The Niju-Hachi-Ho kata is of Okinawan origin and, originally, from White Crane gung fu (Chinese wushu). The name Niju-Hachi-Ho means “28 steps” in Japanese. The version of this kata taught by Soke Kanazawa is slightly
different than the version commonly practiced by Shito-Ryu karateka, which is generally known as “Nipaipo.”
The Niju-Hachi-Ho kata is considered a very advanced kata in SKIF and has only been widely taught by Soke Kanazawa to SKIF members during the last ten years or so. During that time, however, Soke has taught the kata to many people throughout the world and it is becoming quite popular among advanced SKIF members. Like Gankaku-Sho, Niju-Hachi-Ho contains many different stances, numerous body rotations to change directions, many unique defences and counterattacks to different targets, levels and directions, and numerous open hand techniques. It also contains mawashi-uke (circular block), which is only found in two other commonly practiced Shotokan kata: Unsu and Nijushiho. In Niju-Hachi-Ho there are a number of techniques which can be quite dangerous if used in self defense or in bunkai practice.
Like Seienchin, Seipai, and Gankaku-Sho, Niju-Hachi-Ho also uses the shiko dachi (square stance), which is not used in the other more common Shotokan kata. The Niju-Hachi-Ho kata is listed and recognized for competition by high level competitors in certain divisions in SKIF tournaments, and it is becoming popular with many senior members of SKIF.