Sakugawa no kon ?

[kotegashiNeo]

I have mpeg of sakagawa no kon but I can't figure out the moves they are doing. There are some hand switches that I can't seem to pick-up. Wondering if anyone here knows this kata and can explain the finer points

[Sauzin]

Well I practice Seikichi Odo's Sakagawa no kun ichi and ni. The hand changes are a bit complicated and I'm not sure how much I can explain in type but I'd give it a shot if you care to ask some specifics.

[kotegashiNeo]

Okay after the first 270 degree turn you end up in a left leading forward stance with left hand on top but before that the right hand is on top and I see no visual switch, also I am not sure weither is ichi or ni but there is a cresant kick towards the end if that helps

[Sauzin]

Well the neither ni or ichi have a crescent in the version I practice. In fact there isn't a 270 degree turn either, that sounds more like Suioshi. Do you have a link to the video, a web site or name of organization the kata comes from, or perhaps a description of the hand techniques before and after the turn (for example: low block, turn sweep and groin slip strike)?

 

In the version I practice there is the opening of a reverse low block, head strike, step back into horse and mid block then step out low reverse block, step forward low sweeping block and groin slip strike, step forward head strike then repeat. Afterwards there is a series of low crab/dragon/leaning stance work that consists of a couple of sweeps then a block and a throw. All this occurs facing forward without turns. The first turn occurs after a head strike just after the throw. It is a 45 angled degree shuffle back with a mid block and then a hand change and an overhead block. Then a upward reverse strike to the left and another overhead block. Then the left hand basically lets go as you turn to face the right in a front stance. The hand that lets go grips in front of the right hand and prepares for a side strike which then follows. Then the hands both change grips and a low sweeping motion is made as you move into a horse stance. Then things get really complicated.

 

So if you could provide any of the previous information I might be able to help, but you can probably tell how different the versions are by the description I gave and if I can be of any help. It's up to you.

[kotegashiNeo]

here is the site I hope it works http://www.uga.edu/karatedo/video/sakugawa.no.kon.html

[Sauzin]

Mmmm...that is a bit different. Still I see what you are talking about. So these guy's head strikes don't extend all the way out. In this case the right hand is forward in front of the chest and the left at the hip. He moves the left hand out in front of him verticalizing the bo. As he is doing this he changes over the right then immediately the left once it is in front of his body. He then brings his back left leg up to his right knee and then begins the turn, smoothly moving the staff in front of him to his side for the block.

 

Our style does a similar hand change, however, instead of verticalizing the bo in front we bring the bottom hand over even further which causes the bo to set in a diagonal position once the hands are changed. We then spin around, verticalizing it for the side block.

 

Still if I were I you I might rethink trying to learn this from a video. If it's you're only option, well, then ask me more questions. But otherwise I would highly suggest learning this from a real person.

[kotegashiNeo]

Unfortunatly vidoe for now is my only option I think I have figured out most of the kata thank you so much for your help

[cathal]

I'm familiar with this one, now. After a little practice, we had this difficulty as well. If you look close, you can see there is a subtle movement. During the turn, the right arm comes in slightly (as if you are flexing your right bicept) which causes the bo to come in slightly on top and the bottom now leads into the end of the turn.

[informer]

that is not sakugawa no kun sorry.

[kotegashiNeo]

Okay explain how it isn't Sakugawa because frankly I have seen a different version from a person that trained at pure martual arts and it wasn't right at all I know okinawan kobudo when I see it so explain how this is incorrect and more importantly why your version is the right one.