Newport IOW Shotokan Karate Club
Newport IOW Shotokan Karate Sho-Dan Kata's
披塞大 Bassai Dai To Penetrate a Fortress - Big
Bassai (pronounced Patsai in Okinawan) is most often translated as "Penetrate the Fortress," meaning that one must exhibit the power and spirit required to break through an enemy's castle. This is particularly evident in the Kata's FIrst movement, when the Karateka launches forward with soete-uchi-uke.
The word Dai means "big," describing the Kata's larger movements, contrary to its
counterpart Bassai Sho. Bassai, Kanku, and Gojushiho are the three Shotokan Kata that each have two versions, a Sho version (small) and a Dai version (big).
Bassai Dai is believed to have been created by Sokon Matsumura. Much of the bunkai focus on breaking the opponent's balance and defences against grabbing attacks. Like many Shotokan Kata, Bassai Dai is praticed in many styles of karate, having several variations. The JKA version has 42 movements.
Bassai Dai is usually is the most popular choice as the Kata performed for 2nd & 1st kyu gradings and also first degree black belt.
観空大 Kanku Dai (To View The Sky – Big)
Having 65 movements, Kanku Dai is the longest in the Shotokan syllabus. Kanku translates as "Looking at the Sky" or "Viewing the Sky," referring to the Kata's opening sequence.
Kanku Dai is basically an amalgamation of the Heian and Tekki kata. When practicing this Kata, one will Find many pieces of Heian and even some Tekki. It is a very energetic Kata involving jumping, dropping, and spinning techniques.
It is a highly dynamic Kata that must be performed with grace in motion.
慈恩 Jion (Love And Goodness)
Jion is believed to be named after the Jion-ji, a Buddhist temple in China.
The actual translation of Jion means "Love and Goodness."
It has 47 counts and contains some of the most basic movements in the Shotokan system. it is a simple Kata and there are no fancy moves and
should be performed with explosive power and stability.
