GOJŪ SHI HO SHŌ

GOJŪ SHI HO SHŌ - 54 STEPS - SMALL

The original form of the two Gojū-shi-ho kata originated in China and was called "Usēshi". Later two kata were developed from it, today's versions "Dai" and "Shō".

Gojū shi ho shō differs from the "Dai" version mainly by the use of the position Kōkutsu dachi instead of Neko ashi dachi (this makes "Shō" seem a bit more static than "Dai") and the increased use of Shutō and Haitō techniques. Enbusen is also different here: it develops more broadly, to the left of the starting point.

Also here - as in the Gojū shi ho dai - the two defensive techniques Tate shutō uke are shown at the beginning of the kata in Zenkutsu dachi. The application of the Fudō dachi stance is just as correct at this point.

The last sliding step should be executed especially long to end on the same point where it was started. Due to the aforementioned continuous difference from Gojū shi ho dai (Kōkutsu dachi instead of Neko ashi dachi), "Shō" seems a bit more static, but also calmer. One conveys the feeling of being superior. Only a karateka whose technique and personality have reached a certain maturity can meet the high demands of this kata. One should try to practice the two Gojū shi ho, despite very strong similarities, each with their own traits, because they teach different aspects. Together with Unsu, they are the most demanding kata of the Shōtōkan style.

With this in mind, they should be practiced or demonstrated so that not only do the techniques express the appropriate level, but it is possible for the karateka, aware of his abilities, to feel gratitude and humility. Because these are also attitudes that distinguish the karateka and make him a "master" in this discipline.

Duration: about 100 seconds

GOJŪ SHI HO SHŌ

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