Sunsū
Iron man
         

Geraldo "Ushi" Cantore
Isshin ryū

Shimabuku Tatsuo created Sunsū, which means "Strong Man" or "Iron Man"—Shimabuku’s nickname. He developed the kata by incorporating some of his favorite techniques and concepts, including portions from the other seven Isshin ryū kata.

Sunsu may be the hardest of all Isshin ryū kata to perform with correct balance, speed and coordination. It is a highly advanced kata that tends to confuse many students, as they sometimes drift back to the originating kata while performing Sunsū. That Shimabuku considered this while conceiving Sunsū is in keeping with stories of his teaching style and the very nature of Isshin ryū itself.

The embusen is a cross and the practitioner is defending all four directions. Although main points of all the other empty hand kata are incorporated into Sunsū, Kūsankū and Wansu have the most influence.

The kiai occurs on the throw.

Fitzgerald Isshinryu

Video

Shimabuku Tatsuo
Michael Calandra
Uezu Angi