Here, not only must the
karateka further develop the vital contrast between fast and slow, but
must also effectively execute a jump with speed, balance and grace.
Through effectively developing this kata, the karateka will be able to
develop not only the skills introduced and fine-tuned in the previous
kata, but incorporate such skills as stance transition.
Although appearing simple to an
advanced student, to a beginner, the shift of weight and balance from
zenkutsu-dachi to kokutsu-dachi can be very difficult. Through many
repetitions of this within the kata, along with other transitions
through stances, this kata is essential in the development of
understanding how to generate power and how to use the body to its
maximum potential.
This kata introduces many techniques such as manji-game-uke, and teisho (although many styles don’t necessarily use the technique in this manner) along with this kata using the first jump in the Shotokan Syllabus.