Wankan Kanji

Kata Performed by Sensei M. Tanaka JKA

This is the shortest Kata in the Shotokan Syllabus, although by no means an easy one to perform, and is known to have formed part of the repertoire of Kata taught by the Tomari-te stylists, chief among whom was Master Kosaku Matsumora (1829-1898).

Due to its Chinese origins, Tomari-te tended to use seemingly smoother and lighter movements than is seen in current Shotokan, and, as a rule, preferred the use of a vertical fist to the now common corkscrew punch. This, with the back of the hand uppermost, leaves it vulnerable to counter strikes as in the KataChinte.

Some of the feeling of light smoothness is retained in the movements used to close distance with an opponent and seize the initiative, as in the Hasami-uke / Sashi-ashi and the blocking and throwing techniques (Koko-hiza-kuzushi / Gyaku-tate-shuto-uke).

Another interesting feature, shared with the Tekki Kata, is the use of the leg to block an opponent's kicking attack.

 

 Unfortunately there is only the New Version of this Kata


Wankan  -  Kings Crown


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