Training Videos
Overview
Translation: “Crane on a Rock”
Movements in Kata: 42
Kiai Points: #28 (oi zuki) & #42 (oi zuki)
Origin/Creator: Sokon Matsumura
Okinawan Name: Chinto
Gankaku is an elegant, but challenging kata to perform because of its difficult twists and spins on a straight-line embusen. Its signature movement – one-legged/crane stance (tsuru-ashi dachi) with arms in high-low block position (muso gamae) – resembles a crane standing on one leg. The kata was created by Okinawan Master Sokon Matsumura, chief bodyguard to the Ryukyu king. After reportedly meeting and fighting with a shipwrecked Chinese sailor named “Chinto” (the kata’s original Okinawan name), Matsumura created this kata as an homage to Chinto’s unique fighting skills and techniques.
Learn More
Diagram of Techniques
Take a Quiz on this Kata
Try this Kata’s Jigsaw Puzzle!