The kata to end all kata

[AngelaG]

Which kata do you think exemplifies your system and why?

[Aefibird]

Possibly Kanku-Dai and -Sho, as they demonstrate good principles of what Shotokan is about through the use of techniques at different height levels, incorporation of ground/grappling type techniques and demonstration of a solid base and power.

[paulhe]

I think every system or individual needs three main kata. One for you, one that's against you and one for conditioning. Within Shotokan, the three kata that match those criteria for me are: Sochin, Unsu and Hangetsu.

But just one kata to define Shotokan itself?..... probably Kanku-Dai

[nkudahc]

paulhe said:

I think every system or individual needs three main kata. One for you, one that's against you and one for conditioning

hi there,
i was just wondering what you mean when you say one for you, and one agianst you?

[paulhe]

Sorry, I meant that you need a kata that suits your body type, size etc but then you need a kata to really go against this. For example, I'm 6'1 and 200lbs so Sochin being a heavy, powerful kata really fits my body. Whereas a fast kata that changes direction quickly with jumps really isn't my idea of fun... so, Unsu and Enpi for example really challenge me.

[nkudahc]

ah i see what you mean, kind of a blance between nahate and shrite type thing?...(howerver you spell those)

so then for your conditioning kata you chose Hangetsu...we do a version of this kata called seisan, which is probably my favorite, i'm right there with you on this choice as it seems to be the kata that leaves me the most worn out

[Aefibird]

paulhe said:

Sorry, I meant that you need a kata that suits your body type, size etc but then you need a kata to really go against this. For example, I'm 6'1 and 200lbs so Sochin being a heavy, powerful kata really fits my body. Whereas a fast kata that changes direction quickly with jumps really isn't my idea of fun... so, Unsu and Enpi for example really challenge me.

Ah I get you! Yes, having 3 kata for those reasons is a good idea. I'd probably choose Sochin, Unsu and Hangetsu too, for similar reasons as you've mentioned above.

For conditioning, if we're just talking about kata that leave you totally knackered at the end of practicing them, then I'd have to say all of them! lol However, I always find Jion and Gojushiho Sho particularly tiring - those 2 kata seem to 'work' me the most. For all-round conditioning (not just knackered-ness) then Hangetsu or Gankaku are good ones for me to choose.

[random]

Sochin, Unsu and Hangetsu would be my choice if I could remember how to do them. As for Unsu 20 years ago I could do an athletic jump, now I need help off the floor.

[Aefibird]

random said:

As for Unsu 20 years ago I could do an athletic jump, now I need help off the floor.

I'll practice with you, then we can help each other up!

Hmm, maybe we could turn it into a weapons kata and train with a walking stick or zimmer frame...

[Shorin Ryu Sensei]

I'd have to say Chinto kata. A mixture of hard and soft techniques, difficult body movements and directional changes, displaying both our Okinawan Te and Shaolin KungFu influences...plus it's really such a GREAT kata when done properly!

[AngelaG]

srs said:

I'd have to say Chinto kata. A mixture of hard and soft techniques, difficult body movements and directional changes, displaying both our Okinawan Te and Shaolin KungFu influences...plus it's really such a GREAT kata when done properly!

Do you know if Chinto varies greatly from Gankaku?

[Shorin Ryu Sensei]

angelag said:

srs said:

I'd have to say Chinto kata. A mixture of hard and soft techniques, difficult body movements and directional changes, displaying both our Okinawan Te and Shaolin KungFu influences...plus it's really such a GREAT kata when done properly!

Do you know if Chinto varies greatly from Gankaku?

I have no idea. I don't know if I've ever seen Gankaku. Chinto is a White Crane kata. I've noted that some systems teach it very early on, while others, like us, teach it as a black belt kata.

I checked out this discription of Gankaku:

www.i-clps.com/karate/gankaku.html

and keeping in mind that it's 3:56 am here at the moment *yawn*, they might be the same (yet different) kata.

[AngelaG]

Gankaku is the "shotokanised" version of Chinto... I just wondered if they are very much the same... I'll find you a clip of gankaku to compare.

[nkudahc]

srs said:

angelag said:

Do you know if Chinto varies greatly from Gankaku?

I have no idea. I don't know if I've ever seen Gankaku. Chinto is a White Crane kata. I've noted that some systems teach it very early on, while others, like us, teach it as a black belt kata.

I checked out this discription of Gankaku:

www.i-clps.com/karate/gankaku.html

and keeping in mind that it's 3:56 am here at the moment *yawn*, they might be the same (yet different) kata.

chinto is our black belt kata also, i'd love to see what gankaku looks like

[AngelaG]

Here you go, here is Sensei Kanazawa performing Gankaku:
www.shotojukukai.com/video/gankaku.mov

This comes courtesy of this site:
www.shotojukukai.com/kata/kata.htm which is a nice site, but the downlaod times are fairly long, even on broadband; But worth it IMO, and much better than the blue videos.