KANKU SHO

KANKU SHŌ - LOOKING AT THE SKY, SMALL.

The name Kankū comes from the original Kūshankū. The kata is still called this way in Wadō-ryū and Shōrin-ryū.

Unlike Kankū dai, Kankū shō is not based on the basic kata of the Shōtōkan school, but sometimes shows quite unusual techniques and a changing rhythm through fast and slow executed techniques.

The tsukami-yose techniques (grab and pull) represent defenses against fist attacks: After defending, one holds the arm tightly and counters, while drawing near, with mae geri. After the mae geri, a sliding step is provided in each case before setting down in front in Kōsa dachi.

The 360° jump can be a counter technique (mikazuki tobi geri) after defending with haishu uke. One lands low to avoid a second attack from behind. It must be taken into account that when landing, the position is shifted one position to the right to arrive at the starting point of the enbusen. In addition, the mikazuki geri automatically develops its momentum in this direction when jumping. When jumping around after landing - one sets down again in a deeper Kōkutsu dachi - allows a quick defense against a foot technique, and one completes the combination with a counter forward (Shutō uke as an attack technique). This passage can also be interpreted differently: The Kōkutsu dachi can also be executed to the ordinary height.

Although Kankū shō is not as long as Kankū dai, its standard is so high that it is classified as an advanced kata. Due to its unusual movements, it again offers new aspects and challenges to the karateka. It is the only kata in the Shōtōkan style that includes three jumps (a dodge, a counter technique, and a jump around). This is another reason why good leg muscles are required.

Duration: about 90 seconds