A kata is a pre-arranged set of movements in karate. The first 5 katas (heian) are all performed along an imaginary figure “H”. The Okinawan Master, Itosu, devised the Heian katas from the very old and complex forms such as kankudai and gion. Funakoshi Gichin introduced the Heian katas to Japan as he wanted a progressive structure to kata suitable for teaching in high schools and universities. The Heian kata are an excellent introduction to the art of kata and lay the foundation for the many brown and black kata in Shotokan karate.
There are a total of 26 kata (including the 5 heians) to learn in what many students consider to be a lifelong study. The majority of the moves and techniques in kata are performed dynamically with speed and power. There are also pauses in the kata where slow, soft movements are executed.
The original Shotokan katas have been passed down through the ages and were originally created as a complex and highly effective form of defence and counter attack. Many of the techniques in Shotokan kata have a practical application culminating in a killing blow. Over the years kata have evolved to be an expression of the art of karate but we still teach the controlled application (bunkai) of these moves as students become more skilled in their execution.
Each kata has an identity, an expression and a flow. Kata exude the power and speed of karate and at the same time have an elegance of movement. The performance of kata is a true expression of karate as an art form.
Meikyo is a 4th Dan kata in SKIF. Meikyo means “bright mirror”; the starting move in the kata is where the practitioner looks into his/her open palms. According to Soke this is the mirror in which you see yourself. The kata looks to be very basic and not too difficult, however, at 4th Dan level, the stances, blocks and punches need to be performed with precision and power. The end move of the kata involves a jump around your opponent with an elbow strike to the side of the head. We all like little stories of old and this technique, so the saying goes, is where your opponent is standing on a precipice and you go round the side of him/her, make the strike to the side of the head and land perfectly behind him/her, avoiding falilng to your death down the cliff!! Its a nice story (-:
I performed Meikyo for my 4th Dan grading and had to demonstrate the “precipice” application to Soke. My uke for this was Mick, from Matsuba Kai (Romford), he is 6ft tall. The only way I could get round him was to clamber all over him, which I managed.
MEIKYO https://youtu.be/adFXWwd5938↗
NIJUSHIHO Kancho https://youtu.be/G6EmtOh50T0
This is a short video I took of Kancho teaching Nijushiho in May 2017 on a course I ran in Windsor. Nijushiho literally means 24 steps. The original Okinawa name was Niseishi and is attributed to Seisho Arakaki. Nijushiho is interesting for a number of reasons. The embusen (directional line of a kata) is a Y as opposed to the traditional H of Shotokan katas. It is the n only Shotokan kata to feature yoko geri kekomi (side thrust kick) on both sides, although I think JKA may omit these and just raise the knee and step with fumikomi. It also features sanchin dachi (hour glass stance). The only other Shotokan kata to use sanchin dachi is Unsu. Nijushiho is a 3rd Dan kata for SKIF gradings.
SOCHIN: Tanaka Sensei https://youtu.be/WOZp6L5ZZLo
This a video I took of Tanaka Sensei teaching Sochin in November 2021. Sochin translates to “tranquil force” or “strong calm”, also attributed to Seisho Arakaki and developed by Funakoshi’s son Yoshitaka. Sochin features fudo dachi (rooted stance). This is like a 45 degree kiba dachi but with more emphasis on the front knee. Weight distribution is maybe 55% on the front knee and 45% on the back although for many Dan grades, fudo dachi is a matter of personal choice as to how your body can accomodate it. Sochin is a very powerful kata, the spring like release from tate shuto into double zuki is an example of this, and the final diagonal zukis also exude power. Sochin is a 3rd Dan kata for SKIF gradings.
CHINTE: Kancho https://youtu.be/M14m5LZcOaU
This is Kancho teaching Chinte on the May 2017 course. Chinte features the most circular movements of any Shotokan kata; its literal meaning is “unusual hands” and includes middle knuckle strikes, finger strikes to the eyes or throat and a number of throws. The bunkai (applications) for Chinte reveal it to be very violent kata! In my opinion, if you want an example of a “street fighting” Shotokan kata, then Chinte is it! I absolutely refute the notion that it is “good for women” because of the circular arm movements and because it uses less power!! When I was teaching at a recent joint karater/jujutsu seminar, I used Chinte as a prime example of effective close quarter self-defence and counter.