In the middle of kata Rohai, there is a sequence which consists of taking two strides forward whilst having both fists chambered at the hip. This is right in the middle of the kata, and to my eyes, doesn`t seem to suggest much.
I`m wondering about any applications for these movements. The only one I can think of , is that it`s to cover the ground between an enemy and yourself.
Anyone have any thoughts about this kata?

Tom.

Hi Tom

I can't see that its about covering ground. Why walk towards someone with your hands at your hands. I can only conclude that having your fists at your hips indicates that you're holding something - most likely the assailant. Think about holding the opponent and walking (kicking?) towards them.

Mike

Or dragging a body by the feet behind you

Hi Tom,

Rohai is a favourite kata of mine. I absolutely love teaching it! I use it to teach a number of imprtant concepts about karate and I also show how it can make kata construction more understandable. I did study the kata in depth through learning 4 or 5 versions and comparing as many versions as I could find at that time.

The version I do can be performed in modern competition and gets you back on the spot yet the applications show close quarter self defense from in front and from the rear. As in old style Jion, both the attack itself and the response is clearly shown.

Actually the section you mention is the attack In an early move the response is shown. If you can work it out.. great! I should say that the real benefit of studying older and other versions is that often you discover how a sequence or a move has been shortened or excluded altogether. Often these moves are crucial to making sense of the kata.

Cheers,
Boz


Cheers,
Boz

Thanks for that Boz. It`s something i`ll try and figure out and i`ll let you know how I get on!
The version of Rohai I know is the one taught to me by Mick, which - as I remember - is the same version that I saw John Hackett performing at his recent Yondan grading.

It`s probably true that if you let someone figure it out for themselves, they`ll have a greater understanding of it, rather that if they`d simply been told.

From memory I was told from Sakagami Sensei (head of Shito-ryu ItosuKai) That while the hands are on your hips in the kata they signify having your hands either behind your back, arms crossed or in your pockets (in modern times)when walking. Due to the advent of karate Gi's it was modified to hands on chest etc.

This is also true for Pinan Sandan. When you turn to face the back halfway through the kata (talking about Shito-Ryu and Shorinryu kata here not Shotokan) and you stand with your hands on your hips and step forward into Shikodachi blocking with your elbow, you are signifying that you have your hands either in your pockets or behind your back.

Just passing on what I know.

Colin
www.shitoryuaustralia.com

Hi Tom

John did the Shotokan kata Meikyo at his grading. It is related to Rohai but is not the same, although the common elements are easily recognisable.


Mick

Thanks Mick, That`s what I get for posting when I`m still half asleep! ( and apologies to John, if he`s reading this! )

Hi Colin,

One of my Japanese teachers (Shitoryu chap) told me that you had bags under your arms or you could be holding shopping bags in your hands. Unfortunately they will tell us anything they think we will believe.
Do you lift/bend your arms up at the start of the kata? Were you given an explanation of that move? If so you will be able to see why the hands are positioned at the hip for the little walkies further on in the kata. If not PM me and I'll tell you what I know.
Cheers,
boz