The SKIF Stance Kata has several iterations. The basic kata starts with a forward oi zuki, step back with shuto uke, step across with gyaku zuki and then forward and back oi zuki in fudo dachi. At this point there are a number of alternatives. The version shown here by Tanaka Sensei incorporates a left turn to perform gyaku zuki, a switch back to the front to perform mae geri and then an anti-clockwise turn (180o) to block uchi uke in hangetsu stance. On completing the full circle, turn with empi in kiba dachi.
N.B. Tanaka Sensei is performing this starting on the left hand side. We would normally start on the right hand side. He is doing this to show a mirror image as it is always difficult to learn kata from a video. We tend to get confused with left and right!
For the stance kata in a 4th Dan grading there is a basic format for which the examiner may/will change slightly by including a kick, a different block, three punches in fudo dachi instead of one and/or a new stance addition e.g. Hangetsu stance. The aim is to think on your feet, take on board the changes and perform this version of the stance kata three times with speed on both sides. Not an easy task, as many of us have experienced!
Tanaka Sensei is known and respected for his superb technique and attention to detail.
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