Fukyugata

"Kata to be spread or shared"

Introduction

"Fukyugata" is composed of 3 characters, the first meaning "general; popular; everywhere; universal", the second meaning "to reach" and the third meaning "form".  Together the characters mean "kata to be spread or shared" - a reference to popularising karate via basic, though effective kata that are easy to learn.

Fukyugata ichi

Fukyugata ichi is a kata that teaches moving in basic stances.  It is based on the kata Pinan shodan (called Heian shodan in Shotokan), a kata created in around 1900 by respected Shorin karate master Yasatsune (Anko) Itosu. The Academy's Fukyugata differs from Pinan shodan in these respects:

• the counter punches are performed in sanchin dachi (3 battles stance) rather than the zenkutsu dachi (forward stance);

Fukyugata ichi

• the kokutsu dachi (back stances) have been replaced with neko ashi dachi (cat stances); and

• the shuto uke (knife hand blocks) have been replaced by hike uke (hooking blocks).

These differences from Pinan shodan are thought to have been implemented by Hugh and Denis St John Thompson, founders of Karate-do International. 

The name "Fukyugata ichi" is taken from a kata designed in 1940 by Shorin karate master Shoshin Nagamine at the request of the Karate-do special committee.  This kata was is essentially a simpler version of Pinan shodan, intended as a basic kata for the popularisation of karate-do amongst school children. 

As with the Academy's version, Nagamine's Fukyugata contains 21 counts and sanchin stances on counter punches.  This is believed to have been an attempt to create a kata common to the major streams of karate, namely Shuri te (specifically Shorin-ryu) and Naha te (specifically Goju-ryu).

The name "Fukyugata ichi" has been applied to the Academy's kata both to distinguish it from Pinan shodan and because, like its simpler namesake, it contains Goju elements such as the sanchin dachi.  It is however more advanced than Nagamine's Fukyugata.

Fukyugata ichi is required for White 1.

Fukyugata ni performed with 4 attackers (courtesy of Lao shi Bob Davies)

Fukyugata ni features exactly the same techniques as Fukyugata ichi, however these are applied using basic tenshin (body evasion).  The kata as practised in the Muidokan system is the single person embodiment of a 5 person form used in Laoshi Bob Davies' dojo to apply Fukyugata ichi.

The Academy's Fukyugata ni is not to be confused with the kata of that name developed in 1940 by Chojun Miyagi at the request of the Karate-do special committee, more commonly known today as Geki sai dai ichi (also practised in Muidokan karatejutsu.  For a clip of the Muidokan Fukyugata ni, click here.

Fukyugata ni is required for White 2.

Fukyugata ni

Fukyugata tuide is a 2 person "lock flow" drill, containing locks and holds found in Fukyugata.

It can be practised both standing and on the ground. (Click to download)

Fukyugata tuide is required for White 2.

Fukyugata standing tuide

Fukyugata ground tuide

Fukyugata embu is a 2 person version of Fukyugata that can also be performed as a single person form.  For a clip of Fukyugata embu, click here.  Members can also download a pdf of the embu.

Fukyugata embu is required for White 4.

Fukyugata embu

Fukyugata happo is an 8 point turning basics drill based on Fukyugata.

Sam Lau demonstrates Fukyugata happo