Enpi
Enpi (flying swallow)
aka: Wanshu, Wansu
The characteristic up and down and direction-changing movements in this kata are the inspiration for Gichin Funakoshi's renaming of this kata to Enpi - flight of the swallow. The form includes a strong throw (represented by a grab and spinning jump in the kata) as well as the unusual age zuki (rising punch).
History
Wanshu is one of the oldest Okinawan karate forms. With ties to the Tomari region, it is said to record the martial techniques taught by the retinue of the Chinese envoy Wang Chi, who stayed at Shuri Castle in 1683. From here it was passed down to Kosaku Matsumora and then Yasutsune Itosu, where it was later inherited into Shotokan. ~ GE| < Jion | back to main kata page | Hangetsu > |