Newport IOW Shotokan Karate Club
Newport IOW Shotokan Karate Ni-Dan Kata's
Bassai Sho is the smaller version of "Penetrating a Fortress," having fewer movements and a slightly smaller frame than its predecessor, Bassai Dai. This kata is similar to Bassai Dai in its embusen and style of movement. While Bassai Dai is a very heavy kata that uses very large movements to demonstrate outer strength and power, the smaller techniques of Bassai Sho should exhibit an inner calm and energy.
In the Shotokan kata system there exist three kata that have two versions: Kanku, Bassai, and Gojushiho. Each has a Sho (small) version and a Dai (big) version, the Dai form usually being the one with the larger frame and greater number of movements.
It has 27 counts
Kanku Sho is quite exhaustive, requiring a greater level of Wtness, especially if it must be performed repeatedly. It is one of the more acrobatic kata found in Shotokan, complete with, not one, but two jump- ing techniques, which are very diQcult for the average karate student Wrst learning them. The first jump is similar to the jump found in Empi except the jump should be performed on the spot, rather than moving back- wards. The second jump, similar to the one found in Unsu (albeit easier), is a jumping spinning crescent kick. Like most anything, these jumps get easier with practice, but then of course, become more diffcult with age. As such, Kanku Sho is usually the preferred kata of younger and more athletic black belts.
Although many of Kanku Sho's techniques can be found in other kata, it is the only kata demonstrating tsukami-uke with the other hand grasping one's own wrist providing an advanced wrist-locking application.
It has 48 counts
Jitte is a very robust and "heavy" kata, having many powerful techniques. Even the slow movements are executed with a certain vigor and tension. Although Jitte does not have any really complex movements, some of the hip motions require a lot of practice to devel- op proper kime. It is essential that the karateka demonstrate true budo spirit in each attack and defense, and every movement should be completed with absolute confidence and destructive power.
Many of the applications for Jitte focus on defenses against stick (bo) attacks. The "stick defense" applications of Jitte usually work equally well against an opponent's arm, providing many arm-breaking techniques.
It has 24 counts
Nijushiho, or "24 Steps," is named after the number of foot movements, or "steps," present in the kata.This kata has a natural flow from one move to another. This is where at certain points in the kata, the timing becomes very rapid, almost seeming a little rushed, yet always followed by a slow move to temper the kata's pace and maintain the kata's Iuidity. It is an excellent kata for developing timing and rhythm.
All of this lends to the idea that the karateka must defend within a small space, quickly changing opponents. The only long-range techniques found in Nijushiho are the two yoko-kekomi, the only traditional kekomi found in any of the Shotokan kata's.
It has 34 counts
Tekki Nidan is the shortest Tekki kata, consisting of 24 movements. Similar to Tekki Shodan in many ways, this kata is also performed almost entirely in horse stance, with the exception of a few crossing steps and one heisoku-dachi. The objective in this kata is to develop grabbing, throwing, and locking applications while maintaining a strong kiba-dachi.
It has 24 counts