Eku kata.

[TonyU]

This is our Eku kata. This is exactly how we perform it except for the kamae at 0:44 is held much higher and at 1:03 we hold the Eku almost at the end and swing horizontally pretty hard. First time I've ever seen it on video on the net.

Eku kata (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH-FKc-xhO4&feature=related).

Figures: As I'm looking at more YouYube vide I find another video. This time being done on the beach. I did noticed that they are both wearing the Shorinkan patch which is Nakazato's organization.

Eku kata #2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ojew7_CZ3TE&feature=related).

[Webmaster]

Nice find Tony! The Eku is something that you don't see much of these days. :thumbs_up:

[TonyU]

Thank you, sir.
Another for your viewing pleasure. Way back when the following one was run by some in our organization, although I never learned it.

Tsuken sunakake no eku. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85u1guP__jI&feature=related)

[Webmaster]

Really liked that last one Tony! It was really crisp and you could almost "see" the bunkai as the kata was being performed.

[De_Franza]

NICE!
Tsukensunakake no kon looks intense, like those techniques would chop you in half. (I know it's an oar, not a blade, but you know what I mean).
Very cool links, thanks!

[TonyU]

Here's another Tsukensunakake no kon being performed by Nakamoto Masahiro sensei. It mentions that he is using a portable bo instead of an eku. I really hope that is some type of synthetic material because I hate to think he can make a hardwood rokushakubo flex like that.

Eku kata. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZTcsBo939U&feature=related)

[Harlan]

This is a wonderfully powerful performance. Thanks for sharing. :)

If the kobudo seniors don't mind, I've a technical/stylistic question I've been wanting to ask. I see lots of (usually bad, but not in this case) bo/eku kata performed with very little space between the hands. Sometimes, I wonder if it's a style thing, or particular to a performance or a kata. And of course, with eku, there is less handle to work with as well. But personally, I get real n-e-r-v-o-u-s without plenty of room for the blocking option, and hands are kept spaced pretty much in thirds most of the time. Regarding this particular performance, can someone educate me a little on the hands?

Thank you. :)

[TonyU]

How you hold the bo or eku is a very important aspect of kobudo that is overlooked. Like stances, the placement of the hands are transitory. The hands should move dependent on the specific techniques being done. Holding it in thirds all the time are for beginners.

[Nyuck3x]

Yamani-ryu uses a mixed grip and almost never is held in thirds. Nakazato's bo is through the Chinen line.
This is Toshihiro Oshiro whom I have had the pleasure of working a little with.
He is an awsome teacher whom I wish I didn't have to leave.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCwytl_tDTo&feature=related