Orange to Green - Belt Testing Requirements

Kata: Ananku

including form execution, and 3 basic bunkai

outer block, double rib & punch

over the top, cover push block, back fist

arm break

Kobudo Kata: Chou No Kun

including form execution, and 3 basic bunkai

head chin strike

step back & ankle, sweep down & up, rotate around

step through backpunch

Blocks:

Push/press block to a Circle Block (osae uke to mawashi uke)

Punches:

Vertical fist (Tae zuki)

Hook Punch

Kicks (Geri):

Hook Kick

Stances:

No new ones

Technique (waza):

Mount – sit on top of your opponent and straddle their body with your legs.

Guard – lie on your back and wrap your legs around their waist.

Breaking the full guard (Elbow in thigh)

Breaking:

Adults: Palm Strike to Yellow board

Children: Palm Strike to White Board

Definitions:

Makiwara : Punching Board

Arigato Gozaimas: Thank you

Skillset:

1 minute front leg belt stretch & 1 minute side kick (waist high)

Sparring: 2 three minute rounds

Orange

Ananku aka: Annanku, Ananko, Annunko, Hanenko, Anaku

Chotoku Kyan (1870-1945) Meanings: Fighting to the South, Light from the south, Peace from the south, Safety from the south, Southern light, A Swallow on the Beach and

the Pivoting Form

The exact origin of Ananku is unknown, but it is believed that Chotoku Kyan (1870-1945) brought back this form to the Tomari region from

Taiwan in the year 1895. Ananku means peace or safety from the south. The kata was developed as part of the Tomari-Te system and during

the 1900's, was further passed on by Shoshin Nagamine (born 1907) and the Matsubayashi Ryu style.

The kata emphasizes both offensive and defensive moves from a deap forward leaning stance (front leg bent). Strong punches and double-

punches occur throughout the form.

The exact origin of Ananku is unknown and the origins are a bit shrouded in mystery and its history in Okinawan martial arts is relatively short in comparison to other kata. Anaku is supposed to represent a swallow walking and turning (overlooking the ocean). It is also known as the expression pivot and turning form. Head snapping (before turning) and te and tekatana ukes should be strong and obvious when performing this kata. In the Shogen-Ryu curriculum they have some that claim that this is originally a chinese form. However as a general concensus it is believed that Chotoku Kyan (1870-1945) either learned the kata from a Taiwanese who visited or brought back this form following a martial arts exchange visit to the Tomari region from Taiwan. The dates of this visit have ranged anywhere from 1895 to 1927. The kata was developed as part of the Tomari-Te system and during the early 1900's, was further passed on by Shoshin Nagamine (born 1907) and the Matsubayashi Ryu style. Taiwan is south of Okinawa so perhaps he was taught it as a 'gift' from Taiwan, hence the name. The term ko or ku may mean elder and that this form may refer to an elder or teacher of Kyan named Anan.

There are speculations that Kyan Sensei was to sole "creator" of this kata. This speculation is based on the fact that the waza in Ananku kata are

pure "Okinawan". The second theory of origins suggests that Kyan Sensei was actually the creator of this kata or learned it from his father in

which case the kata is comparatively modern (Early 20 th century) compared to other kata. This theory is based on the fact that the techniques

in Annanku kata are pure "Okinawan". There are no known Chinese forms that resemble Annanku. The original Annanku by KyanSensei

contained techniques from Siesan, Passai and Wansu kata. It is also said that The Matsubayashi Ryu Ananku was created by Nagamine Sensei as

way a to honor Chotoku Kyan. Ananku seems to be more of a mixture of Tomari-te and Shuri-te, rather than Taiwan/Chinese martial arts. Many

of the techniques, stances, and movements are representative of existing Sukunaihayashi kata. The kata emphasizes both offensive and

defensive moves from a deap forward leaning stance (front leg bent- Naname zenkutsu dachi or bow stance and Slanted Front Stance). Strong

punches and double-punches occur throughout the form. This kata also introduces the aforementioned Naname Zenkutsu Dachi in Shorin-Ryu

and Matsubayashi-Ryu. It is also the first Shorin/Matsubayashi-Ryu kata to start with a centered movement blocking to both sides of the body.

One could argue that this kata introduces Double Downward/Lower Forearm Block. The characteristic of this kata is noted by the lunging

stances for defensive and offensive movements. This kata includes techniques such as nekoashi (cat stance) and shuto-uke (sword hand block).

The enbu-sen forms the shape of the Chinese character kome (rice). In some systems it is also unusual in the first few moves as it seems to

form an 'X' shaped embusen.

A Tomari Te Kata with similarities to Gojushiho. It is said that Kyan Sensei taught three different versions and variations of this form. There are

two or three versions being practised today that are of note. That being said, the matsubayashiryu form is uniquely different compared to the

shitoryu / shukokai version. In fact the Matsubayashi Ryu Ananku was created by NagamineSensei as a way to honour Chotoku Kya n. It also

uses many oi zuki punches and uchiuke blocks. Ananku is the only kata in the Matsubayashi shorin-ryu kata curriculum where the practitioner

moves back to block in the forward stance. Another important skill practitioner develop by practicing Ananku is how to move forward in a front

stance while maintaistent height t's height changes, speed is severly comprimised. Moreover, the practitioner becomes vulnerable to attack

from the opponent. Practitioners of other styles of Karate, particularly the Japanese styles likes Shotokan, learn this skill early in their kata

curriculum. In Okinawan Shorin-ryu styles, however, variations of the natural stance are far more commonly used. Therefore,practitioners of

Shorin-ryu styles tend to learn to move forward in the natural stace, and from a natural stance to a front stance and vice-versa. In Matsbayashi

shorin-ryu, develop[ing movement in a front stance comes after kata like Fukyugata, Pinan, and Naihanchi. Learning this way of moving is good

training, but some practicioners say that this does not have much practical value for self-defense.

Ananku is a kata designed specifically for street fighting. The basic explanation of the application of the cross step in these could be a step on

the foot, or sweep, it could also be simply a transition and nothing more fancy than that. It is similar to a cross step in Naihanchi kata that is in

fact a takedown with a foot press or kick to the back or side of the knee, probably in a grappling scenario. Throughout this kata there are no

preparatory moves such as chambering a punch. The form goes from one sequential move to another. But even this straight forward kata

contains hidden techniques. In some versions of the form, there is technique that while doing doing a back knuckle and vertical punch against

my attacker’s leg while slipping a toe kick into the muscle of his back leg is being executed. There is also use of single-bone blocks and the

double-bone blocks which allows us to slip a punch right into the attackers chin. Another hidden technique is the crane-like movement in the

form which allows us to slip the attackers punch while sliding under his arm and delivering a lethal finger tip strike to his throat.

Chounokun Morning Cloud

*Most Kobudo Katas are named after the person who developed them or the area they came from.

Kobudo katas in the snow. (see below)

Photo taken from: http://newmoon2000.tripod.com/oneway/04-November.html

Excerpt taken from:

http://www.blackbeltmag.com/archives/387

Additional Sources

The ananku kata is designed specifically for street fighting. There are no preparatory moves; it proceeds

from one movement directly to another. But even this

straightforward form contains hidden techniques that Hancock

teaches only after he’s deemed the student ready for such

knowledge.

“In ananku, we’re slipping a kick while doing a back knuckle and vertical punch against the attacker’s

leg,” he says. “At the same time, we’re executing a toe kick into the muscle of his back leg. We also use a

single-bone block and a double-bone block, which allows us to

slip a punch right into the attacker’s chin. The crane movement

in the form allows us to slip the attacker’s punch while sliding

under his arm and delivering a lethal fingertip strike to the

throat.”

BO DISARMS - Advanced Level Bo Bunkai

taken from: http://www.ikkf.org/vdojo4Q00.html

This Virtual Dojo segment comes from old article of Mr. Heilman's from the late 1980's. The article was

published in both the States, and Italy and dates back from Mr. Heilman's "kyoshi" days.

These photos present an overview of various "Offensive Set-ups for Disarms" found in Okinawa Kenpo

Kobudo katas Shihonuke and Chounokun.

These photos present an overview of various "Offensive Set-ups for Disarms" found in Okinawa Kenpo

Kobudo katas Shihonuke and Chounokun.

This photo set presents three "Defensive Disarms" found in Okinawa Kenpo Kobudo katas: tokumine

Nokun, Shima Igiri Nokun, Ko Bo, Chounokun & Suiyoshi Nokun Ni.

Here three different "Offensive / Defensive Disarms" are presented. All three of these applications

come out of Okinawa Kenpo Kobudo kata Chounokun.

IKKF Kata Descriptions Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo Koryu Kan

ANANKU version #1

1. - Attention Stance, REI, 2. - Step out with left foot into Fudo Dachi, Double Downward Forearm Blocks (clearing blocks), 3. - Step out left into Left Seisan Stance, Left Inside Knife Hand Block with assist, 4. - Step out right into Right Seisan Stance, Right Inside Knife Hand Block with assist, 5. - Naha-turn left into Left Seisan Stance, Left Inside Forearm Block, Right & Left Punches to SP, 6. - Naha-turn left into Right Seisan Stance, Right Inside Forearm Block, Left & Righ Punches to SP, 7. - Look front, step back with left than right feet into Nai Hanchi Stance, facing front, Double Downward Forearm Blocks (clearing blocks), 8. - C-step forward into Right Seisan Stance, Wedge Block, 9. - Scoot-step forward, Double Kidney Strikes with Bottom Fists, 10. - Scoot-step forward, Right Punch and KIAI, 11. - C-step out into Left Seisan Stance, Left Inside Forearm Block, Right and Left Punches, Right Front Kick, Right Punch, 12. - C-step out to right into Right Seisan Stance, Right Inside Forearm Block, Left and Right Punches, Left Kick, Left Punch, 13. - On-guard Position on right hip, 14. - Shift right foot forward into Side Nai Hanchi Stance, Right Elbow to front, 15. - Left Downward Forearm Block to left side, 16. - Step with right foot to rear into Side Nai Hanchi Stance, Right Punch to SP, 17. - Shift back into Right Cat Stance, Right Inside Forearm Block, 18. - Double step, Right Front Kick, 19. - Set down into Side Nai Hanchi Stance, Right Downward Forearm Block to side, Left Hook Punch cross body, Right Inside Forearm Block to right side 20. - Pivoting on right foot shift back into Right Cat Stance at right 45 degree, Right Inside Knife Hand Block with assist, 21. - Move right foot back to rear shifting into Left Cat Stance, Left Inside Knife Hand Block with assist, 22. - Step right foot up to left into Attention Stance, left open hand over right fist in front of body,

23. - REI. Legend:

movement direction

hold stance position and direction

pivot / turn movement

ANAKU KATA words Version #2

1. Position of attention

2. REI

3. Ready stance

4. Turn left 90° into (lh) middle block and execute triple reverse punch (rlr) KIAI

5. Turn right 180° and execute (rh) middle block and triple reverse punch (lrl) KIAI

6. Turn left to front left angle into side stance and execute a downward backfist (target-bridge

of nose)

7. Step up feet together still facing front left angle into double hammer fist

8. Step right facing front into front stance and execute double sweeping middle block

9. Execute double palm down spear hand and execute double sweeping middle block

10. Shuffle forward and execute a (rh) reverse punch

11. Half moon step left facing left front angle into (lh) middle block and execute double reverse

punch (rl) KIAI

12. Execute (RF) Front snap kick and step BACK

13. Execute a (rh) reverse punch KIAI

14. Half moon step right facing right front angle into (rh) middle block and execute double

reverse punch (lr) KIAI

15. Execute (KF) Front snap kick and step BACK

16. Execute a (lh) reverse punch KIAI

17. Turn left (step with right foot) into side stance facing left and execute a (rh) horizontal elbow

strike

18. Step out with right foot into front stance (left leg forward) facing back and execute (lh)

downblock

19. Half moon step and execute a (rh) lunge punch KIAI

20. Step up and back out into side stance facing right executing an augmented block

21. Step left foot over right and execute a sidekick stepping through and executing a (rh)

downblock

22. Step out with your left foot into front stance (rt leg forward) facing back and execute a (lh)

reverse punch KIAI

23. Chamber hands over right shoulder. Turn left until facing left front angle and execute (left

side) shuto.

24. Step up with left foot until feet are together and chamber hands over left shoulder. Step out

with right foot to (right side) shuto.

25. Half moon step into right hand reverse punch & middle block

Shuffle step forward & double reverse punch (Kiai)

Turn 180° left into horse stance and knife hand strike (left hand) to neck

Step into front stance and knife hand strike (RH) to neck

26. Step back with right foot into ready stance

27. REI

Ananku Kata words vs #3

1. - Feet shoulder width, fists in front

2. - Step out left, LFF front stance, open-hand guard

3. - Turn right, RFF front stance, open-hand guard

4. - Turn, LFF front stance, outer block, reverse punch, front punch and yell

5. - Step across left and turn, RFF front stance, outer block, reverse punch, front punch

6. - Step back left, feet shoulder width, fists in front

7. - Circle step right, RFF front stance, double outer block (palms out)

8. - Shuffle forward, double kidney punch

9. - Shuffle forward, straight punch and yell

10. - Circle step left, and turn, LFF front stance

11. - Outer block, reverse punch, front punch

12. - Back leg front kick, LFF front stance, reverse punch

13. - Circle step right, and turn, RFF front stance

14. - Outer block, reverse punch, front punch

15. - Back leg front kick, RFF front stance, reverse punch

16. - Left hand grabs right wrist, shift into horse stance, right elbow strike

17. - Look left, LH down block

18. - Step forward with right, feet together, RH rib punch

19. - Pull back to cat stance, outer block

20. - Step forward with left, crane stance, back leg front kick

21. - Horse stance, RH down block, punch across, arm break and yell

22. - Step back with left, cat stance, guard

23. - Step back with right, cat stance, guard

24. - Step back, feet shoulder width, fists in front

Ananku

Chounokun Kata vs #1

1. - Feet together, bo on right shoulder 2. - Left foot back, RFF long stance, low strike left, low strike right 3. - Rib strike left, rib strike right 4. - RF step, RFF long stance, overhead strike 5. - RF step back, RFF cat stance, inside block 6. - LF step forward, LFF long stance, low strike 7. - Pivot, RFF long stance, foot strike north 8. - Pivot, RFF long stance, overhead strike, shuffle back, chin strike 9. - Overhead strike, shuffle back, chin strike 10. - RF step forward, RFF long stance, side strike 11. - LF step forawrd, LFF long stance, switch hands, side strike 12. - RF step forawrd, RFF long stance, switch hands, overhead strike 13. - Shuffle forward, thrusting strike and yell 14. - RF step back, horse stance, circle disarm 15. - Turn left, RFF front stance, low side strike 16. - LF step forward, on right knee, switch hands, high side strike 17. - Angled overhead block, circle around, downward strike 18. - Circle block, LF step out, lunging strike 19. - RFF front stance, side strike, feet together toes east, jab 20. - RF step out, LFF long stance, side strike, push block 21. - RF step forward, RFF long stance, overhead strike 22. - RF pull back, RFF cat stance, circle block, outside block, inside block 23. - Jump left, RFF long stance, overhead strike 24. - RF step across, turn left, LFF long stance, side strike 25. - RF step forward, RFF long stance, low side strike, foot strike 26. - RF step fowrard, dig through, RFF cat stance, circle block 27. - RF step forwad, RFF long stance, thrusting strike 28. - RF step back, RFF cat stance, circle block 29. - RF step forward, RFF long stance, push block 30. - RF step back, feet together, bo on right shoulder

IKKF Kata Descriptions

Okinawa Kenpo Karate Kobudo Koryu Kan

CHOUNOKUN vs #2

1. - Attention Stance (Bo on right side, front), REI,

2. - Bend knees and lift Bo, Shift left foot back into Right Seisan Stance, Left Low Bo Block, Right Low Bo

Block, chamber bo to left side, Left Side Strike, adjust hands and execute Right Side Strike, Right Outside

Disarm,

3. - Pivot and step out into Right Seisan Stance, Right Side Throw,

4. - Pull right foot back into Right Cat Stance, Right Inside Block (slide hand up bo toward end, bo to

forearm),

5. - Step forward into Left Seisan Stance, Left Low Clearing Block, extend out to Left Zen Kutsu Stance,

Left Low Poke, shift back into Left Seisan Stance,

6. - Scoot back staying in Left Seisan Stance, Right Side Disarm,

7. - Scoot back staying in Left Seisan Stance, Right Side Disarm,

8. - Step forward into Right Seisan Stance, Right Side Strike,

9. - Step forward into Left Seisan Stance, Left Side Strike,

10. - Step forward into Right Seisan Stance, Right Overhead Strike,

11. - Scoot forward staying in Right Seisan Stance, Right Thrust to solar plexus, KIAI,

12. - Right foot moves out shifting into Diagional Nai Hanchi Stance, Circle Disarm,

13. - Pivoting on right foot step back into Right Seisan Stance, Right Side Low Block, palm and shift

hands, left foot steps forward to Right Kneeling Position, Left Sweeping Strike to right side, Upward Block to

Left side at 45 degrees, Circle Disarm, Left Downward Strike,

14. - Shift weight back on right heel, Left Inside Block, Left Poke,

15. - Palm hands, rise up and step forward into Side Nai Hanchi Stance (right side forward), Right Side

Strike,

16. - Shift left foot up to right into Attention Stance, Right Poke to solar plexus,

17. - Look left, Naha turn into Left Seisan Stance, Right Side Strike,

18. - Execute disarm while stepping forward into Right Seisan Stance, Right Overhead Strike,

19. - Pull right foot back into Right Cat Stance, Right Inside Block, Right Downward Block (outside), Right

Downard Block (inside),

20. - Lift right then left feet jumping, landing into Right Sensan Stance (short), Scoot forward, Right

Overhead Strike,

21. - Naha turn pivoting 180 degrees into Left Seisan Stance, Right Downward Block to left side,

22. - Pivot on left foot stepping into Left Seisan Stance, Right Rear Low Thrust, KIAI,

23. - Pull right foot forward into Right Cat Stance, Right Inside Bo Block,

24. - Shift out into Right Seisan Stance, Right Thrust, KIAI,

25. - Pull right foot back into Right Cat Stance, Right Inside Block,

26. - Double step back into Right Seisan Stance, Right Low Clearing Block, adjust hands and execute Right

Weak Side Clearing Block,

27. - Pull right foot back to left into Attention Stance (bo behind at right side), REI.

Legend:

movement direction

hold stance position and direction

pivot / turn movement

Chou No Kun words vs. #3

1. Begin at attention facing N w/ bo in right hand, palm facing out

2. Reach up and grip the bo with left hand

3. Step back w/ left foot into front stance facing N, ankle strike to right, ankle strike to left

4. Side strike to right, side strike to left

5. Big circle and strike down to NW while stepping over w/ right foot to front stance facing

NW, kiai

6. Step back w/ right foot to cat stance facing N, right foot forward, elbow touches in

7. Step through w/ left foot into front stance, ankle strike, left hand forward

8. Poke to top of foot

9. Shuffle step back, head strike, chin strike

10. Shuffle step back, head strike, chin strike

11. Step through w/ right foot into front stance, side strike to left, switch grip on both hands

12. Step through w/ left foot into front stance, side strike to right, switch grip on both hands

13. Step through w/ right foot into front stance, head strike, right hand forward

14. Shuffle step, punch w/ kiai

15. Step back w/ left foot into horse stance facing W, low disarm

16. Step back w/ left foot into front stance facing S, ankle strike, right hand forward, switch

grip on both hands

17. Step through w/ left foot and kneel on right knee, facing S, left leg forward, sweep down

to ground and back up to overhead block

18. Rotate down, elbow touches in, lunge forward, switch grip on both hands

19. Step up w/ right foot to horse stance facing E, snap bo to horizontal position across chest

20. Bring left foot to right, low closed stance facing E, poke to S

21. Step out w/ right foot and pivot to front stance facing N, side strike to left, block to right

22. Step through w/ right foot to front stance facing N, overhead strike, right hand forward

23. Step back w/ right foot to cat stance facing N, elbow touches in

24. Block right, block left

25. Jump to W, land in front stance facing N, right foot forward, rotate down

26. Step over w/ right foot and pivot to front stance facing S, left foot forward, ankle strike,

right hand forward

27. Step across w/ right foot and pivot to front stance facing N, left foot forward, punch up to

front, punch down to rear, kiai

28. Step up w/ right foot to cat stance facing N, right foot forward, sweep up to elbow

touches in

29. Step forward w/ right foot to front stance, punch w/ kiai

30. Step back w/ right foot to cat stance facing N, elbow touches in

31. Step forward w/ right foot to front stance, block to right

32. Step forward w/ left foot, feet together, rotate bo forward and up under right shoulder,

bow

Chou no kun