Empi - Flying Swallow

Empi, or Enpi as it is aslo referred to is said to resemble the up and down pattern of a swallow in flight. It is a favourite kata of many students. The quick complex movements and unique combinations found in this kata make it challenging even for the more senior students in the dojo. For example, the correct movement into kosa-dachi (cross legged stance) while at the same time making chudan-soto-uke (middle level outside inward block), and a gedan-zuki and a lower level punch). Or, properly performing the series of three chudan-teisho-oshi-age-uke (upper level pressing palm heal block) and gedan-teisho-osae-uke (lower level pressing palm heal block) while at the same time using the correct hip motion when stepping into a zenkutsu-dachi (forward stance). Thought to be Chinese in origin this kata was originally introduced to Okinawa as, Wanshu, a name by which this kata is still known today within several other styles of karate.

Like all advance kata Empi requires a high level of disciplined effort and the accurate technique that only begins to emerge after several years of previous training. This kata contains 37 movements and should also take the student approximately 50 seconds to complete. The correct performance of this kata is required in order to advance in rank from 1st kyu (brown belt) to Sho Dan (1st Black Belt).