Kata are the formal patterns that are the backbone of karate training.  These forms are performed differently depending on the karateka’s style, ie. Shorin-Ryu, Shotokan, Shito-Ryu, Okinawan Kenpo, etc.

These forms are from the Okinawan Kenpo style, from the Seikichi Odo lineage.  They were originally taught to me by my sensei Joseph Bunch of the Hawaii Okinawa Kenpo Karate-do Shudokan.  Over the years, they have evolved into my own personal expression.  While the movements are the same, the tempo, speed and meaning are uniquely individual to me.

Kata should become a part of you, and in that respect, should always be evolving.  These videos are but a snapshot of a moment in time when I performed them.  Like any live performance, they will be different every time you perform them.

Gojushiho Ichi

This is one of my favorite kata, and the main one that I used to compete with.  I especially like the leaping movement and the different angles that this kata is performed with.

Chinto

This is a more difficult kata, and is done many different ways depending on your style (or system) of karate.  The bunkai for this is not as apparent.  In my interpretation, I am performing the movements more fluid as I believe most of the hand techniques are being applied to grappling.

Unsu

This kata comes from Shotokan, and so is not a part of the Okinawan Kenpo system.  I do like it very much, though as it is a much different way of moving and the tempo is quite different.

Kusanku

In Okinawan Kenpo, this kata is taught after earning green belt, just before brown belt.  Shotokan’s version is known as Kanku Dai, and there are similarities between the two.  This is generally considered an advanced kata, and there are a lot of really good bunkai contained within the form.

Gojushiho Sho

This kata was taught to me at Shodan level.  It’s considered an advanced kata and is done quite differently in other styles.  As far as I know, it is not directly related to the Gojushiho Ichi kata demonstrated above, but it does come from the same source.   It is not as athletic as Ichi, but the bunkai is more advanced, hence its instruction at black belt level.

Gojushiho Ni

This form was actually taught to me at blue belt to green belt level.  Though it is the second form in the Gojushiho series, it is less advanced than Gojushiho Ichi, and so is taught first.