The Folk Dances of Shotokan by Rob Redmond

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

The Folk Dances of Shotokan by Rob Redmond The Folk Dances of Shotokan by Rob Redmond Kevin Hawley 385 Ramsey Road Yardley, PA 19067 United States Copyright 2006 Rob Redmond. All Rights Reserved. No part of this may be reproduced for for any purpose, commercial or non-profit, without the express, written permission of the author. Listed with the US Library of Congress US Copyright Office Registration #TXu-1-167-868 Published by digital means by Rob Redmond PO BOX 41 Holly Springs, GA 30142 Second Edition, 2006 2 Kevin Hawley 385 Ramsey Road Yardley, PA 19067 United States In Gratitude The Karate Widow, my beautiful and apparently endlessly patient wife – Lorna. Thanks, Kevin Hawley, for saying, “You’re a writer, so write!” Thanks to the man who opened my eyes to Karate other than Shotokan – Rob Alvelais. Thanks to the wise man who named me 24 Fighting Chickens and listens to me complain – Gerald Bush. Thanks to my training buddy – Bob Greico. Thanks to John Cheetham, for publishing my articles in Shotokan Karate Magazine. Thanks to Mark Groenewold, for support, encouragement, and for taking the forums off my hands. And also thanks to the original Secret Order of the ^v^, without whom this content would never have been compiled: Roberto A. Alvelais, Gerald H. Bush IV, Malcolm Diamond, Lester Ingber, Shawn Jefferson, Peter C. Jensen, Jon Keeling, Michael Lamertz, Sorin Lemnariu, Scott Lippacher, Roshan Mamarvar, David Manise, Rolland Mueller, Chris Parsons, Elmar Schmeisser, Steven K. Shapiro, Bradley Webb, George Weller, and George Winter. And thanks to the fans of 24FC who’ve been reading my work all of these years and for some reason keep coming back. A very special 有難う御座いました for Katayama Hitoshi of Nagoya, Japan, for his many wise teachings. 3 Kevin Hawley 385 Ramsey Road Yardley, PA 19067 United States 1 WARNING! The author accepts no liability or responsibility for injuries sustained by anyone resulting from the practice of any techniques or ideas presented in this work. This book contains descriptions of Karate techniques which could be dangerous to apply to another person, resulting in serious injury or death. The movements and exercises recommended in here should not be attempted by anyone without the personal guidance of a qualified instructor, nor should the movements or exercises be attempted by anyone who is not in excellent physical condition and health. Performance of these exercises and movements should not be attempted without first consulting a physician. Do not attempt to perform any of the techniques in here if you are suffering from a heart condition, pregnancy, injuries of any kind, any other illness, chronic or acute, or any handicap or disability which might be affected by physical exercise and acrobatics. 4 Kevin Hawley 385 Ramsey Road Yardley, PA 19067 United States About the Author Rob Redmond grew up in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States. From a young age he has had an interest in the martial-arts – specifically Shotokan Karate. After studying Japanese for a few years, Rob and his wife Lorna moved to Nagoya, Japan in 1993 without any prior arrangements, found work, and settled down for a two year stay. After returning, Rob found work as a project manager in information technology while attending classes at Georgia State University, where he eventually earned an MBA in 2000. Combining his two hobbies of Karate and Technology together, Rob was able to create a huge repository of Shotokan Karate information at 24FightingChickens.com, a web site famous for a no-holds-barred approach to self-improvement and seeking out alternatives to traditions handed down which might no longer make any sense. This book contains the collected works from 24FightingChickens.com on the topic of kata which has been requested by so many since the site came back online in August of 2005. 5 Kevin Hawley 385 Ramsey Road Yardley, PA 19067 United States Table of Contents In Gratitude ............................................................................................................. 3 WARNING! .............................................................................................................. 4 About the Author ......................................................................................................5 Table of Contents..................................................................................................... 6 Introduction............................................................................................................. 8 East and West .........................................................................................................12 War Dances.............................................................................................................15 China .......................................................................................................................17 Gongfu Experts .......................................................................................................19 Okinawa ................................................................................................................. 22 Masters of Toudi .................................................................................................... 24 The Purpose of Kata............................................................................................... 28 So Many Kata, So Little Time ................................................................................ 33 The Shotokan Canon.............................................................................................. 42 Kata Are Required ..................................................................................................47 Kata Specialization ................................................................................................ 50 The Myth of Shorin and Shorei Kata..................................................................... 54 Kata Names............................................................................................................ 58 Kata Names.............................................................................................................61 Dr. Schmeisser ....................................................................................................... 64 The Kata Database ..................................................................................................67 Enbusen ..................................................................................................................73 Dai and Sho.............................................................................................................77 Competition Kata...................................................................................................80 A New Old View of Kata......................................................................................... 82 The 23 Principles of Excellent Kata....................................................................... 86 Principle 1: Dress to Play .......................................................................................88 Principle 2: Dramatic Rhythm .............................................................................. 94 Principle 3: Reasonable Pace..................................................................................97 Principle 4: Look Before Turning.......................................................................... 99 Principle 5: Fix the Eyes ...................................................................................... 100 Principle 6: Turn Without Leaning ......................................................................102 Principle 7: Coordination and Isolation...............................................................104 Principle 8: Train Across Transitions ..................................................................106 Principle 9: Kiai With Confidence........................................................................107 Principle 10: Posture of a Model ..........................................................................110 Principle 11: Strong Flexible Stance ..................................................................... 112 Principle 12: Precision and Accuracy ................................................................... 116 Principle 13: Consistency......................................................................................118 Principle 14: Complete Motion.............................................................................120 Principle 15: Breath Control .................................................................................122 Principle 16: Swift Feet.........................................................................................124 Principle 17: Know the Line..................................................................................126 Principle 18: Approach Without Concern ............................................................128 6 Kevin Hawley 385 Ramsey Road Yardley, PA 19067 United States Principle 19: Accept Imperfection ........................................................................130 Principle 20: Swing the Hips................................................................................132 Principle 21: The Geometry of Bonsai..................................................................134 Principle 22: Nail the Climax ...............................................................................136 Principle 23: Start Clean and Finish Strong.........................................................138
Recommended publications
  • Tai Chi Sword DR
    TAI CHI CHUAN / MARTIAL ARTS B2856 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF BOOKS AND VIDEOS ON TAI CHI, MARTIAL ARTS, AND QIGONG Tai Chi Sword Chi Sword Tai DR. YANG, JWING-MING REACH FOR THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF TAI CHI PRACTICE You can achieve the highest level of tai chi practice by including tai chi sword in your training regimen. Here’s your chance to take the next step in your tai chi journey Once you have attained proficiency in the bare-hand form, and have gained listening and sensing skills from pushing hands, you are ready for tai chi sword. Tai Chi Sword The elegant and effective techniques of traditional tai chi sword CLASSICAL YANG STYLE Tai chi sword will help you control your qi, refine your tai chi skills, and master yourself. You will strengthen and relax your body, calm and focus your mind, THE COMPLETE FORM, QIGONG, AND APPLICATIONS improve your balance, and develop proper tai chi breathing. This book provides a solid and practical approach to learning tai chi sword Style Classical Yang One of the people who have “made the accurately and quickly. Includes over 500 photographs with motion arrows! greatest impact on martial arts in the • Historical overview of tai chi sword past 100 years.” • Fundamentals including hand forms and footwork —Inside Kung Fu • Generating power with the sword 傳 Magazine • 12 tai chi sword breathing exercises • 30 key tai chi sword techniques with applications • 12 fundamental tai chi sword solo drills 統 • Complete 54-movement Yang Tai Chi Sword sequence • 48 martial applications from the tai chi sword sequence DR.
    [Show full text]
  • SHŌTŌKAN KARATE-Dō KATA Encyclopedie KASE-HA Encyclopedia
    Katas Sup. SR_page 1-36 v7_Mise en page 1 14/08/2019 13:49 Page3 SHŌTŌKAN KARATE-dŌ KATA ENCYCLOPEdIE KASE-HA ENCYCLOPEdIA Taiji KASE Jū dan (10e dan) Shōtōkan-ryū Kase-Ha Heian Shōdan Hangetsu Chinte Heian Nidan Jion Sōchin Heian Sandan Jite Meikyō Heian Yodan Gankaku Gojū shihō-dai Heian Godan Tekki Nidan Gojū shihō-shō Ten no Kata Kankū shō Unsu Tekki Shōdan Bassai shō Wankan Kankū dai Nijū shihō Bassai dai Ji’in Heian Oyo Empi Tekki sandan Tekki Oyo Katas Sup. SR_page 1-36 v7_Mise en page 1 14/08/2019 13:49 Page4 Sommaire Préface. 6 Foreward. 7 le karate-dō. 8 e karate-dō . 9 l’histoire du karate-dō . 10 e history of karate-dō . 11 le fudō-dachi, la position du maître. 12 Fudō-dachi, the master’s stance . 13 Signification des katas. 15 la voie de taiji Kase . 16 taiji Kase’s path . 17 la progression . 18 e progression . 19 Parcours de maître Kase . 20 about sensei Kase . 22 introduction. 24 Introduction . 25 les katas. 26 Katas . 28 Nomenclature, attitude et postures - attitude and postures . 30 le salut, la présentation du kata . 33 Points clés . 34 Key points . 35 4 SHŌtŌKaN Karate-DŌ Kata Katas Sup. SR_page 1-36 v7_Mise en page 1 14/08/2019 13:49 Page5 HeiaN SHŌDaN 平安初段 . 37 HeiaN NiDaN 平安二段 . 43 HeiaN SaNDaN 平安三段 . 53 HeiaN YoDaN 平安四段 . 65 HeiaN GoDaN 平安五段 . 73 teN No Kata 天の型 . 83 teKKi SHŌDaN 鉄騎初段 . 95 KaNKŪ Dai 観空 大 . 107 BaSSai Dai 抜塞 大 . 125 emPi 燕飛 .
    [Show full text]
  • Get Ready for Current Information
    Programs Subject to Change Visit roanoketexas.com Get Ready for current information. RoanokePARKS AND RECREATION ACTIVITY GUIDE JUNE - DECEMBER 2020 Youth Activities p 10 Athletic Leagues p 14 Group Fitness p 16 Have your Party at the Roanoke Recreation Center All packages include Ice Cream and Drinks, 1 Hour Room Rental, Complete Room Set-up (Tables, Chairs, Balloons, Plates, Napkins and Spoons) and a Party Host/Hostess. Optional Add-Ons Drinks (75¢ per drink) Extra Ice Cream (75¢ per cup) Host your own party! Sports Party Full room for $50/hour (resident); (for ages 5 and up) $60/hour (non-resident) Includes 1 hour of holds 40 people organized activities ½ room for $30/hour (resident); for up to 10 kids $36/hour (non-resident) holds 25 people ($10 per additional child) $175 (room rentals include Game Room tables and chairs) Party Party dates (for ages 6 and up) Reservations and times are subject Includes 1 hour must be made to room availability. of games for up to 10 kids at least two weeks in ($7 per additional child) $100 advance. For reservations, call 817-837-9930. GENERAL INFORMATION Have your Party CONTENTS City of Roanoke Party Planning. 2 Parks and Recreation Department Roanoke Recreation Center ....4 at the Roanoke 501 Roanoke Road Roanoke, Texas 76262 Recreation Center Amenities ....5 817-837-9930 Aquatics. .6-7 Recreation Center City Council and Youth Camps ............... 8-9 Staff Members Youth Activities .............10-13 Mayor ................ Scooter Gierisch City Council Ward 1 .....Holly Gray-Moore Athletics ...................14-15 City Council Ward 1 ........ Angie Grimm City Council Ward 2 ........
    [Show full text]
  • Ash's Okinawan Karate
    ASH’S OKINAWAN KARATE LOCATION: 610 Professional Drive, Suite 1, Bozeman, Montana 59718 PHONE: 406-994-9194 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.ashsokinawankarate.com INSTRUCTORS: Brian Ash – Roku dan (6th degree Black Belt) Lisa Ash – Yon dan (4th degree Black Belt) Kaitlyn Ash – San dan (3rd degree Black Belt) Karate is an individual endeavor. Each person is taught and advanced according to his/her own ability. Initially, you will learn a basic foundation of karate techniques on which to build. Fundamentals of actual street and sport karate are later incorporated into your training as well as the Isshinryu kata. All classes include stretching and calisthenics. To be effective in karate, you must be in optimum shape. This book lists the minimal testing criteria for each belt level. Your sensei will decide when you are ready for testing, even if you have met the listed criteria. The rank criteria are simply a guide for the student. Practice is very important to prepare yourself for learning and advancement. To be a true black belt, you must not rush through the kyu ranks. Take advantage of that time to practice and improve all techniques and kata. We can never stop learning or improving ourselves. The secret of martial arts success is practice. Like uniforms are required during class representing tradition and equality in students. The main objective of Isshinryu is the perfection of oneself through both physical and mental development. Ash’s Karate combines teaching Isshinryu karate with a well- rounded exercise program. MISSION STATEMENT: To instill confidence, courtesy, and respect while building mental and physical strength, self discipline, balance, focus, endurance and perseverance in students so that they may empower themselves to overcome physical and mental obstacles, build character and unify mind, body and spirit.
    [Show full text]
  • Meibukanmagazine No 2
    MEIBUKAN MAGAZINE House Of The Pure Martial Arts Interview with Master Anthony Mirakian Science as a Weapon The History of Goju-ryu Karate, Part III What is Ki? Courtesy of Anthony Mirakian. Picture taken by Edward Mills. Courtesy of THE INTERNATIONAL WEB BASED MARTIAL ARTS No 4 FEBRUARY 2005 MAGAZINE AS A PDF DOCUMENT MEIBUKAN MAGAZINE House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG No 4 February 2005 MEIBUKAN MAGAZINE House of the Pure Martial Arts No 4 FEBRUARY 2005 MISSION STATEMENT Column 2 A Shift in Intention Meibukan Magazine is an initiative of Lex Opdam and Mark Hemels. Aim of this web based magazine is to spread the knowledge and spirit of the martial arts. In a non profitable manner Meibukan Maga- zine draws attention to the historical, spiritual and Interview 2 technical background of the oriental martial arts. Interview with Master Anthony Mirakian Starting point are the teachings of Okinawan ka- rate-do. As ‘House of the Pure Martial Arts’, how- Anthony Mirakian was the first Westerner taught by Grandmaster Meitoku ever, Meibukan Magazine offers a home to the vari- Yagi, the top student and successor of Chojun Miyagi, the founder of Goju- ous authentic martial arts traditions. ryu. Reflecting on a lifetime of practice, Master Anthony Mirakian dis- FORMAT cusses the meaning of karate-do and the techniques of Goju-ryu kata. Meibukan Magazine is published several times a year in an electronical format with an attractive mix Feature 10 of subjects and styles. Each issue of at least twelve pages is published as pdf-file for easy printing.
    [Show full text]
  • Snapkick Dojo Student Newsletter
    Snapkick Dojo student newsletter “The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory nor defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants ” ― Gichin Funakoshi “Protect your enthusiasm from the negativity of others.” ~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr. Sensei Gichin Funakoshi - Father of Modern Day Karate O’Sensei Gichin Funakoshi is known as the Father of One was that he adapted the training methods so Modern Day Karate and is probably the best known name that they could be more easily practiced by everybody, in karate history. regardless of age, ability or sex. He was born in the city of Shuri on the island of He also made karate more accessible to the Okinawa in 1868 and by the age of 11, Funakoshi was Japanese by changing the meaning of the word ‘Kara’. training with the great Okinawan teachers Anko Itosu and Originally, the words kara and te meant ‘Chinese’ and Yasutsune Azato. ‘hand.’ However, in Japanese the characters used for At this time it was illegal to learn martial arts, though kara could also mean ‘empty’ in Japanese. As this fitted that did not stop him and many others practicing in secret. the style so well and since karate had developed to be Around the turn of the century the art came out into the very different from the Chinese styles, ‘empty hand’ open and began to be taught in public schools, thanks became the new meaning of the word. largely to the efforts of Anko Itosu. Amongst his more prominent beliefs was By the time Funakoshi was an adult he excelled in Funakoshi’s conviction that the best martial arts karate, so much so that when the Crown Prince of Japan, exponents should be so confident that they had nothing Hirohito, visited Okinawa, Funakoshi was chosen to to prove about their fighting prowess.
    [Show full text]
  • University of Connecticut Department of Allied Health
    UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ALLIED HEALTH AH 1200-003: Introduction to Jujutsu Fall, 2009 Instructor: Gregory M. Kane Phone #: Work: 860-465-5175 E-mail: [email protected] Meeting Location: Hawley Armory Gym Meeting Time: Tuesday and Thursday 7:00 – 9:00 I. COURSE DESCRIPTION: Wa Shin Ryu Jujutsu is an integrated approach to the development of practical self defense/combative skills and inner power. It integrates diverse methods of fighting into a holistic, internally consistent system. The system focuses on the development of the total person by constantly emphasizing the integration of mind and body and the development of focused power (shuchu ryoku). The primary and immediate purpose of this beginner course is to provide students with practical self defense skills and develop a state of mind which permits their successful application in dangerous situations. Long term goals for those who choose to pursue the study of Wa Shin Ryu include mind-body harmony, empowerment, heightened levels of awareness and self actualization. Many health/wellness benefits are also associated with the study and practice of the art (as is the case with many martial arts). To reach the goals of Wa Shin Ryu we employ the principles of the Four-Fold Path: This path requires: i. Diligent and rigorous training in the art of Wa Shin Ryu ii. Regular meditation/introspection iii. Practice and application of the philosophy of Wa Shin Ryu (see System, Philosophy and Principles) file iv. Practice and application of the basic principles of Wa Shin Ryu (Principles of Movement, Power, Strategy and Execution). (See "System, Philosophy and Principles of Wa Shin Ryu Jujutsu" for an explanation of these terms) II.
    [Show full text]
  • Shoto Ryu Karate Kai Association History Rules and Grading Syllabus
    SHOTO RYU KARATE KAI ASSOCIATION HISTORY, RULES & GRADING SYLLABUS Master Vivian Nash 8th Dan FOUNDER OF SHOTO RYU KARATE KAI ASSOCIATION 1931 - 2009 Viv, as he liked to be known (outside the dojo), was born in Radstock, near Bristol, but his family settled in Plymouth when he was around five years old. BOXING Viv spent much of his life practicing and studying physical activity, and fighting arts. His mother had a theatrical background and encouraged Viv to explore the rhythm and harmony of music and dance. His father, a keen amateur boxer, taught Viv to box to a high standard. It is perhaps this positive encouragement, from a very early age that put Viv on the path to become the martial arts master and perfectionist that he certainly was. Viv was successful in the Amateur Boxing Association and during two years of National Service in the Army he became Middle-weight Battalion Champion. He also boxed in fair ground booths and often said that his boxing experience underpinned the physical side of his early karate practice. ‘I fought in many competitions, winning most of them. Later I boxed in fairground booths for £3 for three rounds; in those days, I liked to fight very much. I believe that boxing certainly helped the physical side of my karate.’ However, whilst in the army he was involved in a fire accident and was badly burned, thus ending his boxing career. While in the army he served in Suez and during his off-duty hours would spend many hours in the library, reading about many different religions.
    [Show full text]
  • April 2007 Newsletter
    February 2020 Newsletter Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai www.goju.com ________________________________________________________ Hello GKK members, Dojo Leaders and National Directors, It is once again time to collect the annual dues and update the active member list. Dan ranks are $25 and Kyu ranks are $15.Dojo Leaders are to send this to your National Director. For example, Frank Matt (Dojo Leader) of the Corinth Goju Dojo in New York will send their dues and active member list to the USA Director, Dwight Scales. The National Directors are to send the active member list (in Excel or word) and dues to Ed Myers (CEO) This is all due by April 1st." Spring Seminar and Organizational Meeting By Dwight Scales Save the Date! This year's Spring Seminar and Organizational Meeting will be hosted by Mr. Bill Kane - Ambler Dojo. It will be held the weekend after Mother's Day, May 15th and 16th. Black belt testing will be Friday with Yamakura Shihan's seminars the following day. Please send black belt candidate information to Sensei Myers and Scales no later than April 15. Further updates to follow. Some Thoughts on Kata Niseishi and Goju Ryu By Stephen Hampsten The kata Niseishi, also called Nijushiho, is usually translated as “24.” I learned this kata around 1987 from my first karate instructor, Jim Knoblet, who, at the time, was teaching a Shorin Ryu-related style called Shobukan. Shobukan is a minor style taught primarily in Sasebo, Japan, near the US Naval base, which is where Jim’s teacher, Bruce Lisle, trained for 14 years.
    [Show full text]
  • Los Orígenes De Los Kata De Goju Ryû Shisochin
    Los orígenes de los kata de Goju ryû Shisochin Dan Djurdjevic Miyagi Sensei. Shishochin bunkai Kenshinkan dôjô 2013 Shisochin comienza con tres posiciones sanchin dachi, esto, en principio, la hace semejante a los kata del Grupo H. Sin embargo, se aparta del Grupo H en casi todo lo demás: el kata es “simétrico” y contiene una alta proporción de técnicas “suaves”. Más aún, la apertura se hace ejecutando golpes en nukite. Aunque se dice que los kata del Grupo H se practicaban originalmente con las manos abiertas, es más probable que, al igual que ocurre en Uechi ryû, la técnica de nukite se ejecutara con la palma hacia abajo -apuntando ligeramente más abajo de la tetilla del atacante- no con la mano en posición vertical dirigida al plexo solar, como ocurre en Shisochin. Esto apunta a que Shisochin puede provenir de una fuente diferente a la de los kata del Grupo H y de la misma fuente que otros katas, como: Saifa, Seiyunchin, Sepai, Kururunfa. ¿Pero cuál es esa fuente? Como dije en la segunda parte de este artículo, Shisochin debía de existir en Okinawa antes de que Kanryo Higaonna viajara a China: hay un registro escrito de Seisho Aragaki ejecutando un kata llamado Chisakuin en una demostración realizada en 1867. Seisho Aragaki fue, por supuesto, el primer profesor de Kanryo Higaonna. ¿Podría haber enseñado Kanryo Higaonna el kata Chisakuin/Shisochin a Miyagi Sensei como un kata separado del programa? ¿O, quizá, Miyagi Sensei rescató formas que le enseñara su primer profesor, Ryuko Aragaki?, quién seguramente había conocido las formas de Seisho.
    [Show full text]
  • Kei Shin Kan Karate-Do Information Booklet KEI SHIN KAN KARATE - DO
    Kei Shin Kan Karate-Do Information Booklet KEI SHIN KAN KARATE - DO Background and history Kei Shin Kan Karate-Do is a Japanese form of the martial art of Karate. It arrived in Australia in 1971 and has branches in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania. The founder of Kei Shin Kan is Master Takazawa who was given a dojo by his teacher (Master Toyama) in 1958. Master Takazawa still lives in Nagano Japan. The head of Kei Shin Kan in Australia is Shihan Uchida in Sydney. The benefits of Karate There are many benefits from studying Karate, including : Learn self-defence and how to avoid dangerous situations Improve mental discipline and patience Improve strength, fitness and flexibility Meeting and socialising with a friendly group of students. It is likely to take many years for a normal person to achieve a high standard although students may progress faster depending on their dedication to training. While it is not realistic to set a particular time-frame to achieve black belt level, it is unusual to reach this level in less than 5 years. Again, the speed of progression varies with each individual. The syllabus Much emphasis is placed on learning proper basic techniques including stances, punches and blocks. These movements form the foundation of Karate practice. Sparring is introduced gradually starting with restricted sparring such as one-step sparring. As skills improve other sparring practice is introduced including three-action sparring, hands-only sparring and eventually free sparring. Safety in sparring is paramount. All sparring is strictly non-contact and protective equipment is worn also in case of accidental contact.
    [Show full text]
  • Roots of Shotokan: Funakoshi's Original 15 Kata
    Joe Swift About The Author: Joe Swift, native of New York State (USA) has lived in Japan since 1994. He holds a dan-rank in Isshinryu Karatedo, and also currently acts as assistant instructor (3rd dan) at the Mushinkan Shoreiryu Karate Kobudo Dojo in Kanazawa, Japan. He is also a member of the International Ryukyu Karate Research Society and the Okinawa Isshinryu Karate Kobudo Association. He currently works as a translator/interpreter for the Ishikawa International Cooperation Research Centre in Kanazawa. He is also a Contributing Editor for FightingArts.com. Roots Of Shotokan: Funakoshi's Original 15 Kata Part 1- Classification & Knowledge Of Kata Introduction Gichin Funakoshi is probably the best known karate master of the early 20th century and is known by many as the "Father Of Japanese Karate." It was Funakoshi who was first selected to demonstrate his Okinawan art on mainland Japan. In Japan Funakoshi helped build the popularity of his fledgling art and helped it gain acceptance by the all important Japanese organization founded (and sanctioned by the government) to preserve and promote the martial arts and ways in Japan (the Dai Nippon Butokukai). An author of several pioneering books on karate, he was the founder Shotokan karate from which many other styles derived. When Funakoshi arrived in Japan in 1922, he originally taught a total of fifteen kata, although it has been speculated that he probably knew many more. The purpose of this article will be to introduce some of the theories on the possible origins of these kata, provide some historical testimony on them, and try and improve the overall understanding of the roots of Shotokan.
    [Show full text]