Goju Ryu question: Kata Tensho

[GojuRyu Bahrain]

Do you practice the Kata Tensho? I am curious what you think about this Kata:

How often do you practice Tensho?

What is the intent behind this Kata?

Are there Bunkai associated to the moves?

Do you practice the Bunkai?

How does Tensho fit into the Goju Ryu curriculum? (What makes it similar to other Goju Kata, what makes it different?)

I appreciate your thoughts!

[Karate_John]

How often do you practice Tensho?

Every time I practice

What is the intent behind this Kata?

I think the intent is to teach breath control, flowing movements, and Rotational Motion.

Are there Bunkai associated to the moves?

Yes, for sure. The most basic example is the opening eye rake and chop to the temple.

Do you practice the Bunkai?

Yes, an interpretation is part of our single steps (ippons)

How does Tensho fit into the Goju Ryu curriculum? (What makes it similar to other Goju Kata, what makes it different?)

Hmm, never really thought about it but here is what i'm thinking. I was always told it's the soft of Goju ryu while Sanchin is the hard. I feel Sanchin is more linear while Tensho is Circular. They both seem to focus on breath control, but engage muscle differently. Sanchin more power, while Tensho being more of a snap.

[cheesefrysamurai]

That kata is above my pay grade.

What I do know is that my Sensei says it's the opposite of sanchin.

He said that you do sanchin when you wake up and tensho when you go to bed.

[sensei8]

SO

How often do you practice Tensho?

Every time I practice

What is the intent behind this Kata?

I think the intent is to teach breath control, flowing movements, and Rotational Motion.

Are there Bunkai associated to the moves?

Yes, for sure. The most basic example is the opening eye rake and chop to the temple.

Do you practice the Bunkai?

Yes, an interpretation is part of our single steps (ippons)

How does Tensho fit into the Goju Ryu curriculum? (What makes it similar to other Goju Kata, what makes it different?)

Hmm, never really thought about it but here is what i'm thinking. I was always told it's the soft of Goju ryu while Sanchin is the hard. I feel Sanchin is more linear while Tensho is Circular. They both seem to focus on breath control, but engage muscle differently. Sanchin more power, while Tensho being more of a snap.

Solid post!!

[Nidan Melbourne]

Do you practice the Kata Tensho?

Yes I do practice this Kata, it is also part of our curriculum.

How often do you practice Tensho?

I practice it a couple of times every week outside of the dojo. When I practice in a Park and I do this kata, it reminds them of the original Karate Kid movies.

What is the intent behind this Kata?

From what I know the intent in the kata is to help you focus on breathing, the fluidity of the movements and redirections of movements. Also it helps you think of a different ways of how techniques can be used.

Are there Bunkai associated to the moves?

Of course there is bunkai associated to the moves. Every single karateka that does this kata will have their own ones for it. I doubt many schools will have bunkai for this kata specifically required for grading.

Do you practice the Bunkai?

We don't practice the bunkai at my dojo. Sensei does mention that it does do some good to come up with something for this kata.

How does Tensho fit into the Goju Ryu curriculum? (What makes it similar to other Goju Kata, what makes it different?)

It fits into the Goju-Ryu System by showing the 'Ju' or 'soft' side of the art. It is a direct comparison to kata Sanchin which shows the 'Go' or 'Hard' way of the art.

It relates to other kata in the system, by showing that every technique in kata doesn't just have to be hard or soft BUT can be the complete opposite. Which means that techniques can be devastating or soft to redirect.

[GojuRyu Bahrain]

Thanks for your replies so far. Not much dis-ambiguity then about Tensho Kata.

As you, Nidan and John, I practice Tensho regularly (every training), usually after particularly strenuous exercises/sanchin or at the end of the workout, with the intent to "come down" and regain the "Ju" side. This should be in-line with Cheesefriesamurai's Sensei saying as well.

I do not practice Bunkai for Tensho, although my teacher mentioned that Tensho shows soft conflict resolution in a way that does not harm an attacker: The attacks are redirected and the attacker is only unbalanced and pushed back instead of killed or crippled.

However, recently I found this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34e77CtQjVc) which I liked a lot.

[yamesu]

I am only versed in the Kyokushin version, which while derived from Goju is not likely to be exactly the same.

How often do you practice Tensho?

About once a week, perhaps more if we are doing it in class.

What is the intent behind this Kata?

Rotating or turning hands. To me, and through the bunkai I have been taught, this is a practice of maximum result for minimum effort (soft) with and emphasis on utilisation of breaks from grabs and grabbing.

Are there Bunkai associated to the moves?

As with all other kata, there sure is. Of note, some of the moves focus on breaking out of a wrist grab, and/or grabbing the opponents wrist and executing a turning lock (which with some judo knowledge can be turned into a throw or takedown).

Do you practice the Bunkai?

As with all bunkai, I practice it in class with a partner.

How does Tensho fit into the Goju Ryu curriculum? (What makes it similar to other Goju Kata, what makes it different?)

Cant really comment on this exactly, but in Kyokushin it is generally a higher level kata, learnt after sanchin when kata with softer moves are introduced to students (such as Seipai and Yantsu).

Osu.

[DaveB]

I'm not a Gojuka, but I practice a version of tensho based on the Goju kata and crossed with the southern kungfu I trained as a way of linking and preserving both.

Like most I see it as a way of refining soft skills. These are the methods of putting your opponent at disadvantage by guiding or avoiding his force. Also it is practice for the flexibility needed to avoid falling prey to such methods.

So your solid punch to the face can melt into one of the tensho deflections when your opponent slips around it.

[Kusotare]

I'm also not a Goju man but, as I see it, Tensho kata is an introduction to basic "ukete" or receiving techniques.

Step two is learning how to move your body (whilst using these methods also).

K.

[Kusotare]

I practice a version of tensho based on the Goju kata and crossed with the southern kungfu I trained as a way of linking and preserving both.

Not wishing to de-rail this thread but I'd like to hear more about that!

K.