Rainhill Kase Ha Shotokan Karate Academy

Wankan - "Kings Crown"

Whilst Wankan is the shortest kata and probably least practiced kata in any Shotokan dojo, it is a very fluid and low impact kata, that is far more complex than it first appears to be.

Embusen

This kata is unusual in that it has only one kiai point which occurs on the last movement of the kata a yama tsuki (mountain 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.

"Observation is a pre-requisite to success".