Click here to download more information
On Saturday Iain will teach the applications on the Heian/Pinan series. These kata were created by Anko Itosu be a holistic summary of the core methods of the older shuri-te kata. Gichin Funakoshi (a student of Itosu) wrote, “Once you have learnt these kata you can be confident of your ability to defend yourself in most situations. Iain will show how this is true by covering the striking, trapping, locks, throws, cranks, strangles, etc with in this kata series. We will also cover how the kata series presents this wide range of methods in a logical order to guide the student’s progress.
On Sunday, we will cover the basics of kata-based sparring. This is a series of safe, productive and fun live drills which will bring the kata to life. Funakoshi wrote, “Sparring does not exist apart from the kata, but for the practise of the kata.” Choki Motobu (who also trained under Itosu) wrote, “Kumite is a live fight where we use the techniques of the kata to grapple with an opponent”. Today, most karate sparring is based on the modern competitive format. Therefore, the traditional link between kata and kumite has been severed. Iain will lead the group through a series of sparring drills that will allow the karateka to spar with the methods of the kata as was the case in the past. These drills are fun to do, they are safe, and they show just how effective kata methods can be when correctly drilled.
- 392 reads