Rainhill Kase Ha Shotokan Karate Academy

Empi - "Flying Swallow"

Probably most noted for the kaiten tobi (spinning jump) at the end of the kata, Empi is a complex kata requiring a high level of discipline and offers several new variations on previously learned techniques including:

gedan tsuki, age tsuki, tekubi uchi, teisho oshiage uke and teisho osae uke.

Empi also allows for the practice of rare techniques that, although not unique, are not found in many other kata including:

These movements include orishiki (dropping to one knee), hizakutsu (reverse lean), and kirikae ashi (an advanced form of footwork whereby the karateka switches the feet to counterattack).

Embusen

There are two kiai points in Empi:

On the jodan soto uke (upper level forearm strike) that is performed while in a hidari ashi dachi (left legged stance).
On the moment your start the jump and continues until you land in a kokutsu dachi (back stance) where a chudan shuto tsuki (middle level sword hand strike) is performed.

Tempo (speed)

The tempo of the kata demonstrated below has not been changed for filming. Everyone has their own tempo, however, it should remain similar for all forms/variations.

Demonstration of Kata

Demonstration of Kata Variations

Apart from the common "Omote" (front facing), way of performing kata (as shown above), kata can also be performed, "Ura" (opposite), "Go" (defensive) and "Go no Ura" (defensive opposite). Students will be required to be perform kata variations in advanced gradings. Sensei Kase introduced these variations explaining that performing kata ura, go, or go no ura is closer to actual application in real fighting circumstances.

Sorry, the demonstration video is not available.

"The truth lies in your effort, not in the outcome".