Joko
Jōkō ( Japanese 常 行 , dt. About everyday action ) is a series of five kata (stylized battles against imaginary opponents) in the martial art karate . The kata were created by Tetsuhiko Asai and are based on the principles of the Junro kata, which he also created .
Goal setting
As with the Junro-Kata, the aim is to develop specific movement patterns that cannot be practiced so explicitly in the standard Shōtōkan- Karate. This kata series is designed as a continuation of the Junro kata and as such Asai also planned to include it in the examination program of his organization Nihon Karate Shōtō Remmei , for example , but this was not realized.
The Jōkō-Kata thus belong to the advanced basic kata in the Shōtōkan movement propagated by Asai. The concepts conveyed are essentially similar to those of the Junro-Kata, but their implementation requires mastery of the basic forms.
The individual kata
An overarching feature of this kata series is the body rotation, which is practiced in different ways in the individual kata. At the end of the kata, contrary to the usual retraction of the front leg in Shōtōkan, the rear leg is usually set forward.
Jōkō Issei ( 常 行 一 勢 )
Comparable to Junro Shodan , the main focus is on controlling the distance to the opponent by shifting the center of gravity and changing positions, as well as changing the direction of movement frequently (forwards, backwards, hooking the hook).
Jōkō Nisei ( 常 行 二 勢 )
The Kata Jōkō Nisei practices the use of open hand techniques. In addition to rarely practiced techniques such as Kakutō (crane's head), Keitō (cockscomb) or Seiryūtō (Chinese broad sword), this also includes Teishō. Another specialty is the Mawashi-geri, which does not appear in any standard Shōtōkan kata.
Jōkō Sansei ( 常 行 三 勢 )
In the third kata of the series, striking techniques are practiced in quick succession in connection with quick changes of position, which makes the kata comparatively dynamic. The directions of execution change in places at angles that do not correspond to the otherwise usual system of a multiple of 45 °.
Jōkō Yonsei ( 常 行 四 勢 )
Similar to the Junro Yondan , the focus is on rotating the body in different directions, in this kata combined with different techniques and positions.
Jōkō Gosei ( 常 行 五 勢 )
The last kata in the series combines techniques from the previous kata. The main point here can be considered the body rotation, which is also shown in the jump changes.