Geki Sai Dai Ichi Kata (And Ni!) - Step By Step 

I’ve just started karate only a few weeks ago and have only attended a couple classes. I get nervous to attend future classes because honestly I have not been practicing my kata and feel quite guilty about it. Sensei encouraged me that there are videos on his website. Unfortunately they are probably from the eighties and their walk through pace is a bit faster than I can keep up with. Not to mention there is no talking in the video and I thrive in learning when there are verbal cues. This helps SOOOO much! Thank you so much for this, you are such a great teacher. I appreciate the “chicken elbow” and “boring book” analogy, it helps me visualize it so much better. This will help me feel more confident to simply know what the steps look like to start practicing them. Thank you.

Na minha opinião esse foi o melhor tutorial de Gekisai Dai It que assisti até agora, e olha que assisti vários. Parabéns pela maneira didática de explicar cada movimento. Virei seguidor do canal. Thank you. Osssss!

The kata that I didn't like initially. Because it's too Shuriteish and Shorinryuish, not like a proper Goju-ryu or any ryuha from Nahate. :) Notice, this one is the only kata that got frontal jodan-uke which is not used in Nahate styles at all, because... who needs three levels and four blocks to protect (hello Shotokan friends!) when two levels to defend are more than enough: upper above your solar plexus including head hence fist/palm up (that's why a fist in our chudan-uke draws on eyes' level) and lower part below your solar plexus hence fist/palm down; and elbow is at the solar plexus anyway. :))) On the other hand (gyaku or oi, doesn't mater for awase), this kata is good to learn just an introduction to Goju-ryu style without even bothering with sanchin-gata (three years of training, they say, with constipated belly, they say...I mean, breathing with tanden and achieving gamaku, osu!) and then to go to a mandatory military service in Japanese imperial army and not to get your ass kicked because you're not a "proper" Japanese national but Uchina. In this sense, adding pair kata (tsuzukite as standartized bunkai and ma-ai practice), both gekisai-gata are a good pack of tools for a "village karateka" (because only Shotokan is Tokyo and Shito-ryu is Osaka at least). ;) As to fukyu (meaning promotional), Jundokan used to teach two of these (very taikyoku alike) as their tribute to Shorin-ryu and the latter teaches our gekisai called fukyu dai san as their tribute to us (oh how cute... but they do it more straightforward, no soft and hard feelings but not hard feelings on them for their tribute to us as we are soft on this spot, too). And a tachi-gata was based on fukyu embusen (don't know if anybody teaches it). Nowadays it becomes obsolete (I believe old Shoreikan schools still teaches fukyu having a third form with mawashi-uke). But fukyu and gekisai would compose a strog basic for a more general and non-style karate, indeed, and as was intended in 1940. Although fukyu, as promotional or demonstrational on Nahate, by it's initial meaning is actually a seisan-gata (RenFair shows). :) Not to bore you to death, but I may add a short right palm block as intermediate movement before jodan-uke (then jodan-uke becomes a strike with a forearm); and chudan-uke are performed as muchimi (tensed slow movements); I prefer ashi-barai before horizontal shuto (hello saifa yet again...); in a second kata while doing hiki-uke, first is also muchimi, but two other hiki-uke are quick and you should step forward with an arc but step back straight line (because bunkai is sweep of the leg from its back) - but YMMV or DWYSS. (must shut up now)

55years old and here I am in my living room practising kata , fantastic channel, wonderful instructors(and beautiful also, I'm auld I can say such things) what a treasure trove this channel is, thank you

Zoe Sensei you should know that you are a natural at video teaching. The reason I started following this channel because I saw one of your basic videos and thought how straight forward your teaching was and how natural your were. Please keep making basics videos. I do have one question. The Gendan Bari move. What is being blocked? I have found many answers to this and would love to know what the meaning is in your school. Great editing and thanks again!.

Thank you so so much Sensei greatly appreciated. Very helpful indeed... Great work as always.

Excellent job Zoe. Not just the kata execution but the editing, filming , bloopers, you have raised the bar again.

Thanks, it's the best explaining of Geki Sai Dai Ichi Kata, i've found during a long seeking of couple of months.

Well done Zoë

A wonderful video by Sensei Zoe indeed. I liked the emphasis on details, such as, the first move of the kata being a step forward before turning (whereas many would simply make a left turn). The difference is, when you take that step forward, you are avoiding an attack from the left by moving out of the way, and then, that next turn left requires a twisting of the hips and legs，and weight shifting, to generate a rotational power, which of course augments the power of the upper block. The twisting and blocking is a body mechanic that only higher-graders can execute but if they don't have the mind-set of stepping forward before turning as a beginner they may never discover the body-mechanic I described when they become more advanced. You were spot on with all the details in the kata that one should observe. The laser beams were incredible btw. I also like the closing hand sequences ,in which you broke it down to 3 sections, right fist in left open palm - right fist under left palm - both palms open. Nowadays so many people just skip the part with the fist under palm. According to my late Sensei, Chojun Miyagi deliberately designed this bit into the kata, Fist on top of the open palm signified the ending of the fight, fist beneath the open palm meant zanshin - the fight is over, you are pacified on the surface, but you remain alert beneath the surface and are ready to attack if the opponent rises again (fist hidden behind an open palm) and finally, both palms are open meaning you are in a fully defensive posture/state of mind. I have almost believed that nobody else teaches this anymore, so it's great to see it here. About the history of the Fukyu katas, yes the governor of Okinawa comissioned the fukyu-kata series - the idea was to create universal kata that combined concepts from all schools. Soshin Nagamine created Fukyukata dai ichi, and Miyagi Sensei created Fukyukata dai-ni which also he named Gekisai-Dai-Ichi within the Goju-Ryu system. Hence, the unique features of this kata include : Closed-fisted Age-Uke which does not appear in any other Goju-Ryu kata, Oi-Tsuki, again this does not exist in any other Goju-Ryu kata (both moves are however, common in the Shuri-Te system). It is also the only Goju-Ryu kata whereby after a kick and elbow strike, the fist executes a backfist strike. In Sanseru, Shisochin, Kururunfa, the backfist strike is "hidden" - so it seems Chojun Miyagi wanted to make it known to beginners, that this bunkai exists after the elbow strike. This kata also gives the beginner a complete run through of blocks - upper middle and lower blocks for both arms, as well as upper punch and middle punch, a knife-hand strike each hand plus 2 double punches. As you rightly pointed out, this is the only kata that ends with stepping forward- Miyagi Chojun designed it this way to signify the idea that karate should be progressing with the times. You start the kata by moving out of the way of aggression, but end it by moving forward, you end by offering peace but maintaining Zanshin.This sums up Chojun Miyagi's philosophy to karate and his outlook to life. A lot of thought was put into this kata's design - and it is one of my favourite kata of the Goju-System. One can tell so much about a Goju-Ryu karateka just from watching him/her perform this kata - and Sensei Zoe does this kata really well, and probably teaches students very well too. Keep up the great work Sensei Che and Zoe.

Outstanding explanation of this Kata. Great work and thanks for the breakdown. Please keep sharing as i learnt a lot.

Thank you for this video. I love your teaching styles. I’m 38 years old and just started training in Goju Ryu. This has helped me immensely. Arigato gozaimasu

Your teaching sensei is very good

“Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.” It is one of my mantras to myself and my son. It is also something that we used to say in the Army. Excellent video as always.

Sensei, you are an excellent instructor. I look forward to seeing more instructional videos from you.

Love your teaching I am currently studying Goju here in New York holding a purple belt and two belts away from black This teaching definitely helped me study the steps and forms of this kata thank you so much 🙏

Just started karate way (am not a young lass) and two years in - decided to get graded last year to blue belt. I am learning in my living room this kata as I have been struggling with the final bits - helps me so much with facing off camera and in front so it is easy to learn the moves. Please keep the channel going.

Very comprehensive and thorough. Thank you

Thank you for this wonderful, easy to understand and remember. Will definitely keep watching!!

I love how you teach your viewers and the humble attitude you display. This is very helpful for me as I started studying years ago in Hawaii an Okinawa style called Ryu Kyu which seems more similar to Goju Ryu than to Shotokan. Thank you for the work you do. Are we able to donate to your dojo?

These two Kata's are new to me and I am learning the basic pattern through online tutorials. I have found yours to be clear and informative. I have enjoyed viewing your video. I am on the look out for others. Thank you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! You guys are sooo awesome, thank you again. I've found this sooo helpful getting back into Goju Ryu after a long time off. Much appreciated.

Thank you Sensei! This is very helpful for my upcoming grading. I'm currently working in my kata and perfecting all my moves. I'll be sure to send you my video soon!!😸

Thanks so much! Using this to review from class on Monday past and prep for this Friday. 🎉❤

Thank you very much - this has been incredibly helpful as I start to learn these katas. Such clear and encouraging instruction.

Excellent breakdown Zoe Sensei, this is exactly how I teach these kata too and will be sending to my own students.

Thank you so so much Sensei! My grading is coming and I was very nervous about the Kata but once I found your video,all that nervousness went away

Thank you Sensei I'm in a GOJU RYU class now you help me with my KATA I learn by watching your videos

I loved this tutorial. It's great coming back into a class (even if it's online) as my home dojo is in Kansas City, MO and I am living in Istanbul for a time. I am a 3rd dan black belt and still growing! I like your style and will stay tuned into this channel.

I practice Kyokushin with the local dojo, here, in the Gaspé, Québec, Canada. I just fell on your video tonight. It's very interesting to learn about katas from other styles. Thanks!

Beautiful master!

Thank you for that bare basics video! Review is always Omni-important. The history of a kata’s origin is always fascinating to learn about/discover- and/or, in this case, review. So thank you. Also, as with the wrap up, I’ve always LOVED the “behind the scenes/bloopers” at the end of any movie/video! It really puts into perspective just how much goes into the process of editing and the over all process of artistry, if not just your obvious love for, and dedication to, your life’s passion! You’re doing great, Sensei;). Keep it up!

Finally got around to watching this, thank you Sensei! It helps so much!

Thanks for putting this video together, Sensei! You're absolutely right about doing these katas thousands of times. Anytime a new student comes into the dojo, it means everyone gets to do these two katas again from the beginning (and there's nothing wrong with that, of course). Mastering the basics means doing it over and over until it's... well, I guess I have to keep doing it because it's still not perfect. 😉

Good,clear, concise explanation of movements in both katas. An invaluable reference for those starting to learn the basic moves of the kata. Well done on an excellent presentation, Zoe.

This was a brilliant video. You explain very well and the movements are presented in a very easy way. I look forward to watching many more videos on this channel. Dankie en mooi bly.

I have a grading tomorrow and I was terrible at this kata. Now, I have a lot of confidence. Thanks!

Excellent explaination about Geki Sai Dai Ichi Kata And Ni! Spet By Step. Thank you very much. Teacher Kisses...

This is so helpful! Thank you x

Thank you for the great explanation. Love it 👍

Excellent video. Thank you! Have to say that my best part is you putting your hands on your hips whilst thinking about Mitsuyo Maeda's quote. Incredible how powerful the unconscious is!

Excellent instruction!!!!

This will help for grading thanks

This was excellent. Thank you.

In Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu, Gekisai kata are known as Fukyuata. Both O Sensei Chojun Miyagi and O Sensei Shosin Nagamine collaborated and developed these forms for beginners and to get the general public's interest in karate. Great video.

Perfect explanation thank you very much😊😊😊😊

Thank you, Sensei! I'm about to test for orange belt and this is really helping me learn my kata!

Very didactic! I'm learning Gojo-Ryu and this is a great video for learning!

Super Tutorial ❤👌🙏

Top tutorial! Thx please more! By the way: cool tattoo 👍

Thanks very much for this - very well communicated!

Great video! You're an endearing instructor and easy to follow in my opinion. I've got a Shotokan black belt so my perspective is weird and skewed. Not your typical student😅

Thanks for your valuable kata

Thanks! Very helpful 👍

Thank you very much Sensei!

Thank you ! It is so helpful❤❤❤

Hi Zoe Sensei, first great and excellent instructions. I originally started karate in SA many years ago with Shotokan style in Germiston and Johannesburg, now in Canada (34 years) been experiencing different styles over the years, including Goju. Watching your video, I am seeing a lot detail that sometimes gets ‘lost in translation’ watching various videos. Thanx for this video 🙏🙏

Nice. Thank you

Thank you sensei!

Thanks Zoe Sensei ❤️🙇🏼‍♂️

Great instruction. Arigato

Love the ending with the bloopers. Nice to see. Lol

Nice tutorial❤

Hola! Ha sido de mucha ayuda tu video, yo practico Goju Ryu Taishu Kai, y esa será la próxima kata que presentaré en mi examen. Saludos!

I'm being graded with this kata tomorrow, anxiety is over the roof!

Thank you!

Hello and thank you for your video. I just found your channel and subscribed. I practice Shotokan karate in a club but I am also interested in the Goju Ryu style. Unfortunately, there are no courses in my region in France and your courses will help me to practice at home in parallel with my practice of Shotokan. Thank you.

Awesome...

Very good explanation...

This is amazing. Thank you for the Japanese nomenclature ❤

THANK you sensei I will comment this after completing daily

I started to learn gekisai dai ichi tonight, with a senior belt. Only got half way through when we started another exercise. My question is, Is gekisai dai ichi, the same for Goju Kai as it is for Goju ryu? If so, I can practice more at home. Thanks heaps, also your channel is amazing! 😊🤙 Sorry, I forgot to add, I practice Goju Kai. Goodness! A more edited comment. I commented before I watched the video. OMG you demonstrated that brilliantly!! I really hope they’re the same in both styles

Thank you Sensei for detailed video and explanation. Would you please clarify a few questions regarding the kata? 1. On 4.42, at kiai point (and the same on second kiai) you are punching in the plane of your shoulder/hip/leg. Question is that is it mandatory to do it that way in kata pattern or in some versions/schools you can direct your punch to the middle line of opponent's body, so the punch would go to navel/groin direction instead? 2. On 5.20 at Jodan yoko shuto uchi - you are not crossing the arms first using your left arm to grab the opponent's wrist. Question - is it common for all Goju Ryu branches or there are some differences acceptable? The reason why I'm asking is because on one of the videos I think Higaonna Sensei he was showing and explaining this part as grabbing the wrist and using to shuto to strike the neck, but I may be incorrect. Thank you again for the time and efforts and all explanation of the details!

Ty sensei

Nice I will be practicing from the start. Been practicing 4 Kata from Zen do kai at home but not much information but has Goju background like Naihunchin (actually not sure if Goju has it may be Shotokan but different), Sanchin, Tencho and Seienchin. I practiced Shotokan Katas to this year up to black belt but find they require more Space. Are Goju Kata's generally used for small spaces? Would really like to know Cheers.

讚👍👍!!

Thankyou.

Hello! I had a question, but first just wanted to state that I love your trainings! My question was where exactly is your dojo? When your trainings I person begin again I would love to attend!

Thanks

Thanks mam for it

I like...from Indonesia

Teacher are this kata two individuals kata or one and if it's , when does it goees from the one to the other? Blessing to you and your family and dojo.

It's Good....

I like Goju Ryu Kata personally.

@Goju Ryu Karate Centre LOL...!!!! Hi...Sensei...!!! Much Cracking & Popping 12:54 The children have so much to look forward to....!!!! LOL...!!!

Hello god video

Thank you master, I plaied karate 3 years and stopped. Since 45 days I restarted to practice this beautiful discipline, on my own, watching RU-vid. I would take lesson in a dojo near my city, in September and going to the Olimpics, this Is my Dream! ❤️

tip: mirror your computer screen to your TV if you can (cromecast works) so you can watch from all angles and slow the video down to 0.5 or 0.75x speed also helps also note to self, watch out for the couch and clothes horse... ouch

I call them chicken wings at my dojo too. :-)

Pena o canal ser em inglês. Muito boa didática.

Hello

Is it normal for dojo to not teach like this ? My class just makes us do it as a class watching others at full speed . Whereas you break it down. I am having to watch you to learn on RU-vid and not my class

Thank you i am a brown 2 from India actually i forgot it because of covid

Didn't know skateboarding was part of goju Ryu Karate.

what is a jaguar?

1:07

Hola como anda,, veo unos errores y falta de kime en sus técnicas ,, tanto de brazos como de piernas,,, perdóneme por mi comentario,, no quiero se mal intérprete lo que digo,, no es por irrespetuoso ,, pero al enseñar a quienes la vean en este video y copien sus movimiento a modo de aprender ,, estarían también copiando sin saber ,, sus mismos errores ,,, tampoco estarían desarrollando ni aplicando kime a la técnica,,,, le marco este detalle con todo el respeto que usted se merece,, gracias,,, oss

Thanks