Jion kata group

:"This article is about the kata, for the Japanese weapon, see jitte (weapon)."

Ji'in, Jion, and Jitte form a group of kata used in Shotokan and other karate styles, beginning with the same characteristic kamae of the left hand covering the right, which apparently has roots in ancient Chinese boxing. Their origin is thought to be from the Tomari-te school.

Ji'in

Ji'in (translated: "love of truth") likely originates from the Tomari-te school. Gichin Funakoshi did not teach this kata extensively, and it is less important than the other two in this group to Shotokan. However, it remains important for the execution of many simultaneous techniques and the often-repeated stances, enabling swift changes of direction while maintaining balance, power and steps of equal length. It has, however, been removed from the Japan Karate Association teaching and grading syllabus.

Jion

Jion (translated: "Temple Grounds" or "Temple of love and goodness") conceals a strong fighting spirit, although it is not difficult to perform. It is a representative kata in the Shotokan system because of the importance of the perfection of the basic stances in its mastery. Its selection by the WKF as a shitei (compulsory) kata for Shotokan makes it a very commonly used kata in the opening rounds of competitions. Jion utilises a number of stances, notably zenkutsu dachi (front stance) and kiba dachi (horse stance).

Jitte

The mastery of Jitte (translated: "ten hands") should in theory enable one to face ten adversaries. Its origin is from the Tomari-te school. Some claim that the name, Jitte, is derived from the position of the raised fists, resembling a type of sai known as a jitte, which occurs a number of times in the kata. This rather short kata of only 24 movements contains a number of defenses that can be implemented against the bo. It is somewhat unusual in that the kata does not end exactly where it begins. Also known in some styles as Sip Soo.

External links

* [http://www.natkd.com/shotokan_katas Shotokan kata diagrams and videos]
* [http://karateinfo.bravehost.com/ShotoKata.html Shotokan kata information and videos]

ee also

* Bunkai
* Kata
* Shotokan