Category: Kata Series

We continued our kata series last week with a very interesting kata – Kankudai.

As part of the sentei list of katas, Kankudai is introduced from brown belt onward, and is among the choices offered as a tokui or favorite kata to be performed at either 1st kyu or Shodan examinations.
With a series of 65 movements Kankudai takes first place for the longest kata in the Shotokan curriculum, and its bold and dramatic movements far surpasses its smaller cousin Kankusho.

Kankudai was adapted and brought into Shotokan by Gichin Funakoshi himself, the founder of Shotokan, in the 1930s. The name translates to “Looking at the Sky” or sometimes also referred to as “Rising sun”, both meanings taken from the starting movements of the kata.

The kata consists of some very basic movements, required to be performed at a high level of proficiency, given that it can be chosen as an entrance to Shodan grade. The movements are dynamic, complex, and if performed at the correct tempo, the kata execution should last 90 seconds. While the movements are deceptively simple, and references can be made to similar combinations in the Heian katas studied as karate beginners, it is the bunkai that sets Kankudai apart. Many of the moves are designed to control and or disarm someone with a stick, and the kata bunkai symbolizes attack and defense against eight opponents.

Despite this kata’s deep complexities, dynamic bunkai and importance in our syllabus, it is still one that represents modesty in karate, hence the humbling name, ‘Looking to the Sky’. A true karate practitioner will be mindful of this when practiced Kankudai and bring that humility and grace into all aspects of their karate practice.

SKKSA is excited to kick off our Kata series with BASSA DAI.
Love this kata, or loathe it, there is no getting away from the importance of this kata in our senior grading syllabus.
Bassa Dai is a sentei kata requiring a compulsory performance of it during the 2nd kyu up to shodan grading examination. However this does not mean that it can be forgotten after shodan grading, as it may be a surprise inclusion in subsequent Dan examinations! It is thus a significant kata in the SKKSA grading syllabus, resembling a ‘rite of passage’ for many Karate students and so becomes a much coveted Kata.

Bassa Dai is a majestic kata, one of the oldest and best known in Okinawan Karatedo. Translated, it means “storming the fortress” and it lives up to its name, with strong, powerful movements executed with explosive speed. This means that one must exhibit the power and spirit required to break through an enemy’s castle. This is further emphasized in the bunkai (application) where focus is on breaking an opponent’s balance, creating openings, and utilizing defensive techniques.

To a true karateka, the performance of Bassa Dai can be interpreted as overcoming obstacles, symbolizing inner strength and showing courage and determination. We look forward to Aneel Sensei taking us through the fine details of this all powerful kata at our Senior Saturday class this week 🥋

Gankaku, or “crane on the rock” for its distinct pose that evokes the image of a crane defending against its enemies whilst standing on one leg, was originally called Chintō, a name that belongs to the Shorei style. It is one of the most ancient kata belonging to the tradition, and as such its origins are unknown.

It has been perfected over the years by various masters, and the most recent form was developed by Ankō Itosu. It is a kata that has balance and power at its core. The ability for a karateka to encompass the kime required for the simultaneous yokogeri-uraken whilst standing on one leg is paramount to delivering a good rendition of Gankaku.

The Tale of Chintō

One legend of the kata’s origin relates the tale of a Chinese sailor named Chintō. When his ship crashed on the coast of Okinawa, Chintō was stranded. To survive, he stole crops from a nearby village. Matsumura Sōkon, a master of karate and the chief bodyguard of Ryukyuan king, was dispatched to confront Chintō. In the ensuing fight, Sōkon realized he was equally matched with Chintō, and decided to learn the style and techniques of the stranded sailor. Thus, Sōkon developed what is today Gankaku. Chintō translates to “fighter to the east”, perhaps alluding to its origins of the confrontation between Chintō and Sōkon on the Okinawan coast. It is sometimes said that this kata should be practiced whilst facing eastwards.

Gankaku has many advanced techniques: its opening is dynamic, with the exponent pulling his attacker’s hand towards his hip, then pivoting to dislocate the attacker’s shoulder. Its enbusen, or movement pattern, was adapted by Gichin Funakoshi. It consists of a single vertical line, which belies the kata’s incredible dynamism and inherent power.

Italian Team: Gankaku at the Final of the 21st WKF Championships