Jitte - Shotokan Karate

The most popular image associated with kata is that of a karate practitioner performing a series of punches and kicks in the air. The kata are executed as a specified series of approximately 20 to 70 moves, generally with stepping and turning, while attempting to maintain perfect form. There are perhaps 100 kata across the various forms of karate, each with many minor variations. The number of moves in a kata may be referred to in the name of the kata, eg. Gojushiho, which means "54 steps." The number of moves may also have links with Buddhist spirituality. The number 108 is significant in Buddhism, and kata with 54, 36, or 27 moves (divisors of 108) are common. The practitioner is generally counselled to visualize the enemy attacks, and his or her responses, as actually occurring, and karateka are often told to "read" a kata, to explain the imagined events.

In teaching the open handed kata, most styles of Karate start with a series of three, or sometimes two, very simple kata called blocking forms before advancing to five basic kata named Pinan in some systems and Heian in others. By working through this series (in order: Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yondan, Godan (except in Wado Ryu Karate, where Shodan and Nidan are reversed)) the practitioner learns all the basic stances and techniques before moving on to more advanced kata. Traditionally, kata are taught in stages. Previously learned kata are returned to in order to show more advanced techniques or ways of doing things, as beginners do not have the same knowledge and experience that practitioners further up the ranks have. It is not uncommon in some styles for students testing for Shodan (first rank black belt) to have to repeat every kata they have learned from the first belt, but at a "black belt" level, for example, with better technique, power, amongst others. This system is often used for the lower grades as well. The student will perform one new kata and one or two previous ones, to demonstrate how much they have progressed and how quickly they can learn new things.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• karate
• shotokan
• kata
• black
• belt
• jitte

[Coocey]

I do agree with what most people are saying. I'm sorry, but I don't believe that most of us have any right to criticise Kancho Kanazawa. He is a 10th Dan, and a complete karate legend. So in short, he is NOT too slow

[SKIFTIGER]

Kancho Kanazawa 10th Dan is not to slow.He has advanced the method of Kata with the correct breathing and timing.Kancho Kanazawa 10th Dan is one of the best Kata teachers.Only the people who knows him and studied under him will understand.Only the second part of the kata is for training purpose.The first part is done at the correct timing and speed.

[frankvtec88]

Overall a great series. Critisizers, put up some vids. If not.....point will not be taken.

[moooooo430]

It matters not what style, karate is karate. You can look at anything and say it is not proper or ineffective, but you will not know until you shut out ignorance and open the mind and heart. Therein lies the beauty of karate.

[ArianaGrandeRulesxxx]

I have a competition next week and this should help (i hope!!) i always use these and to top it im with shotokan karate x

[guptaaks007]

15 years of practicing..Havent seen such katas !! 

[Carl2]

@rivaltuna alot of ufc/mma guys are shitty fighters....even just out right sloppy.....

[TheNaz511]

I see there are some dislikes, it's ok, maybe they're not under Shotokan Karate... ;p hehe just sayin' :)

[MrKarateka123]

Thank you Kanazawa and thank you shotokankataman. I ALWAYS use these videos before my karate tests. :-D

[18100Heath]

@dkenny Actually, feet must go a fraction of second before hands, because you need to first create a stable stance in order to get power and strenght. The first movements are done slower, that's why this difference seems greater. Also, those movements are actually joint locks and throws, that in order to be effective need a very strong stance. It is completly useless to do Karate techniques if you don't have a good stance, that's why feet go first.

[dkenny]

the arms and standing don't seem coordinated..just look at the first couple of movements..Its my understanding that the hands and feet must be together..

if I wrong ok..but explain this to my teacher..I've studied for 25+yrs.together or no strength..did I miss something?

[thejuzboi2]

The way he does his kata is strong yet flowing, without the feeling of stiffness and perfect timing and breathing. those who compare him to other competition fighters are just dumb. some of the competition karateka only use strength and speed, while not focusing on the flow of the kata and making the kata seem robot-like