Fukyugata Ichi, or "Promotion Kata One," is a foundational kata in Shorin Ryu Karate designed for beginner practitioners. Created to introduce students to the basic movements, stances, and techniques of Karate, this kata focuses on simplicity and clarity. Its structure emphasizes fundamental principles such as proper posture, balance, and coordination, making it an essential building block for more advanced kata and techniques.
One of Fukyugata Ichi’s key strengths is its ability to teach the practitioner how to transition fluidly between stances while maintaining stability and control. With straightforward movements like Zenkutsu Dachi (front stance) paired with blocks and strikes it instills the importance of timing and alignment. The kata also reinforces focus and precision, as each technique must be executed with clear intent and purpose. By practicing Fukyugata Ichi, students develop confidence in their ability to perform basic Karate techniques while laying the groundwork for understanding the deeper principles of kata.
This kata serves as an excellent introduction to the art of Karate, teaching both the physical mechanics of blocking, striking, and stepping and the mental discipline required for continued progress. With its simple yet effective design, Fukyugata Ichi allows practitioners to build a strong foundation, ensuring a smooth progression to more complex kata and techniques.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Performing Fukyugata Ichi (普及型一)
Clock Notation Reference:
12:00: Original forward direction.
6:00: Directly behind.
3:00 and 9:00: To the right and left, respectively.
1:30, 4:30, 7:30, 10:30: Diagonals between the cardinal directions.
Starting Position
Begin in Heisoku Dachi (feet together stance), facing 12:00.
Bow (Rei) and move to Musubi Dachi (informal attention stance).
Step out into Heiko Dachi (parallel stance) to prepare mentally.
Sequence of Movements:
1. First Direction – 9:00 (Left)
Turn 90 degrees to your left and step forward with your left leg into Zenkutsu Dachi (front stance), facing 9:00.
Perform a Gedan Barai (lower block) with your left arm.
Step forward with your right leg into Zenkutsu Dachi, maintaining alignment toward 9:00.
Execute a Chūdan Oi Zuki (mid-level lunge punch) with your right hand.
2. Second Direction – 3:00 (Right)
Pivot 180 degrees to your right, stepping with your right leg into Zenkutsu Dachi, facing 3:00.
Perform a Gedan Barai with your right arm.
Step forward with your left leg into Zenkutsu Dachi, maintaining alignment toward 3:00.
Execute a Chūdan Oi Zuki with your left hand.
3. Third Direction – 12:00 (Forward)
Turn 90 degrees to your left, stepping forward with your left leg into Zenkutsu Dachi, facing 12:00.
Perform a Gedan Barai with your left arm.
Step forward with your right leg into Zenkutsu Dachi, maintaining alignment toward 12:00.
Execute a Chūdan Oi Zuki with your right hand.
Step forward again with your left leg into Zenkutsu Dachi, still facing 12:00.
Execute another Chūdan Oi Zuki with your left hand.
4. Fourth Direction – 6:00 (Backward)
Pivot 180 degrees on your left foot to face 6:00, moving into Zenkutsu Dachi with your right leg forward.
Perform a Gedan Barai with your right arm.
Step forward with your left leg into Zenkutsu Dachi, maintaining alignment toward 6:00.
Execute a Chūdan Oi Zuki with your left hand.
5. Fifth Direction – 10:30 (Backward Left Diagonal)
Turn diagonally to 10:30, stepping with your left leg into Zenkutsu Dachi.
Perform a Gedan Barai with your left arm.
Step forward with your right leg into Zenkutsu Dachi, maintaining alignment toward 10:30.
Execute a Chūdan Oi Zuki with your right hand.
6. Sixth Direction – 1:30 (Forward Right Diagonal)
Pivot diagonally to 1:30, stepping with your right leg into Zenkutsu Dachi.
Perform a Gedan Barai with your right arm.
Step forward with your left leg into Zenkutsu Dachi, maintaining alignment toward 1:30.
Execute a Chūdan Oi Zuki with your left hand.
7. Seventh Direction – 7:30 (Backward Right Diagonal)
Turn diagonally to 7:30, stepping with your left leg into Zenkutsu Dachi.
Perform a Gedan Barai with your left arm.
Step forward with your right leg into Zenkutsu Dachi, maintaining alignment toward 7:30.
Execute a Chūdan Oi Zuki with your right hand.
8. Eighth Direction – 4:30 (Backward Left Diagonal)
Pivot diagonally to 4:30, stepping with your right leg into Zenkutsu Dachi.
Perform a Gedan Barai with your right arm.
Step forward with your left leg into Zenkutsu Dachi, maintaining alignment toward 4:30.
Execute a Chūdan Oi Zuki with your left hand.
Ending Position
Return to Musubi Dachi, stepping back to the starting position.
Bow (Rei) to conclude the kata.
Notes on Performance
Directionality: Maintain awareness of the 12:00 starting position to orient all movements.
Breathing: Exhale sharply during each block and strike for power and control.
Transitions: Ensure smooth pivots and transitions between stances, maintaining stability and precision.
Focus: Visualize an opponent in each direction, executing techniques with intent and proper targeting.