Embusen
演武線
The line along which a kata is practised, and the point where it begins. Almost every Japanese kata begins and ends at the same place, the kiten point.
Quick Facts
Word breakdown
Definition
Embusen (演武線) combines the words embu, a demonstration of a martial art, and sen, line. In karate and judo it denotes the point where a kata begins and the path the practitioner follows during the kata. The layout differs by kata: the Tekki series is practised in Shotokan along a straight line, the Heian and Taikyoku series have a layout shaped like a capital I, and advanced kata such as Kanku Dai or Gojushiho have a more complex layout. Almost all kata of Japanese origin begin and end at the same point, called kiten. Movements in one direction are usually balanced by the same number of movements in the opposite direction. The purpose is practical: a kata can thus be practised even in a small space.
In practice
Embusen is shown to practitioners with their first kata, because it reveals whether steps were the right length and turns precise. If a practitioner ends a kata off the starting point, it signals an error in stances or turns.