ISKA Videos

Here are a few videos from our ISKA instructors.
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Shimei
A kata created by ISKA Founder, Hanshi Vincent Cruz

ISKA founder, Hanshi Vincent Cruz created a whole series of different kata. One of his favorites was a kata called, "Shimei," meaning "life" or "death," implying one's ultimate fate or destiny. We have selected the kanji 「死命」but it is not certain that this is the kanji and intended meaning that Hanshi Cruz had, or if he even used kanji for it at all.

It is a very short, compact kata, with a linear embusen pattern, so it is easy to learn, yet difficult to master. Watch the video below to learn more about this little gem of a kata that has a special place in ISKA history. At the end of the video, Hanshi Llewelyn discusses what he knows about the history, meaning, and intention of the kata.

Gojushiho Sho
Featuring signature 'Ryuun no uke' technique

Hanshi Rick Llewelyn performs Gojushiho Sho, featuring the "flowing cloud hand block."

Click here for description of each technique, and the Japanese terminology.

Gojushiho Dai
Featuring signature 'Keito-Uke' technique

Hanshi Rick Llewelyn performs one of the tougher Shotokan Katas to master, Gojushiho Dai. Similar to it's partner kata, Gojushiho Sho, the "Dai" kata features Keito-Uke ("chicken head wrist block") and ippon nukite (single finger strike) from cat stance.

Junro Nidan
An Asai Kata, famous for spinning moves

Hanshi Rick Llewelyn performs Asai Sensei's Junro Nidan at the 2016 ISKA Sierra Camp in August.

Ji'in
One of the "lost" JKA katas

Ji'in is a lesser well known Shotokan Kata, related its cousins, Jion and Jutte/Jitte. We took some time to focus on this special kata this summer.

ISKA Videos

Ji'inOne of the "lost" JKA katas

Other Videos

Ji'in
One of the "lost" JKA katas