Taikioku kata

The debate about whether "forms" have any value is a pointless one in my opinion. If you don't get anything out of an exercise, then don't do it. That is basic Go Tao Chi. It is especially true in today's technological world that a video record of our participation in any activity can be used to compare and mark progress. The older I get, the more I appreciate kata. I can compare my abilities and gauge the development of both my strengths and weaknesses. Taikioku means something like, "first cause." There are any number of variations on this basic theme (perhaps a kick in place of the punch or a different block) but always the First Cause or first form or first kata allow the student a chance to combine external images (like the "track being the shape of an "I" or a football goalpost on its side) with the verbal directions of the teacher and the internal feeling of doing things "right."

Sushi No Kon Sho

"The Universe Breathes both Hard and Soft."
In Five Birds Martial Arts we use a variety of weapons and in a variety of ways. In this video we see the "hard" end of the spectrum when it comes to the long staff. Sushi No Kon Sho (or any weapons form) is best learned from a skill and knowledgeable instructor. There are a number of excellent texts and videos to teach the basics, but there is no substitute for the immediate feedback that is inherent in a good, student-teacher arrangement. This is especially true in Martial Arts instruction, and even more so in weapons training. The great Okinawan master, Fumio Demura made this kata a classic for anyone interested in the use of weapons. The podcast above is for those interested in seeing the various ways that a "hard" kata can be interpreted. The ultimate value of this podcast will become more apparent when the Chinese Staff Set and the Five Birds two-person kata is also posted for comparison.

Saifa Kata

This video was made impromptu, at one of the sunrise experiences that Five Birds Martial Arts students often experienced. It shows the mixing of concepts and the application of Go-Tao-Chi principles.