Sunday, October 26, 2008

Wansu Kata

Joslin's East West Karate—Wansu Kata Facts

What is Wansu Kata known for? The "Big Drop"
What technique do you get for the first time in Wansu Kata? The "Cross-body" punch
What is the new stance you learn in Wansu? Zen Kutsu Dachi
From which village in Okinawa did Wansu come from? Tomari
What is the principle of Wansu Kata? Changing distances
What does Isshinryu mean? One Heart Way
From whom did Master Shimabuku learn Wansu Kata? Chotoku Kyan
Which instructor taught Master Shimabuku Ippon kumite? Master Chokki Motobu




Shotokan practicioners call the Wansu Kata Empi which relates to the flight of the swallow. Master Funakoshi was probably reminded of the up and down movement of swallows in flight in the movement if the kata.


The kata comes from the Shorin-Ryu system and is named for a Chinese attaché. The attaché, some sources say, was shipwrecked while others say he was sent by the government about 1863 to Tomari, near Shuri. Master Wansu was known as the birdman and the Wansu art became known as Tomari Te (forerunners of Shorin-Ryu). Wansu is known as the dumping form and is also known for the hidden punch in the kata and for strong arm punches.


Bushi Matsumura taught the Kata to Choki Motobu and Chotoku Kyan, masters of Shimabuku.


Isshin-Ryu Karate: The One Heart - One Mind Method
by Master Allen Wheeler

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