Sepai | Hokama Academy

Sepai: A Deep Dive into a Fundamental Karate Kata

Explore the intricate details of Sepai, a vital kata in Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate. This comprehensive course offers a detailed examination of Sepai, tracing its history and application.

Section 1: Understanding Sepai

• Introduction to Sepai: Learn the significance of Sepai within the Goju-ryu tradition.
• Stretching & Warm-up: Essential preparation for practicing Sepai, focusing on proper technique and injury prevention.
• Sepai Demonstration (1997): Witness a historical demonstration of Sepai as it was practiced in 1997.
• Sepai Demonstration (2020): Observe the modern application of Sepai, highlighting any evolution in technique.
• Sepai Kata Structure: A detailed breakdown of the movements and sequence within the Sepai kata. Understand the underlying principles and flow.
• Bunkai & Application of Sepai 1: Explore the practical applications of Sepai's movements in self-defense scenarios.
• Bunkai & Application of Sepai 2: Further analysis of Sepai's bunkai, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness.

Section 2: Q&A and Expert Insights

• Questions and Answers: A dedicated session addressing common questions about Sepai and Goju-ryu Karate.
• Translation and Support: Benefit from translation assistance provided by James Pankiewicz (Asato Dojo), Kieran Budd (Instructor of Kenshikai), and Narumi Hirokazu (Secretary General of Kenshikai).
• International Online Seminar (2020-2021): Access materials from a comprehensive online seminar focused on Goju-ryu Karate.
• PhD Hokama Tetsuhiro Hanshi (10th Dan): Learn from the renowned authority on Goju-ryu Karate and Kobudo.
• About Hokama Tetsuhiro: Discover the background and extensive training history of Hokama Tetsuhiro, President of Okinawa Gojuryu Kenshikai Karatedo Kobudo Headquarters. He is also the owner of the Okinawa Prefecture Karate Museum, a calligrapher, and researcher of Ryukyu history.
• Historical Context: Understand the historical influences on Goju-ryu, including training under masters like Higa Seko, Fukuchi Seiko, and Matayoshi Shimpo.
• Kata Variations: Explore different types of kata including:
  • 三戦 / Sanchin
  • 普及型 / Fukyu gata
  • 教材型 / Kyozai gata
  • 撃砕一 / Gekisai Ichi
  • 撃砕二 / Gekisai Ni
  • 砕破 / Saifa
  • 制引戦 / Seienchin
  • 三十六手 / Sanseryu
  • 十八手 / Sepai
  • 四向戦 / Shisochin
  • 十三手 / Seisan
  • 久留頓破 / Kururunfa
  • 壱百零八手 / Suparinpei
  • 転掌 / Tensho

This course is ideal for karate practitioners of all levels seeking a deeper understanding of Sepai, a core element of Goju-ryu Karate. Improve your technique, enhance your self-defense skills, and gain valuable insights into the history and philosophy of this powerful martial art.