Chintō

Gankaku (Japanese岩 鹤, dt crane on the rock ) or older Chinto is a kata in karate, that a stylized fight against multiple imaginary opponents. Taught it is under the name Gankaku in the Shotokan style, while the styles of Shorin- Ryu, Wado - Ryu and Shito- Ryu have retained the original name Chinto.

Origin

The origin of the Gankaku ( Chintu ) is in the Heron Quanfa (Chinese Boxing ), which makes this kata to one of the oldest in Karatedo. The ideogram, which is read on Okinawa Chin is synonymous with the Chinese Dianxue, the art of Vital Point techniques. Gichin Funakoshi wrote in his book Ryu Kempo Karate Kyū that the kata originated from an internal Chinese kung fu style. The obvious connection with the Crane style of Kung Fu also allows for a connection to the external styles here. It is believed that the Kata has spread over multiple paths on Okinawa, as there are some distinct development branches. On Okinawa, the birthplace of Karatedo, it was taught in Shorin, the style, which Funakoshi Gichin, Mabuni and Mabuni studied under her master Itosu Yasutsune and so this kata found its way into the styles of these masters. In Wado - Ryu kata came about Funakoshi, who taught Ōtsuka Hironori, the developer of this style. Matsumora Kosaku has this kata probably even brought from China with and integrated into the Tomari -Te. Kyan Chotoku called his version of the Kata " Kiyatake no Chinto ". Today, it is practiced in the style of Matsubayashi - Ryu. Shiroma, a student of Itosu, has its own form developed Shiroma no Chinto that found its way into Gensei Ryu.

Name

The name Gankaku, ie " Crane on the Rock ", was chosen by Funakoshi Gichin because of this Kata ashi dachi four times occurring Tsuru, a foot position that resembles a crane, who beats his wings for defense.

Special

A special feature of this kata is the Embusen, so the step diagram showing a vertical line. This shows that you first perform the techniques in one direction and you end up virtually " turns " and you have a number of techniques, which ends at the starting point of this Kata. Another subtlety is that people frequently change between liquid and rapid movement sequences to a rest persevering attitude. In addition, the techniques to the vital points ( Jintai Kyusho ) of the body are addressed.