Edited together due to a lack of space, this is another presentation of an Okinawan-style Funakoshi karate kata. In these videos, performances of Funakoshi ūsēshi [dai], otherwise known as gojūshi-ho [dai], are shown. It could be demonstrated in a few different ways, so I have filmed two examples. As Master Funakoshi taught, not every movement should be fast and strong. He advised varying between hard and soft, fast and slow, expansion and contraction. The Okinawan style is more simple and direct, and less "performed", than the modern versions of kata most often seen in sport karate. Kata is a not a "performance", despite being just that. It is for the memory of a set of techniques for a particular system / style, as well as many benefits including the development of a good, moral, principled character, being respectful and courteous, training the frame of mind of not wanting to fight, health and fitness, mental composure, the essence of the system, and simply enjoyment. This particular version of gojūshiho is a variation of Itosu gojūshiho, apparently related to Tōyama koryū gojūshiho for the purpose of revision of the kata, and this seems evident, yet it is clearly a Funakoshi creation, including some influence from Matsumura gojūshiho, for instance in the second and third movements.
SRM
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