This set of kata videos started out as an advanced study project I took on as a Yondan and Renshi. By the rank of Yondan(4th degree black belt) one has completed acquiring all the kihon (basics), wasa (techniques) and 18 kata (forms) of the Matsubayashi Ryu system of karate (a specific version of Shorin Ryu karate). At this level it is time to turn from acquiring new material to re-examining what you have already acquired and diving deeper to increase your understanding and mastery of the material.
My Sensei, Kyoshi Keane of the Academy of Traditional Karate, suggested to video the full set of 18 Matsubayashi Ryu kata. This would provide a snapshot of my current level of performance and serve as a reference point for further study and improvement of the material. I took him up on the offer and we shot the videos at the Academy. We shot one kata each week over the course of a few months. I completed the set just before the COVID-19 lock-downs began.
This snapshot can now serve as a baseline for me as I continue to further refine my kata performance, technique and bunkai (analysis/application). I then decided that I would post the videos online because, even though they are a work in progress, they may be helpful for others studying these kata as well.
As a Renshi it is my honor to help pass down what I may of the art as I continue to study and train myself.
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These kata are based on the versions described in Shoshin Nagamine’s book:
