We are now onto the kata Gojushiho Sho (五十四歩小). The name of this kata is similar to the one we just completed, Nijushiho. Gojushiho means “Fifty-four Steps.” Sho, “small” (or here, “the lesser”) distinguishes this kata from its companion Gojushiho Dai (or “Gojushiho the Greater”). In Shotokan karate we typically practice these two variants of the older Gojushiho kata. If it […]
This month, we are studying the kata Nijushiho or Nijuushiho (二十四歩). This kata’s name is less poetic than some others. It means “Twenty-four Steps.” Although a relatively short kata, in Nijushiho we practice a wide variety of techniques and applications of power. It features most of the basic Shotokan stances and some less common stances, and slow application of power as well as […]
We are now studying the kata Meikyo (明鏡) for four weeks. The name of the kata literally means “Polished Mirror” or “Bright Mirror,” which may prompt us to think about how our training is like the work of polishing something that ultimately reflects who we are and what we are capable of. Some research points to the idea […]
Our annual “Shotokan Kata Review” is coming up on January 7th (Saturday), 8-10am. We will go through 27 traditional Shotokan kata, twice each. And if time permits we will review additional kata. This is a great opportunity to discover (or re-discover) the breadth of the traditional Shotokan kata syllabus. Sensei Jon Keeling has been running […]
Our current kata-of-the-month is Hangetsu (半月). The kata name means “Half Moon,” which refers to the way we step in the kata’s signature stance, hangetsu-dachi. In contrast to fudo-dachi we used in Sochin, with Hangetsu we practice gripping the floor and connecting with an inward squeeze in hangetsu-dachi and neko-ashi-dachi. You can see good examples of Hangetsu performed by Osaka Sensei here and by Kanazawa Sensei here. And […]
In our advanced kata sessions on Saturdays, we are currently studying Sochin (壮鎮). The kata name translates as something like “Magnificent Calm.” It features low, solid stance, mostly fudo-dachi, and slow, powerful moves alternating with explosive speed. It’s excellent practice for developing strong, solid technique and connection to the ground. You can see excellent examples of […]
We are next moving to Chinte for the advanced kata in our Saturday classes, from May (Heian Nidan for the basic kata). Our last kata-of-the-month was Gankaku. Gankaku very closely resembles its predecessor kata, Chinto. This next kata is Chinte and some historians believe the two kata to have been linked in some way but […]
We are now studying Kanku-sho in our Saturday classes. The predecessor kata on which Kanku-sho was derived, Kanku-dai, is very old and versions of it are practiced by people in various styles of Karate. Older versions may go by the name ‘Kushanko” and the -dai suffix was added when a secondary version (-sho) was created […]
We are now studying Kanku-dai in our Saturday classes. This kata is very old and versions of it are practiced by people in various styles of Karate. Older versions may go by the name “Kushanku” and the -dai suffix was added when a secondary version (-sho) was created over 100 years ago. Legend has it […]
We are now studying Bassai-sho in our Saturday classes. Bassai-sho is a derivative of Bassai-dai, which is very old. Versions of Bassai-dai are practiced by people in various styles of Karate. Bassai-sho was created in the late 19th century and shares many techniques and strategies with its predecessor kata. Bassai-sho is generally introduced at black […]
