted are not quite as long and low in the hips. However, such opinions do not negate the value of practicing Hangetsu.

Kanku Dai

Kanku Dai is one of the most important kata in the Shotokan Syllabus. This is, despite being an advanced kata, quite basic, but is a very long kata. Under the WKF rules, this is one of the Shitei kata alongside Jion, and is fundamentally both challenging and enjoyable to perform.This kata is famous for being Master Funakoshi’s favourite kata, and was often used in his demonstrations that he performed in his mission in popularising karate in Japan. He stated that this kata contained all of the art’s essential elements.

The kata Kushanku was first introduced by a Chinese kendo expert to the small island of Okinawa, one of the Ryukyu Islands, passing the kata onto an expert Tode Sakugawa of the Shuri-te style, and it from here originated the Kanku-Dai we practice today. Also known as Kwanku, this kata is translated to mean ‘To Look To The Sky’, with the opening sequence being of symbolic significance, and representing the attitude of the kata. In the book Dynamic Karate M. Nakayama practices this opening sequence on a cliff edge, with the sun cast over his body. Below, it is noted that the kata represents the modesty in karate.

This can be taken to mean that we should place our karate in the context of the world, and to look to the sky we see how small we are in relation to the rest of the world. This is very humbling, and in many ways breeds the idea that you are forever a student, not just of karate, but of the world.

Many psychologists have analysed the opening sequence of the hands rising, with the head following the small triangular shape created by the position of the hands. It has been implied by many that the significance of the focusing of your attention through this shape enables you to block out the clutter and distractions of the world, and see the world, yourself and your karate for what it really is.

The opening sequence of this kata has long been studied by all who love it, and along with the karate instructors, psychologists and Martial Art historians, many ides have been projected on the significance of this sequence. Debate aside, it might simply be more valuable to perform this sequence, and appreciate it for what it means to you, and what it offers your karate.

Gankaku

Gankaku, originally titled Chinto, is the modern name chosen by Master Funakoshi, can be translated to mean ‘Crane on a rock’. Such a name was chosen because of the one-legged movements, which resemble a crane on a rock, and develops much in the practitioner.Through moving on just the one leg, and the pivoting helps develop effective balance and co-ordination, whilst through effective body shifting, like in Empi, deceptive displays of power can be created.

Mastery of this kata, the oldest in the Shorei-style, will provide you with an understanding of balance and your centre. Without controlling your centre, balance cannot truly achieved. It will also enable you to learn to develop a deep control of your body, which will thus have an effect on the rest of your karate.

This kata is currently very popular in competition, although notorious to perform successfully. Many an excellent competitor has been defeated whilst practicing this kata, simply because of a slight stumble or loss of balance. When performed accurately however, it is one of the most visually impressive kata of the Shotokan style.

Kanku Sho

Kanku Sho, which translates to mean ‘To view the sky minor’, was created by Master Itosu, and was developed using Kanku Dai as the basis. There are fundamental similarities in the kata, one being the physical looking to the sky. In Dai, in the opening sequences, your hands elevate, and so does your head, with your eyes focusing through the triangular shape crated by the hands. In Sho however, while in zenkutsu-dachi, before the second jump, your hand follows your hand, which travels behind you. The symbolic significance of this can only be appreciated by the practitioner, but the similarities cannot be denied.Differences in the kata however are that Kanku Dai places emphasis on upper-level techniques, with the jodan shuto-uchi. Sho however employs a dominance of middle-level techniques such as the three morote-uke sequences, and the three oi-tsukis.

Both kata develop defence from positions where you are standing, and where you are on the floor, where you are in a more vulnerable position.

This kata is a very popular kata for competition, most probably because of its obvious aesthetic appeal. There are two jumps, both of which demand great skill, and there are very impressive displays of body shifting. These factors make this kata impressive for competition, but also it should be noted that effective performance of the kata demands extremely high levels of skill.

There is however much confusion over certain technical factors, one such being where the karateka should kiai. There are many variations of such points, with different organisations following different theories.

Jiin

This kata was one of only two not included in the ‘Best Karate’ series by M. Nakayama, the series widely recognised as the definitive kata reference. The reason for this is not truly known, although there have been many theories for why they were not included. Nonetheless, the kata is still widely practiced by many associations.The origins of the kata are not fully known, although it was at one stage unsuccessfully named Shokyo. This kata shares its Yoi position with Jion and Jitte, and the symbolic significance of the gesture also applies here.

This kata, despite no longer being recognised by many associations, does have many instructional qualities that are of much value to any karateka.

At one stage in the kata, the practitioner will spin twice in kiba-dachi then step for the third count. To do this effectively requires much skill, and to effectively do so requires development of balance and co-ordination.

This is a very powerful kata, and although not as flashy as many of the other katas, it is of high value to all karateka.

Chinte

The title of this kata ‘Chinte’ is taken from the Chinese characters which mean ‘Strange hands’,despite an unsuccessful attempt to rename it ‘Shoin’ by Master Funakoshi in his attempt to make the art more accessible to the Japanese public. The kata managed to keep its original name.It is only natural that a kata with the title ‘Strange hands’ should pay high attention to the hand techniques of karate. So much so that there is only one kick in the entire kata, but with unusual (or strange if you care to make the connection) te-waza such as tate-zuki, naka-daka-ken, age-empi-uchi, teisho and nihon-nukite used throughout. Techniques such as naka-daka-ken are only used in this kata, so deveopement and understanding of these techniques will take place in this kata.

Also important to consider in this kata is the fact that it teaches you a great deal about striking to vulnerable points of the body, and once you absorb the knowledge from this kata, you will be able to apply this to the rest of your karate, and actually improve the effectiveness of your karate. From this point of view, Chinte is critical kata in the syllabus, although it is commonly disliked by many students, and like Hangetsu, many of the more advanced karateka gain an appreciation for the kata over time. In many respects, this kata is quite similar to Sochin, particularly in the sense of how rooted the karateka becomes whilst performing the kata, with transitions from fudo-dachi into zenkutsu-dachi on the tate-shuto, tate-zuki sequence generating impressive levels of power

Sochin

Sochin is one of the strongest, and most physically demanding kata of the Shotokan Syllabus. This kata, despite not being very fancy and overtly showy, it is a very popular kata amongst competitors, and at most competitions you will see many performances of this kata.Although there is much evidence that this kata was created by Master Aragaki, the Sochin we practice today, formally known as Hakko, seems to be much to the credit of Master Yoshitaka Funakoshi’s influence.

The dominant feature of this kata is the prominence of the stance fudo-dachi, the ‘immovable stance’. Many believe however that the kata should be performed in sochin-dachi, while others believe that fudo-dachi and sochin-dachi are the same thing.

Fudo-dachi, commonly believed to be the most powerful stance in shotokan, is a very rooted stance; with many feeling the stance is deeply rooted to the earth, enabling the karateka to be immovable in the face of danger. With deep and powerfully slow movements, and strong and co-ordinated breathing, you should aim to harmonize the breathing with the action, which helps solder the mind with the technique.

Nijushiho

Master Nakayama once recalled how Master Funakoshi took him to learn this kata from the Master Kenwa Mabuni, the founder of Shito-ryu. It was also with Master Mabuni that Master Nakayama learned the kata Gojushiho Sho.Nijushiho, was apparently created by Anikichi Aragaki, and is a very popular kata. The kata name is translated to mean ‘twenty four steps’, and the simplicity and ambiguity of the name has been a topic of much debate. Kata such as Sochin have a translation that perfectly highlights the attitude and feeling of the kata. Nijushiho however, a kata of much personality has a name of limited symbolic significance. It is this fact that has challeneged many to learn more about the philosophy of the kata, for it is not blatantly clear in the kata title.

This kata teaches you to move and defend from many angles, and helps teach you co-ordination. Many use this kata as a tool to highlight the need for total concentration. If you take a student and force him to perform Heian Shodan in an angle that is different from the regular (for example, facing a corner of the room) they find it quite simple to finish the kata correctly in the accurate position. Nijushiho however does not use such basic and predictable angles, so to perform this kata accurately in a position that is irregular takes much concentration, since it is very easy to lose your co-ordination.

This kata wonderfully contains sudden contrasts between very slow, and an explosion of power. To achieve this, the karateka must fine-tune his ability to shift from relaxation to tension., which requires great control of the body and its muscles.

Meikyo

This is a kata renamed by Master Funakoshi, with its original name being Rohai. Translated to mean ‘A brightly polished mirror’, the name applies both to mirror imaging of many of the techniques, but more so, its philosophical significance is the idea that you should polish the kata through repeated practice so you gain an true understanding of the kata and of yourself. This can also be linked to the repeated use of the basic techniques of the kata, for although this kata appears very basic; its underlying principle is that through very basic training you attain skills that are truly brilliant.

This kata although looking simple uses techniques such as the jump, and simultaneous strike, which takes great skill and balance. Defence against stick attack is also covered here, with an interesting way of blocking the attack, like in Bassai Sho, and how to use the attackers weapon to your advantage.

This kata is not one of the more popular kata, but study of it is essential in order to improve, since it teaches you a great deal about the need for kihon study, with a philosophy that can apply to all of your karate.

Wankan

Wankan (Kings crown), like Ji’in, is the other kata that no longer is an official JKA kata, although this kata is still quite widely practised throughout the world. Many in fact believe, and have presented evidence that the very short Wankan that we practice today is in fact only portion of the original kata.

This is one of the shortest kata in Shotokan, but is a very complex kata, formed by the Tomari-te instructors. Because of this Chinese origin, this kata is much lighter and smooth flowing than many of the other Shotokan kata.

This is also a close-quarters kata, and although some perform the opening sequence in kokutsu-dachi,and others use neko-ashi-dachi, this kata is perfect for defence at a close proximity from the attacker, using effective seizing of the opponents legs and the subsequent throw employed to destroy the attacker.

Although short, this kata emphasises the use of the neko-ashi-dachi, which is important, particularly for a close-quarters defence situation. Training in this kata will develop this stance, and your ability to easily move, defend and counter from proximity rarely encountered in Shotokan.

Unsu

Unsu is a beautiful kata, and is one of the more athletically challenging of the Shotokan Kata. Despite its modern popularity, this kata is in fact one of the oldest in the Shotokan Syllabus. Translated to mean ‘Cloud hands’, this kata of Chinese origins, is one of true connections to the earth.There are many theories concerning this kata, with many going as far as to say that the opening sequence highlighting the rise of the sun along the horizon, the keiko uchi represent thunderbolts from the heavens and the jump symbolising a hurricane. Whether you subscribe to these theories or not, you cannot deny the brilliance of this kata, which involves seemingly simple movements, which tend to hide a secret intent.

This kata has many wonderful techniques, and strategies, employing examples of defence from the floor, and using the springiness of a jump to generate power and defeat the opponent. Using the floor in this kata is a fundamental aspect that in many ways makes this kata different from all the others. Many katas use a drop to the floor, but no other kata uses the floor in the way that Unsu does. Through studying this kata, you learn to fight from a disadvantage, and you learn how to fight in a way that helps you get to your feet.

Apart from the more athletic elements of the kata, this kata employs strategies and clever tact. One such example is the use of the faint, before you drive in with a gedan attack. Through studying this kata, you can learn skills that can be applied to self-defence and competition kumite. This kata instils the notion of how surprise is an effective tool in defence, and through studying this kata, you become a more rounded karateka.

Master Nakayama warned however that you would look like ‘A scarecrow trying to dance" unless the Heian kata, Kanku-dai, Empi and Jion were first mastered.

Gojushiho Sho

This is a very popular kata in competition. It is both very strong and extremely beautiful; a perfect combination for a winning competition kata. When performed correctly this kata flows wonderfully, using the effective contrast between fast and slow techniques, and when performed correctly you will appreciate its aesthetic appeal.Formerly known as Useishi, this kata was originally refined by the Shito-Ryu style Master Mabuni. It was renamed Hotaku however by Master Funakoshi. The current name however Gojushiho can be translated to represent the 54 movements of the kata.

This kata is a beautiful and complex form that involves many interesting te movements. One such example is the combination involving the raise of the knee with the hand position representing the grasping of a head. This then follows with a hard stamp and a withdrawal of the hands to the hip.

This kata, when applied is also a perfect illustration of many self-defence movements. Within the kata we have many wrist disengages, followed by a strike. Another example is at the end of the kata, where someone comes behind you for a grab. After you strike them, you quickly shift into a zenkutsu-dachi, destroying their balance.

This kata is very powerful, and strong. It contains deep-rooted stances with heavy techniques. It is often described that Sho is heavy and Dai is light.

Gojushiho Dai

Gojushiho Sho and Gojushiho Dai are two of the most advanced kata in the Shotokan Syllabus. However, there is much disagreement concerning which kata should be titled Dai or Sho. Such confusion extends to certain techniques in the kata, which also are practiced differently between different schools of Shotokan. Gojushiho Sho has a dominance of kokutsu-dachi, kiba-dachi and zenkutsu-dachi. This kata however places a great deal of emphasis on neko-ashi-dachi. As a complete kata, the general ‘feel’ of this kata is far snappier and lighter.

This kata employs many interesting hand techniques such as the eagle-hand strike washide. In actual fact, the original name for this kata was ‘Hotaku’ (woodpecker), because of the reminiscence of the woodpecker technique. But for reasons, widely unknow, this kata used the name Gojushiho meaning 54 steps.