
Important note: In this video, I named a stance Crane Stance. I misspoke and the correct name of the stance is Kosa Dachi.
Kusanku kata is explored from multiple directions to build right-left awareness, center-line stepping, and controlled punches, including a crane stance (uotsuri dachi) and knee tuck.
Explore Kusanku kata techniques in Isshinryu karate, including nakadachi transitions, double strikes, front kick and back fist, knee drops, and diagonal elbow attacks, with guided footwork and stacking fists.
Learn the Kusanku kata in Isshinryu karate with step-by-step footwork, hip rotation, and simultaneous nukite and palm techniques, including naihanchi dachi, juji uke, and tetsu hammer fists.
Discover the final movements of Kusanku kata in Isshinryu karate, including two snap kicks with forward momentum, low front kicks, and the closing sequence of blocks, punches, and guard transitions.
This course teaches the sixth kata of the Isshinryu Karate system. Isshinryu is a karate style that is simple yet powerful. Due to its simplicity, it is appropriate for students of all ages and abilities that are looking to learn self defense. Prior to starting this course, it is recommended to have knowledge of the 15 kihon (basic techniques) of Isshinryu Karate, Isshinryu kicks, Seisan, Seiunchin, Naihanchi, Wansu and Chinto Kata. All of these prerequisites are taught in my other courses.
The sixth kata of Isshinryu is named Kusanku. This is the kata learned as a purple belt. Each portion of the kata has its own video lesson which thoroughly demonstrates and explains step by step how to perform the movements. Structure, posture, foot work, body mechanics, common misconceptions and more are addressed during the lessons.
The course is broken into 11 lectures so the learner can focus on smaller segments of the kata at a time. There will be a quiz following the kata lectures that aims to help the learner reflect on the previous content. Correct and incorrect answer choices will have feedback as well as a reference to the video in which the kata section was taught.
This course concludes with a full class workout with repetitive practice of the complete kata. It is important to practice the kata regularly in order to strengthen muscle memory, develop discipline and to be better prepared for the next steps in learning Isshinryu Karate.
Future courses will teach the remaining katas that make up Isshinryu karate as well as bunkai for each kata.