Kata 1 - Gekisai Dai Ichi
The meaning of the Kata Gekisai Dai Ichi is ‘to Attack and Destroy - One’ and it’s the first kata that we learn. The first three moves of the Kata teach us the 3 main areas of striking - Jodan (head), Chudan (body) and Gaedan (beneath the belt).
Required for 9th Kyu - Blue Belt - Half way (First Videos)
8th Kyu - Red Belt - Full Kata (Second Videos)
Kata 2 - Gekisai Dai Ni
The meaning of the Kata Gekisai Dai Ni is ‘to Attack and Destroy - Two’ and has just two differences from Kata 1. The first change is the Uchi Uke (Inside Block) when facing backwards now becomes Kake Uke (Hooking Block), which we do twice forwards and once backwards. The second difference is that the final move is changed to Mawashi Uke (Circular Block), which is done on a 45 degree angle.
Required for 7th Kyu - Yellow Belt
Bunkai / Application
Bunkai arent required for grading until later, as they are really difficult to execute properly with a partner. However, the application of the Kata is very important, which is why we try to teach the Kata through it’s Bunkai. In earlier gradings, students will be asked questions about the application of certain moves in the Kata, to demonstrate they do understand the Bunkai.
The Bunkai videos appear messy, as we try to make the pre arranged suituation as realistic as possible. The aim in self defence is to end the situation as quickly as possible. However, the Kata continues for when a strike or throw may not be effective. This can make it difficult to see every move in the bunkai, which is why it’s broken down in class.
Without Bunkai, Kata is empty.
The Gekisai Dai Bunkai incorporates all the techniques of both Gekisai Dai Ichi and Ni.
Kata 3 - Saifa
The meaning of the Kata Saifa is ‘to Smash and Tear’, and is the first Kata that we have a Bunkai for. Bunkai is the application of the techniques in a Kata. When practising the Bunkai, we have an opponent attack us with punches, kicks and grabs, and use the moves of the Kata to escape and strike.
Required for 6th Kyu - Orange Belt
Kata 4 - Seiyunchin
The meaning of the Kata Seiyunchin is ‘to Control and Pull’. In this Kata there is a lot more breathing and controlled techniques, along with a lot of Shiko Dachi and rapid changes of stance. For that reason this Kata is difficult to be performed well. The Kata also includes escapes in the Bunkai, such as from bear hug and grabbing of the clothes.
Required for 5th Kyu - Purple Belt
Kata 5 - Shisochin
The meaning of the Kata Shisochin is ‘to destroy in four directions’. Shisochin is not a very long Kata, but has some difficult movements within. This Kata also introduces two new strikes, Haito (Ridge Hand Strike) and Shotei (Palm Strike), as well as the Bunkai for an arm bar.
Required for 3rd Kyu - Brown Belt