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Black Washed Wall

Black belt kata

The following kata are learned from Shodan (1st Dan) black belt upwards and must be performed in addition to all previous kata to attain Sandan (3rd Dan) black belt, thereby completing the full 27 kata syllabus.

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Sochin
壯鎭

"Strength and Calm"

This kata has many transitions between slow and fast moves and therefore timing is important.

Check with your Sensei for the detail.

Can be a "chosen kata" for 2nd Dan grading.

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Nijushiho
二十四步

"24 Steps"

The enbusen (line of travel) for this kata is unusual in being mostly behind the starting position.  Your yoko-geri-kekomi (side thrust kick) technique will need practice to execute effectively as required in the kata.

Can be a "chosen kata" for 2nd Dan grading.

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Bassai Sho
披塞小

"Storm a fortress - minor"

Be careful with the hand positions in the palm blocks and traps at the end of the kata.  Go low for the two ura-ashigake (leg sweeps) but ensuring that balance can be maintained as the leg is retracted.
Can be a "chosen kata" for 2nd Dan grading.

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Kanku Sho
観空小

"View the Sky - minor"

The variation in detail compared to Kanku Dai can be cause for mistakes if not practiced regularly.  Full effort must be used to maintain strong techniques throughout this energetic kata including the multiple jumps.

Can be a "chosen kata" for 2nd Dan grading.

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Meikyo
明鏡

"Bright Mirror"

This kata originates from the older kata "Rohai".  Though it may sometimes be referred to by this name it is quite distinctive in its own right.  This is a fairly short kata with a number of repeated sequences, ending with an energetic combination of moves.
Will be tested in 3rd Dan grading.

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Tekki Sandan
鉄騎三段

"Iron horseriding - 3rd level"

As with the other Tekki kata, the pace is quite brisk with only one slow tension move.  Ensure good kime on completion of each technique to prevent them blending together.

Will be tested in the 3rd Dan grading.

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Gangaku
岩鶴

"Crane on a rock"

A very difficult kata to execute cleanly.  Good balance and solid stance transitions are crucial.  When executed at a high level of proficiency, this is a powerful yet beautiful kata to behold.

Will be tested in the 3rd Dan grading.

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Gojushiho Dai
五十四歩大

"Fifty four steps - major"

Note the landing with the double ippon-nukite (finger strike) is with both feet flat on the floor, in a foot positioning similar to neko-ashi-dachi but without the heel raised for the front foot.
Will be tested in 3rd Dan grading.

Gojushiho sho.jpg
Gojushiho Sho
五十四歩小

"Fifty four steps - minor"

One of the longest kata that will require you to maintain focus to keep your bearing for repeated moves.
Will be tested in 3rd Dan grading.

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Unsu
雲手

"Cloud hands"

This is the most advanced kata in the syllabus with complex combinations, ground techniques and the infamous 360 degree senpu tobi geri (aka the "tornado kick").  The right foot mikazuki geri (crescent kick) should slap into the left palm whilst in the air, though in practice this is almost superfluous and the move is often sacrificed to quickly bring the leg in tight to help complete the turn in the air.  This jump will require full commitment and practice to execute correctly. 

Will be tested in the 3rd Dan grading.

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Wankan
王冠

"King and Crown"

This is one of the shortest kata in the syllabus.  Take note of the hand positions for the hiza-kuzushi (knee strike).  There is no transition to zenkutsu-dachi for the double punches to the sides, though you may often see some schools transitioning between fudo-dachi and zenkutsu-dachi.
Will be tested in 3rd Dan grading.

Black Washed Wall
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Email: sensei@junzenkarate.com

Tel: 07595 291519

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