All caches in
this series are named after Katas that are practised and studied in
Goju Ryu karate. Although there are only 12 basic Katas in this
style of karate, Kata have been developed and added throughout the
years. Some dojos include these additional Katas, as well as other
foreign Katas in their training. The Kata in this series represent
those studied at the various dojos my family has been involved with
for over two decades.
All caches are on the Bruce Trail, and other
than a few exceptions, should be easy
finds.
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"Karate begins and ends with Kata. Kata is the
essence and foundation of karate and it represents the accumulation
of more than a 1000 years of knowledge. Formed by numerous masters
throughout the ages through dedicated training and research, the
kata are like a map to guide us, and as such should never be
changed or tampered with"
Morio
Hiagaonna
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Kata literally means
"form" in Japanese, and is a series of choreographed patterns or
movements practised by most Japanese and Okinawan martial arts. In
Goju-Ryu Karate, the kata is an essential form of training, helping
a student to visualize an enemy attack and their response. Kata
practise promotes the development of proper breathing, technique
and focus, to help develop power and strength, while maintaining a
relaxed, calm mind, and is often described as "moving
meditation"
Seisan - (13 steps or hand
positions). Seisan represents the number thirteen. Thirteen is a
prime number, and in China is a number representing good luck and
prosperity. Practiced by many Okinawan (both Shuri and Naha)
styles, as well as Fujian Quanfa styles. Believed to be one of the
oldest kata on Okinawa, this kata seems to stress fundamental
stepping, punching, and kicking techniques. It contains 8 defensive
and 5 offensive techniques, both of which involve a change in
direction.Called one of Goju's two training kata by Meitoku Yagi,
this kata begins like Sanchin, contains techniques aimed at
dominating the opponent's centerline, and contains several low
kicks. Strangely, many current Goju organizations include this near
the end of the curriculum. Wrath of the Python teaches us to use 2
hands to grab and control one arm of our opponent. Many powerful
chokes and leg sweeps are also affected by using the principles of
this kata. By gripping with our hands apart and then snaking our
hands into a position where they are aligned, we can squeeze as
strongly as a “python”. This form also has many
explosive changes of pace.