Funakoshi Okinawan Useshi [Dai] Kata - Variation of finger-tip strikes

This version is inspired by the demonstration by Sensei Iwaki Nobuhiro of the Japan Karate-Do Federation, former Director of Keio University School of Medicine Karate club. He shows some of the different ippon nukite and crane beak techniques you might use, but himself employs an ippon nukite crane beak strike. This is interesting as he demonstrates a version of authentic Funakoshi karate, which can be compared in various instances with other Keio University Karate sensei in particular, as well as Sensei Ohshima's Shotokan Karate of America, though depending on what exactly is being compared. It is best to follow others who are more experienced than yourself and then decide if those methods actually work for you and your own body. In terms of research into old Funakoshi karate, it is necessary to listen to the experts and retain an open mind.

Variations of the finger-tip strikes in Funakoshi useshi [dai]:

https://youtu.be/C7E15hriJco

Okinawan Funakoshi Useshi [Dai] (Gojushiho [Dai])

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