Rainhill Kase Ha Shotokan Karate Academy

Gankaku - "Crane on a Rock"

Gankaku introduces new techniques:

a jodan sokumen awase uke (upper level side combination block).

There are two kiai points in this kata:

On the first chudan oi tsuki (middle level lunge punch).
On the very last movement of the kata also a chudan oi tsuki (middle level lunge punch).

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.

"Honestly knowing where you stand at any given time, is one of the keys to moving forward in the right direction".