2nd Kyu
About 2nD KYU
1 black stripe – enpi
Enpi (also spelled “Empi”) is an advanced kata in Shotokan Karate, often translated as “Flying Swallow.” The name reflects the kata’s fluid, swift movements and sudden, high jumps that emulate the lightness and agility of a swallow in flight. Enpi is known for its dynamic directional changes, varying rhythm, and quick shifts between high and low techniques. It emphasises both offence and evasion, training practitioners in speed, agility, and balance.
Key Components of Enpi
- Movements: Enpi contains 37 movements, characterised by rapid shifts in direction, changes in height, and a combination of high and low stances. These movements simulate engaging with and evading multiple attackers.
- Techniques: Enpi combines both defensive and offensive techniques, focusing on fluid transitions and quick execution:
- Age Uke (Rising Block): A high block that deflects attacks aimed at the head.
- Oi Zuki (Lunge Punch): A forward lunge punch aimed at an opponent’s midsection.
- Tate Zuki (Vertical Fist Punch): A punch delivered with a vertical fist, suitable for close-range strikes.
- Empi Uchi (Elbow Strike): A sharp elbow strike for close-quarters combat.
Shuto Uke (Knife-Hand Block): A block that uses the open hand to deflect an attack. - Knee Strikes and Jumping Movements: The kata includes knee strikes and a signature jump, emphasising agility and balance.
- Stances: Enpi uses Zenkutsu Dachi (Front Stance), Kokutsu Dachi (Back Stance), and Kiba Dachi (Horse Stance), with an emphasis on fast transitions and grounded stability.
Pattern and Rhythm
- The pattern of Enpi is dynamic and involves frequent directional changes and rapid shifts in height, providing practitioners with training in evasive movement.
- The rhythm of the kata varies between quick, light movements and strong, grounded techniques, with a notable jump that breaks the flow to signify agility and elevation.
Purpose
Enpi is designed to develop agility, speed, and adaptability, training practitioners to react quickly and manoeuvre skillfully in various directions. The kata encourages practitioners to blend offence and evasion seamlessly, simulating the unpredictability of combat situations. Enpi builds leg strength, balance, and mental focus, and the high jump requires commitment, control, and timing. Through Enpi, students learn to incorporate both light, fluid movements and strong, stable stances, making it a key kata for advancing in Shotokan’s principles of speed, power, and flexibility.
