Empi Kata

What is Kata?

In Karate, kata is a sequence of moves organized into a pre-arranged fight against imaginary opponents. The kata consists of kicks, punches, sweeps, strikes, blocks, and throws. Body movement in various kata includes stepping, twisting, turning, dropping to the ground, and jumping. Kata is not a performance or a demonstration, but is for individual karateka to practice full techniques– with every technique potentially a killing blow (ikken hisatsu), while paying particular attention to form and timing (rhythm).

The standard kata in (Shotokan) Karate are:

Empi Kata

Power in this kata is not quite as obvious as a kata such as Sochin, which uses deep-rooted stances. Instead, this kata creates power through movement, making this kata quite deceptive.

This kata was formally known as Hanshu, although the kata we practice today has been greatly modified by Master Itosu. Master Funakoshi however gave this kata it's name while trying to make this okinawan art accessible to the Japanese audience.

This kata introduces age-tsuki, while also using a huge, highly athletic jump. This kata requires lightness on the feet, and through training in this kata, you will learn to move quickly and generate power through momentum and movement.