Gojushiho Dai
Gojushiho Dai (fifty-four steps, major version)
aka: Uesheishi, Useishi, Sushiho, Hotaku (phoenix peck)
A particularly advanced kata which takes a lot of work to master, but is very rewarding and produces a powerful performance when done well. Hidden within are a variety of practical and devastating applications which can bring your karate to a new level when understood. The open-handed kosa-gamae and follow up nukite thrusts are characteristic of the Dai version of Gojushiho.
History
This old kata reputedly comes from Sokon Matsumura and its strong Chinese influence can be seen in the form even now. In some Shotokan schools the Dai and Sho names are swapped around. At Kanzenki we use Kanazawa's naming, so the Dai form has the shihon nukite spear-hand thrusts, and the Sho form has the ippon nukite technique. ~ GE