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Dustin
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Kanku Sho Last Jump

Hi everyone, I just recently learned the kata Kanku Sho, biggest problem having with it is the final jump. Not having to big a problem getting in the air and twisting but sticking that landing I just cant seem to get. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Thanks to anyone for any advice.

Iain Abernethy
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Hi Dustin,

Dustin wrote:
I just recently learned the kata Kanku Sho, biggest problem having with it is the final jump. Not having to big a problem getting in the air and twisting but sticking that landing I just cant seem to get. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

The more dynamic leaps we see are generally modern “exaggerations” for aesthetic or athletic effect. Nothing inherently wrong with that, so long as we realise the underlying combative function does not require the same degree as athleticism. By way of example, if you look at the same sequence in this version of the kata, we can see it’s nowhere near as demanding:

 

This isn’t what you were asking of course, but I just wanted to mark for other readers that I don’t see being able to nail the leap we see in modern iterations of the kata as being a mandatory part of exploring the kata from a pragmatic perspective.  

As regards training for the leap and landing, this video from Jesse Enkamp may be helpful. Being an elite level kata competitor, there is some good advice on training for leaping … and he also makes the point that it is not needed from a functional perspective.  

 

All the best,

Iain

Dustin
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Thank you Iain. I understand that we would never do a jump like that in actual application. It is fun to be able to do the kata that looks aesthetically pleasing, just making sure to keep in mind the context of what I am doing.

Iain Abernethy
Iain Abernethy's picture

Dustin wrote:
It is fun to be able to do the kata that looks aesthetically pleasing …

Absolutely! I enjoy the feeling that the efficient movement of kata provides. I also can appreciate the “art” of a well preformed kata.

Dustin wrote:
… just making sure to keep in mind the context of what I am doing.

Totally. We can enjoy and benefit from the art as well as the martial; the key to getting the most out of both is always being mindful of context.

All the best,

Iain