Iain Abernethy Seminar 2021

The theme of the event will the Rohai / Meikyo family of kata! There are many different versions of this kata, but they are all said to trace back to a crane inspired system disseminated in the Tomari region of Okinawa. We will compare and contrast the functional applications of the Itosu (Wado), Matsomora (Shito-Ryu and Tang Soo Do) and “Gusukuma” (Shotokan) versions of the kata. Prior knowledge of these kata is not needed. These “Sign of the Crane” forms contain some very pragmatic and interesting applications and give an insight into aspects of karate’s development.  This will be an interesting exploration of the “Tomari-Te” influence on modern karate and the combative methods that derived from that source.