Rainhill Kase Ha Shotokan Karate Academy

Hangetsu - "Half Moon"

Hangetsu introduces new techniques including:

a gedan gassho uke (lower level double palm heel block),
a unique combination of basic hand and foot techniques.

There are two kiai points in Hangetsu:

On the first turning combination which is comprised of a shuto chudan uchi uke and shuto gedan barai (middle level sword hand inside outward block, and a lower level sword hand block).
On the second to the last movement of the kata, a gedan tsuki (lower level 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.

"The goal is to do the kata as "you feel it", as a true expression of yourself, and not as a clone of your teacher".