Gojushiho Dai - Fifty Four Steps
Gojushiho-Dai is the second kata in this series, and it too is a favourite amongst many senior students. This kata introduces several new techniques, including chudan-otoshi-ryo-ippon-nukite-zuki (middle level one finger strike), chudan-keito-uke (middle level back hand block), washite-jodan-uchi (upper level eagle strike), and washite-chudan-uchi (middle level eagle strike).
This kata contains 62 movements and should take the student approximately 60 seconds to complete. The correct perormance is of this kata is required in order to advance from San Dan (3rd Dan) to Yon Dan (4th Dan).
There are two kiai points in Gojushiho-Dai. The first one chudan-oi-zuki (middle level lunge punch) at the top of the embusen (line of attack) three quarters of the way through the kata. The second one occurs on the second to last movement of the kata, chudan-otoshi-ryo-ippon-nukite-zuki (middle level one finger strike).
To return to a ready position after the last movement of the kata leave your left foot in place and withdraw your right foot so as to stand up once again facing forward in hachiji-dachi (natural stance). You must now formally end the kata. You do this by bringing your left foot half way in towards your right foot and your right foot half way in towards your left foot so that you are now standing with your feet together. At the same time as you bring your feet together also bring your hands to your sides so you are again standing in heisoku-dachi (attention stance). Now rei (bow). After bowing, step out with your left foot and then your right foot and once again stand in hachiji-dachi (natural stance) while at the same time bringing your hands from your sides and hold them in a ready position in front of you with your fists closed.