Rainhill Kase Ha Shotokan Karate Academy

Gojushiho Dai - "Fifty Four Steps"

Gojushiho Dai introduces new techniques including:

chudan otoshi ryo ippon nukite tsuki (middle level double one knuckle spear hand dropping punch),
washide gedan otoshi uchi (lower level falling eagle strike),
washide jodan uchi (upper level eagle strike).

There are two kiai points in Gojushiho Dai:

On the chudan oi tsuki (middle level lunge punch) at the top of the of the embusen (line of attack) three quarters of the way through the kata.
On the second to last movement of the kata which is a chudan otoshi ryo ippon nukite tsuki (middle level double one finger spear hand dropping strike).

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.

"When someone is willing to share their knowledge with you, wait until the lesson is over before you claim to know it all".