Outdoor Practice of the 'BIG SEVEN'

Today I practiced the so called 'BIG SEVEN" Shotokan Kata outdoors. 

Dressed in my winter down jacket and three very thick sweaters (yes, I'm not a fan of the cold). I probably more-so resembled a 相撲取り (Sumotori) rather than a karateka...

Irrespective it was a good practice, both technically and  physically.

From this group of kata, what I find most difficult is Kanku Dai and Gankaku. 

In my karate life I spent most time on Jion and Enpi as they better suit my physique. Nonetheless and ironically, now I really enjoy Hangetsu, and Jitte. 

Jitte is very challenging to do 'properly' and with a high-level of skill/effectiveness and, accordingly, is generically  rewarding for one's karate. Both Nakamura Masamichi Sensei really influenced my Jitte, even more than Asai Sensei, as it, along with 五十四歩小 (Gojushiho Sho) was his 'Tokui-gata'.

Here is a list of the kata in both Japanese and English, followed by some images from the practice. 

押忍！

AB     

抜塞 (大）

Bassai (Dai)

観空 (大）

Kanku (Dai)

十手

(Jitte)

半月

(Hangetsu)

燕飛

(Enpi)

岩鶴

(Gankaku)

慈恩

(Jion)