The International San Ten Karate Association (ISKA)
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ISKA Videos

Here are a few videos from our ISKA instructors.
Be sure to subscribe to our email list to get quality insight, training tips, and videos about traditional Japanese Karate. ​

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.
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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. 


2017 ISKA Year in Review
A look back at activities from 2017. 
Kata Review in Benicia - January
Belt Testing - January
Black Belt College - multiple locations
​Winter Seminar in San Bruno - March
Panamá Camp - April
Spring Seminar with Hanshi Butler in Santa Clara - May
Beach Training at Stinson Beach - June & September
Sierra Camp near Yosemite - August
Master's Seminar with Sensei Avi Rokah - October
Bay Area Karate & Kobudo Alliance Hall of Fame Awards - November
Special Visit from Sensei Mike O'Connor of the KUGB - August & Nov.-Dec. 


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.
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Core control and pressure down in the stance is critical to performing these techniques well.
For the left leg stability in the cat stance, single leg box squats can be a helpful strength development tool, since the left quad and glute are emphasized in this kata.  
Click here for description of each technique, and the Japanese terminology. 
And be sure to check out Sensei Ian Abernathy's creative bunkai application ideas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnOsKGSARdQ

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. 
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This kata contains many spinning and shifting movements requiring tight core control and precise balance. It is an excellent kata for developing sen-no-sen (block and strike at same time) techniques and working on contraction and expansion. 

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.

Here are some interesting articles about the history of this peculiar kata:

http://www.garenewing.co.uk/home/karate/jiin.php 
http://shotokankaratecsl.com/Kata%2026%20-%20Jiin.html
http://www.gimnasiookinawa.com/katas-shotokan-karate/jiin.php

http://kenseis-shogyu.blogspot.com/2011/11/jiin-lost-cousin-of-jion.html
​

Kitei
Kata used in 'Fukugo'  style competition
Performed by Sensei Kevin Little at the Fremont Shotokan Karate Black Belt Tournament on Sunday, May 15, 2016.

Kitei was created by Master Nishiyama with the assistance of Goju Master Kisak and Shito Master Mabuni* and combines elements from Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, and Shito-Ryu for use in Fukugo style tournament competition. 

*Source: Avi Rokah Blog

Other Videos

Special Presentation of Nijushiho Bunkai Concepts from Sensei Michael O'Connor
​6th dan with the KUGB

Hanshi Rick Llewelyn performing
​Asai's Suishu kata.

​
2014 Beach Training montage, courtesy of Nippon Kempo Karate in Sacramento.

Sensei John Leggett teaching
Jion at Sierra Camp.

2014 Beach Training
Sensei Steve Oliver performing
​Cruz's Instance 1 Kata.

Sensei Steve Oliver performing
​Cruz's Instance 2 Kata.
Kata created by Hanshi Cruz, Shimei.
Hanshi Llewelyn teaching Chinte Kata
​at Sierra Camp.

Hanshi Sharifi Seminar.
Hanshi Sharifi Seminar.
Hanshi Sharifi and Sensei Llewelyn, circa 1986.

Picture
© Copyright 1979-2021. All Rights Reserved.
​The International San Ten Karate Association (ISKA), founded in 1979 by Master Vincent Cruz.
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • ISKA's Mission
    • ISKA Annual Membership Dues & Dojo Registration
    • Our Members
  • Videos
    • ISKA Videos
  • Events
    • Event Announcements
    • ISKA Virtual Gasshuku
    • Kata Review
    • Black Belt College
    • ISKA Summer Camp
    • ISKA Winter Seminar
    • ISKA Masters Seminar
    • Bay Area Karate Events
  • Store
    • ISKA Store
  • Contact