Karate is renowned for its powerful strikes and devastating techniques. However, the art’s true beauty and essence can be found in its Kata, a series of pre-arranged movements designed to teach and refine technique, posture, balance, and timing. The first Karate Kata was incorporated by Dr. Tsuyoshi Chitose into his style, founder of Chito-Ryu Karate, and is known as Ni Ju Shichi Waza, or 27 Movements.
History of Ni Ju Shichi Waza
Dr. Chitose, born in Okinawa in 1898, began his martial arts training at a young age, learning traditional Okinawan Karate from his uncle, Chinen Sanda. Later, he also studied other martial arts such as Judo, Kendo, and Aikido. After serving as a medical officer during World War II, Dr. Chitose began to develop his own unique style of Karate, which he named Chito-Ryu, a combination of his name and that of his hometown, Kumamoto, located on Japan’s Kyushu island.
In 1946, Dr. Chitose created Ni Ju Shichi Waza, the first Kata in Chito-Ryu Karate. The Kata consists of 27 movements and was designed to be the foundation of the Chito-Ryu curriculum. The Kata was created with the intention of being a simplified version of the traditional Okinawan Kata, which could be learned quickly and easily by beginners while still containing essential techniques and principles of Karate.
Techniques Practiced in Ni Ju Shichi Waza
Ni Ju Shichi Waza is composed of basic Karate techniques, including punches, kicks, blocks, and stances. The Kata is performed in a linear fashion, with the movements arranged in a set sequence. The Kata also includes several unique techniques that are specific to Chito-Ryu Karate, such as the shuto uke (knife-hand block) and the kake uke (hooking block).
Importance of Ni Ju Shichi Waza in Karate
Ni Ju Shichi Waza serves as the foundation of Chito-Ryu Karate and is an essential Kata for students to learn and master. The Kata teaches basic Karate techniques and principles, such as correct posture, balance, timing, and breathing. Practicing Ni Ju Shichi Waza helps students develop a strong foundation in Karate and prepares them for more advanced Kata and techniques.
While it was developed specifically for Chito-Ryu Karate it is now being practiced by many other styles including Shotokan and Goju-Ryu. It is worth noting that while there may be similarities in techniques and movements between various Karate styles, the specific sequences and applications of techniques may vary significantly. Each style has its own unique curriculum and emphasis, reflecting the history and philosophy of the style.
Bunkai of Ni Ju Shichi Waza
Bunkai, or the practical application of Kata techniques, is an essential aspect of Karate training. Each movement in a Kata has a specific application in self-defence situations. Ni Ju Shichi Waza contains several self-defence applications, such as defending against a punch, a grab, or a kick. By practicing Bunkai, students gain a deeper understanding of the techniques and principles taught in the Kata and learn how to apply them in real-life situations.
Importance of Ni Ju Shichi Waza in Karate Today
Ni Ju Shichi Waza remains an important Kata in Chito-Ryu Karate today and is still taught to beginners as the foundation of their training. The Kata is also used in Karate competitions, where competitors are judged on their technique, power, and fluidity in performing the Kata.
In conclusion, Ni Ju Shichi Waza, the first Karate Kata created by Dr. Chitose, is a fundamental Kata in Chito-Ryu Karate. The Kata teaches basic Karate techniques and principles and serves as the foundation of the Chito-Ryu curriculum. Practicing Ni Ju Shichi Waza helps students develop a strong foundation in Karate and prepares them for more advanced Kata and techniques. The Kata’s practical applications, as taught through Bunkai, provide students with valuable self-defence skills. Ni Ju Shichi Waza remains an important Kata in Karate today, and its continued practice ensures that the art of Karate will continue to flourish and evolve for generations to come.
Ni Ju Shichi Waza / 27 Movements
The entirety of this kata is performed in a Horse Stance facing the North and begins in a typical horse stance with hands in a covered-fist position to the front. There are several points to keep in mind to ensure correct technique and execution:
- Correct posture: maintain a straight back and keep your shoulders relaxed.
- Balanced weight distribution: maintain a stable stance with equal weight distribution between both feet.
- Proper breathing: exhale sharply with each strike or block, and inhale deeply through the nose.
- Accurate hand and foot positioning: ensure that your hand and foot positions are correct and in line with the movement of the Kata.
- Focus and concentration: maintain focus and concentration throughout the Kata, visualizing the practical application of each technique.
- Fluid and smooth movements: execute each movement in a smooth and fluid motion, with no jerky or abrupt movements.
- Proper timing and rhythm: maintain a consistent tempo and rhythm throughout the Kata, with each movement timed and executed precisely.
| 1 | Left Rising High Block |
| 2 | Right Rising High Block |
| 3 | Left Outside Block to the Front |
| 4 | Right Outside Block to the Front |
| 5 | Left Inside Block to the Front |
| 6 | Right Inside Block to the Front |
| 7 | Left Low Block, Stopping in Front of the Left Knee |
| 8 | Right Low Block, Stopping in Front of the Right Knee |
| 9 | Left Punch to the Front, with a KIAI! |
| 10 | Right Punch to the Front, with a KIAI! |
| 11 | Left Cross-Body Punch to the Right Side |
| 12 | Right Cross-Body Punch to the Left Side |
| 13 | Left Punch over the Right Shoulder to the Rear |
| 14 | Right Punch over the Left Shoulder to the Rear |
| 15 | Left Rising Elbow Strike to the Front |
| 16 | Right Rising Elbow Strike to the Front |
| 17 | Left Knife-Hand Block to the Front |
| 18 | Right Knife-Hand Block to the Front |
| 19 | Left Palm-Heel Strike to the Front with Tension |
| 20 | Right Palm-Heel Strike to the Front with Tension |
| 21 | Left Reinforced Elbow Strike to the Left |
| 22 | Left Elbow Strike to Right Palm to the Front |
| 23 | Right Reinforced Elbow Strike to the Right |
| 24 | Right Elbow Strike to Left Palm to the Front |
| 25 | Double Elbow Strike to the Rear, Left Elbow Over Left Shoulder, Right Elbow Mid |
| 26 | Double Elbow Strike to the Rear, Right Elbow Over Right Shoulder, Left Elbow Mid |
| 27 | Double Elbow Strike to the Rear, Both Elbows Strike Mid, KIAI! |