Society for the Preservation and Promotion of Ancient Martial Arts of the Ryukyu Islands

Shodan Kata (1st Dan)

The requirement for the Shodan grading test is, proficiency with the Kata listed.

The student must have passed all previous levels, with no less than one year experience in present level. All previous level Kata must be known and can be asked. Grade testing may be done only by a certified instructor of this Association. The grade must register with this Association Headquarters in Okinawa, Japan and is also issued at the discretion of the Association. Certificates are issued by the Association Headquarters only, must be numbered and stamped with the Associations inkan (signature seal). Any other certificates issued in the name of Ryukyu Kobudo Hozon Shinko Kai are not recognized. All certified instructors are listed in the Officials page.

  Key points

• For Shodan grading it is most important to have a solid understanding of the basics or Kihon.
• Always remember that the body position moving from correct stance to correct stance will help you learn to use hip movement to generate energy and clean movement.
• This can be one of the more difficult tests due to nervousness approaching the examination.  It is best to off set feelings of wanting to rush through the Kata by rigorous training of the timing and flow of the forms for months before testing.

This paragraph contains a brief description of the Kata

Key points

• When performing the one legged squat after the Gedan Barai 下段払い　leave enough bend in the left leg at the knee and in the hip to allow the disarming movement to be done with focus and power .  Going too deep in the stance or extending the left leg too straight will make it difficult to put hip movement into the technique and it will be isolated to only arm power which is not enough.
• When performing Age Uchi 上げうち　or the upward strike try to avoid thinking of generating power with the hand that is moving away from the body.  Instead remember that most technique get the power from the pulling hand.  In this Kata if the hand moving away is too strong then the body will be too far forward in the Zenkutsu Dachi, 前屈立ち　thereby making the next technique and transition into Kokutsu Dachi 後屈立ち　slow and less effective.
• After making the overhead block on the 45% angle after the side strikes do not pull the Bó all the way down to the hips before making the Chudan Tsuki　中段突き.  The Tsuki will come out faster if done from mid chest level.

This is the first Sai Kata taught by the association.  Sai Kata are included in all black belt tests.

Key points

• Remember to keep the same height when performing the double punch or renzoku tsuki.
• Remember to keep the middle tong of the Sai to the outside of your arm at all times when blocking or punching.  The tong should be tight against your arm to provide cover from your opponent's weapon.
• Try to drive all techniques from hip movement.

This Kata was composed by the Second President of our association the late Akamine Eisuke Dai Sensei   With all the ingredients of the Mézato no Nunchaku, this Kata brings to the forefront, a little more versatility.  The additional strikes and movement are particularly useful  when employed against the Bo.  Bearing in mind that distance and the right approach to timing is vital when seeking the opportunity to gain victory.

Key points

• Do not grip the Nunchaku too close to the string or himo.  Enshin Ryoku 遠心力　(The power is at the end of the Nunchaku).  The further away from the bottom of your weapon you hit your target, the more likely the chance for self-injury.  It helps to  train hitting the bag, pads, or kumibo for accurate analysis of your control of your weapon.
• Whenever performing a strike put the free hand at your hip in position to catch the weapon straight away.  Any other location puts your hand in a spot where it can be hit either by your weapon or your opponents.
• After performing the head block on one knee do not pull the weapon back to perform the next strike.  Make the strike from the location of the block.  Pulling it back from the block may open yourself up to an attack.

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