KANKU DAI

KANKU DAI - TO LOOK UP TO THE SKY, BIG.

Kankū dai was originally called Kūshankū and is still called that in Wadō-ryū and Shōrin-ryū.

Kankū dai, like Jion, adopts some elements of the Heian series. It is the kata which, by its character and techniques, most represents the Shōtōkan style. The name (looking at the sky) comes from the first movement. It symbolizes the course of the sun: it rises in the morning, outshines the day and sinks in the evening. The open hands (the fingertips of the left thumb and index finger cover the tips of the corresponding fingers of the right hand) form a triangle and move slowly and circularly, upwards in front of the body. From the moment they reach eye level, the gaze follows them. The arms continue to move upward to separate at the highest point by a brief impulse, move slowly and circularly downward to the side of the body, and reunite in front of the body to form the attack technique. This technique can be the defense against a double grip, the separation of the arms of the opponent and an attack in his ribs.

With the techniques after the mikazuki geri towards the end of the kata, one defends against a mae geri, fixes the foot and hits the shin with otoshi zuki. This technique is executed in two ways: either with the right arm over the left (as shown in the sequence) or the other way around. Both variations are correct. This is followed by the defense against a Jōdan zuki, which ends with an armbar of the opponent by turning the body over the shoulder.

The double foot technique in the jump (Nidan tobi geri) should be executed in the correct length so that the kata ends at the intended point. At the same time, the hands remain in the stance in front (Jūji kamae) until they separate to lunge for the next technique.

The kata ends with a large circular arm movement, repeating the symbolism of the setting sun.

Duration: about 90 seconds