New Version of Kata Performed by Sensei M. Tanaka JKA

Known as 'Crane on a rock', this is an old Kata in the Shorei style, but the name of the originator is unknown Originally called Chinto, the Kata is known to have been practised by Master Kosaku Matsumora. It was included in the repertoire of both Shotokan and Shito-ryu, and further refined and adapted by Master Yasutsune Itosu, whose version is the current one in Shotokan. The modern name, chosen by Master Funakoshi, derives from the distinctive one-legged stance utilised, which was thought to resemble a crane on a rock, preparing to defend against its enemies.

This Kata affords practice in defending to front and rear, and by mastering balance and body shifting enables power to be developed whilst remaining in one spot, often a vital requirement where space to manoeuvre is denied.

A particularly good Kata for the promotion of co-ordination, it is especially important to master the one-legged stances, and the spin and turn into the final one-legged position, where head, hands and body all come to rest at the same instant of absolute stillness and balance.