Training Method

"Beginning Students learn only the foundation kata, Naihanchi kata for Shuri-te and Sanchin kata for Naha-te. The emphasis is on proper breathing, proper postures and the development of ability to generate explosive force with very short movements. The use of the hips and the turning of the body to generate power are not emphasized at this stage.

Only after the students have mastered the first stage, sometimes it takes years, the kaishu kata to be taught. At this stage the use of the hips and the turning of the body to generate power are added to the training. This is in conjunction with the study of the kaisai of the kata. That is why it usually took a year or two to learn one kata."

--- Ankoh Azato