New-Fangled Kata

In the Shotokan syllabus we have the 26 pillars of our art: The 26 kata that were set down by Nakayama sensei when the JKA was established. From these forms, we have drawn all our techniques which represent classic Shotokan karate and through these kata we can trace our history back to the beginnings of martial arts... Surely no one would argue these points? We have all we need, right? There is no necessity to study any other kata! In fact some people advocate that we should take five years to study just one kata? We don't have the time to study any more, correct?

However, why does Kanazawa sensei teach Gankaku-sho and several Goju Ryu kata? Why did Nakayama sensei teach non-JKA/Shotokan kata at his private Hoitsugan dojo? Why does Asai sensei practise over 120 different karate kata? Why do Shito Ryu karata-ka have over 50 kata in there syllabus? And where do we get a large amount of karate techniques that are not found in the 26 kata (Ushiro-geri being the most obvious)?

I am a member of the Japan Karate Shoto-renmei. As a member my karate, and the direction of Karate within the JKS, has been heavily influenced by our Chief Instructor, Tetsuhiko Asai 9th Dan. He is, and we are, pure Shotokan karate-ka. However, as I mentioned before, Asai sensei knows and regularly practises over 120 kata that he has learnt and mastered in his 52 years of karate practise. The JKS no longer has 26 kata in its syllabus; Asai sensei has added five more, Junro 1-5 (more about this later). But why has he done this and why do/did other top instructors feel the need to go beyond our "26 pillars"?

With the increased practise of non-Shotokan kata, I have heard concerns about karate-ka becoming "jack of all trades", but masters of none. Well, I would dispute this. I have learnt to a greater or lesser extent in my 20 years of training about 55 kata. Some I still practise and teach to this day, others I have learnt, taken from them what I feel is important and then forgotten them. I am convinced that these non-Shotokan forms compliment syllabus kata and karate as a whole. Each one has unique lessons to teach. Body mechanics that may only be hinted at in Shotokan kata, may take centre stage in the non-Shotokan kata. Once learnt and practise, I find that when returning to the syllabus kata I have a new depth of understanding and greater skill at performing them.
I understand that some people may not have the time or the interest to study more than the 26 requires kata. However, for anyone who is going beyond the low dan ranks, then a greater, in-depth study of these kata would be beneficial. It also keeps the mind fresh. After sandan what is new about karate? We all have the perfection of technique to aim for, but many people struggle to form short and medium term goals. These kata can be part of the answer. Plus, when the JKA formed, the exclusion of many kata seems arbitrary and unfair. I am no karate historian, so I will not pass comment on why some kata were chosen and others not, but after studying beyond the 26 I find it strange that Gankaku Dai was kept (known as Gankaku), but Gankaku Sho was left out. Meikyo Shodan was kept (known a Meikyo or Rohai) but Meikyo Nidan and Sandan were discarded.

So I would like to bring to the attention of the readers a few kata that they may find interesting (all of which can be viewed at www.thejks.com)

Rantai: It means "difficult body" and is mostly a kicking kata. Introducing ushiro-geri and ura-mea-geri, the kata is great for developing strong and flexible hips.

Hachimon: It means "eight gates" and takes its name from the eight directions it takes throughout the kata. Helping to develop strong, fluid turns and pivots, the kata is great for concentrating on the fundamentals of stance.

Meikyo Nidan: The second out of three. Whilst complimenting Meikyo Shodan, it is similar to the Tekki kata. When I first leant Tekki Shodan, I found it difficult and complicated. Later, when I learnt Nidan and Sandan, I understood how basic shodan was, but at the same time learning Nidan and Sandan gave me more insight into Shodan. Meikyo is the same. After practising Nidan, Shodan seems simply and undemanding, whilst at the same time you gain a greater appreciation of it.

Kakusen Shodan: One of seven. This is an ashi-bari kata. It teaches so much about balance, strength and timing; it is a great way to practise foot sweeps.

Senka: It means "line of flowers". There are no straight lines in a row of flowers, nor are there in Senka. A wonderful kata, concentrating on correct pivoting, turning and spinning with the deployment of kime at the end of each turn.

Joko Issei: One of five. A basic kata to help with pivoting and the use of hips to generate body movement.

Junro Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yondan & Godan: Five kata developed by Asai sensei. Junro means to "level up" or "the next step" and each one is designed to bridge the gap between low / intermediate kata and the advanced kata in the Shotokan Syllabus. These kata compliment the existing 26 and as a professional instructor, they have given me a mass of ideas that I can translate into kihon and kumite lessons.

Funakoshi sensei taught 15 kata. Nakayama sensei added eleven more and taught even more at the Hoitsugan. Kanazawa sensei teaches Gankaku-sho and Goju Ryu kata. Asai sensei draws from his vast wealth of knowledge and will teach non-Shotokan kata depending on what weaknesses he sees in his students. They must all think that there are advantages to going beyond the 26 standard kata and I can see why. Each kata has unique insights into bio-mechanics. Even if we practise them for a short time and then forget them, our bodies have muscle memory which will then be used when we practise standard forms. Furthermore, these kata haven't been "Shotokanised". Over the years small changes haven't been made for the sake of competitions and gradings. They are in their original form and as such, the bunkai to each kata is both practical and efficient. There is no need to change the kata to make correct distance with your partner. Nor is it necessary for your partner to attack unrealistically short as you step in to block. They really work and I have often taught these kata initially through bunkai, then have my students add all the pieces together to make the kata; something I would never dream of doing with Shotokan kata.

Karate has progressed so much since it was first introduced to the west over 40 years ago. I think the increasing practise of these non-Shotokan kata represent the strength and development of our great style.

Scott is available for courses throughout Europe. Contact scott@thejks.com