EMPI

EMPI - FLIGHT OF THE SWALLOW.

The original name of Empi was Wanshū. This is how this kata is still called today in the styles Wadō-ryū, Shōrin-ryū and Shitō-ryū. "Flight of the swallow" - a clear indication that the kata has a fast and dynamic character.

The Yōi is done in Heisoku dachi, with the left hand open and leaning against the right fist. Both hands are at the left hip.

After the techniques after the attack to the chin of the opponent from the bottom up (Age zuki), the opponent is grabbed by the hair or collar and pulled down into the knee strike (Tsukami yose). After that, the left fist performs a Chūdan zuki. The technique Tsukami yose in Empi is usually executed with a small hand rotation clockwise. However, there is also the variant without hand rotation: the hand is simply opened. The left, attacking hand is held by the opponent (as a possible interpretation of the next movement), and one frees oneself by attacking the opponent's hand with a fist strike during a turning movement. The position for this can be a slightly longer zenkutsu dachi. Gedan barai afterwards in this case is brought back to normal length with a slight pulling back of the front foot. This deliberate dynamic lightness emphasizes the character of Empi. This series occurs several times.

Duration: about 70 seconds