Kata
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Bechurin (Suparempei) Anyone?
Here are some applications that could be used for the crescent kick portion of the kata Bechurin (Suparempei). These sequences are from Sato Kinbei’s book on Chin’na (Jissen Kinna Jutsu; pg. 136 & 173). Sato Kinbei was the instructor of Murakami Katsumi, a teacher that I respect very much and have posted about on this… Continue reading
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Fashion – Okinawa Style
My friend Joe Swift has talked in-depth about the principles for analyzing the techniques found in classical Karate-do kata. He stresses the importance of understanding the historical context in which kata were developed, including the clothing that people wore. I would like expand on that idea, specifically in the role of clothing and it may… Continue reading
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Skill Technique Kata – 技 術 型
Here is an interesting view of Karatedo by Tadahiko Otsuka from his Goju-ryu Kyohan series (Volume 2, Page 11). It’s something that I wished I had known years ago, but at least people like Russ Smith have brought these concepts to the Karate community in recent years. Here’s the translation and my interpretation of the… Continue reading
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Mai-kata: Emergence of the Theory of a Prototype of Karate
One perspective on the origins of karate centers on the development of kata from traditional martial arts and skills passed down in Okinawa. One of the remaining early accounts comes from Funakoshi Gichin in his book “Karate Jutsu,” which discusses the history and development of karate. Funakoshi provides insight into the origins of Okinawan karate.… Continue reading
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Kinjo Masakazu Sensei
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Kinjo Masakazu. He, along with Yonamine Kousuke (who also recently a passed away), were students of Minowa Katsuhiko sensei. Both were skilled and prolific Karate and Kobudo teachers. It seems Minowa sensei’s students are slowly passing away. I never had the opportunity to meet Yonamine sensei,… Continue reading
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Which should come first?
In the past decade there has been a trend that kata is not the beginning of knowledge, but the culmination of acquired skill. This would assume that solo kata practice in and of itself does not impart martial skill. Instead, skills are developed via partner work and other supplementary exercises.However this approach is diametrically opposed… Continue reading
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Junbi Undo: It’s not what you think it is
There are times when Karateka add other activities to their practice due to injury (usually chronic) in the hopes of rehab themselves to continue training. In the worst situations, the injury is so severe, that they abandon their practice altogether. Sadly, this runs counter to the tradition of Okinawa Karatedo with its focus on life-long… Continue reading
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Jion Temple
Lately I have been focusing by practice on the kata Yabu no Jion and appreciate its simplicity and directness compared to other Karate kata. Yabu no Jion is virtually identical to Hanashiro no Jion as found in “An Overview of Karate-do“. Today I wanted to briefly touch on the name of the kata itself “Jion”… Continue reading
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Karate Kata & Grammar
Ok, so this isn’t the most interestingly sounding title for a blog post, but please bear with me for a few paragraphs. We all know that Karate is a traditional form of martial arts that originated on Okinawa that emphasizes the practice of kata, with kata essentially being a choreographed series of techniques that simulate… Continue reading
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Practice vs. Kata
Practice allows us to fail. That is the importance of practice as opposed to kata. Kata is about perfection. It allows us to know perfection but does not allow us to fail. And failure is essential for growth. Continue reading
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