This section of the website is for the learning purposes of those who are involved in Shotokan Karate and for anyone interested in viewing the katas and kumite in action.

There are katas performed by Hirokazu Kanazawa Kancho and various demonstrations.  Stay tuned as there will be videos added on a regular basis. 

The Shotokan Katas are performed by Kancho H.Kanazawa.

Below, you can view the following kumites for different grades:

Gohon Kumite

Sanbon Kumite

Kihon Ippon Kumite: Mae-geri, Mawashi-geri, Yoko- geriJodan, Chudan.

Jiyu Ippon Kumite: Jodan, Chudan, Mae-geri, Mawashi-geri, Yoko-geri, Ushiro-geri, Kizami-zuki, Gyaku-zuki.

Shotokan Karate Kumite: Yahara vs Kagwa

  

 Shotokan Karate Katas

Heian Shodan 

Heian Nidan

 

Heian Sandan

   

Heian Yondan

 

Heian Godan 

  

Tekki Shodan

 

Tekki Nidan

 

Bassai Dai

Jion 

Enpi

Kanku Dai

 

 

Gohon Kumite

 

Gohon kumite, or 5 step sparring, is the initial stage of kumite training.  Students work with a partner in a strong forward stance (zenkutsu dachi) advancing and retreating with strong punches, kicks, and blocks.  After their announcement, the attacker steps forward with a technique.  As they do so, the defender steps back from natural stance into forward stance, and executes a block.  On the 5th block, the defender must counter-attack, with the most typical counterattack being the reverse punch (gyaku zuki).

The purpose of five step sparring is to learn to time blocks with attacks, maintain formal, fundamental structure under pressure, and develop accurate targets and proper distancing (ma-ai).   Strong basics must be demonstrated including knee position, square hips and shoulders on the attack, and hips at 45 degrees on the blocks.  Five attacks gives the students five opportunities to correct and strengthen these training goals.  Gohon kumite is utilised as a training exercise in the dojo and is not a requirement for examinations.

 

 

Sanbon Kumite 1-2

 Sanbon kumite, or 3 step sparring, follows the exact same rules of etiquette and training structure as Gohon kumite, but restricts the students to only three opportunities to perfect their techniques, targets and distancing.  The counter-attack is now executed on the third technique.

Sanbon kumite is the first kumite element encountered in the karate-ka's examination syllabus.  This exercise is demonstrated in front of the examiner for 8th and 7th kyu (yellow & orange belt). 

 

  

Sanbon Kumite 3-4-5

  

 

  Kihon Ippon Kumite

Ippon kumite, or one step sparring, follows the exact same rules of etiquette and training structure as Gohon and Sanbon kumite, but restricts the students to only one opportunity to demonstrate proper technique, target and distancing.  At this stage, setting target and distance prior to commencing should not be required of the students.  The counter-attack is now executed after each blocking technique, therefore, learning to reduce the time between blocking and counter-attacking becomes more important.  The attacker learns to make single, explosive attacks and learns to reduce telegraphing the attacks, while the defender learns to recognize incoming attacks and to react accordingly.

Ippon kumite is the best method for handling various attacks and kicking techniqes.  It is also superior for practicing evasion, since doing so for multiple step techniques will continually put the defender off-line.  The nature of this exercise now allows for different iterations for one step sparring such as changing footwork, angles, evasion, or even having the attacker counter-attack the defender's counter-attack.  The possibilities are endless.

Ippon kumite is demonstrated in front of the examiner for 6th kyu to 3rd kyu (green to brown belt).  During an examination, the student must demonstrate various different counter-attacks in response to the sequence of attacks put toward them.

 

 Jodan

 

 Chudan

Maegeri

Mawashigeri

Yokogeri

 

Jiyu Jppon Kumite

 

Jiyu kumite, or free-style sparring, follows the exact same rules of etiquette and training structure as Jiyu-Ippon kumite, but now there are no restrictions placed on the students other than good control with their techniques.  Each partner is free to move around in a free-style stance, looking for opportunities to attack.  Attacks can be multiple or just a single blow. In Jiyu kumite, there are two strategies during a fight.  One is to simply attack, and the other is to react to the opponent's attack, and counter-attack before the opponent can complete their attack.

Jiyu kumite is demonstrated in front of the examiner for all dan level (black belt) examinations.  Fist protectors (sparring mitts) are worn when practising and demonstrating Jiyu kumite.

 Jodan

 

Chudan

Maegeri

Mawashigeri

Yokogeri

Ushirogeri

 

Kizami - Zuki

Gyaku-zuki

    

Shotokan Legend Kancho Kanazawa

 

 

   

   Shotokan Karate Kumite