Gankaku 岩鶴

Gankaku (岩鶴), meaning “Crane on a Rock”, is an advanced kata in Shotokan Karate, typically practiced at black belt level. It emphasizes balance, precision, and fluid transitions, especially through its crane-like one-legged stances.

Key Features:

Origin: Derived from the older kata Chinto, which was modified by Gichin Funakoshi.

Name symbolism: The image of a crane standing on one leg atop a rock symbolizes poise, stability, and readiness.

Unique techniques:

Multiple one-legged stances (tsuru ashi dachi)

Sharp kicks, uraken (back fist), and shuto (knife-hand) strikes

Spiraling, angular footwork and transitions


Kata rhythm: It combines slow, deliberate movements with **fast, explosive