by Kancho Okuyama
Kata Wankan is very difficult to understand and to perform the rhythm, vunkai (application) Tactic, philosophy and the harmony with the universal movement, especially with gravitative power of the one foot power. Slowly moving to Kokutsu-dai kakkiwake uke to Kosadachi to left then to Kakkiwake ue then Sagiashi-dachi (one foot stance, power of one foot) then soft movement of the next three steps, is like checking the ground for safety,, for example if the ground is wet. After the 3 step, then strange zenkutsu-dai then quick Nekoashi Dachi defense kick and break the legs. From left attack and right attack to three strong Kicks and Tski (punch) to Jodan with Zenkustudachi. Ending by Fudodachi with Morote Yamasaki.
All these movements of this Kata is continual. Three main principle of the Kata:
- Wazanokankyu (technique of quick and slow)
- Wazano Kyo-jaku (strong and soft)
- Taino Sei and Do (stillness of body and action - silence and action movement)
Wan Kan Kata all contain this Silence. A reference to further explain this "Stillness" is from "The Book of Family Tradition on the Art of War" pg. 130
YAGYUTAJIMANOKAMI
Explanation of the Characters used for "Quiescent" - (Stillness)
The two characters used for "Quiescent" in the expression "quiescent sword" literally mean "spirit" and "wonder". The spirit is within the wonder manifests outwardly, this is called an inscrutable marvel text. For example, because there is the spirit of Tree within a tree, therefore its flowers blossom fragrantly, it turns green, its branches and leaves flourish; this is called the MARVEL.
Wan Kan Kata all contains this "Silence", this "Stillness", this "Marvel".
