Ron Guirreri performing moves of the kata Empi
Shari Rodgers
Yes, every kata has a story, and Empi is a beautiful story and beautiful kata as well. First, let’s understand what a kata is and why they are performed. Think of kata as a collection of moves, much like a dictionary is a collection of words. Each movement of a kata represents a self-defense technique against a potential opponent. The movements must be performed in the correct order and start and finish on the same spot, thus teaching the participant how to move and respond to potential situations. The applications of the kata act as an introduction course in self-defense. You could not fight trying to apply the moves like they are in the kata. Rather, you need to mix and match different moves from different sequences and circumstances to address the situation.
Kata is one of the earliest forms of karate training. It is how karate passed from one generation to the next. A kata is very dynamic, teaching the student how to move in all directions, sometimes jumping and sometimes dropping. Kata is also quite diverse, as some kata are very strong and sturdy in nature, while others require great speed and agility. Certain techniques are performed slowly and powerfully, while others are executed more sharply and quickly. By practicing kata, the students learn rhythm and timing, expansion and contraction of the body’s muscles, and proper breathing.
Every karate student selects a kata that becomes their special kata. I selected Empi while I was a white belt, which is somewhat unusual. It was the beauty within the moves, along with the story, that moved me to select Empi. I hope you find the story of this kata as special as I do!
Empi translates as “Flying Swallow” or “Flight of the Swallow.” Empi is made up of two characters: “Em,” meaning flying, and “Pi,” meaning swallow (as in the bird). It is one of the oldest kata in karate and appeared around 1683 in Okinawa. It is considered a black belt level kata. Originally called Wanshū, its name was changed in the 1920s. Empi is a dynamic kata requiring speed and agility. It gets its name from the diving patterns of the swallow, a small bird known for its excellent swiftness and maneuverability. Hence, the kata is characterized by quick changes in direction, as well as many sinking and rising motions mimicking the swallow’s flight. Just as the swallow catches flying insects in mid-flight, Empi focuses on catching the opponent in mid-attack, unbalancing them and making them unable to make further attacks. Empi also allows for the practice of certain rare techniques that, although not unique, are not found in many other kata. Empi is probably most noted for the spinning jump occurring at the end of the kata.
Want to learn more? Stop by and give karate a try! Karate classes are held on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Anza gym! You are welcome to watch or try it out!