Kururunfa

Literally the name of Kururunfa means 'to detain for a long time and suddenly rip apart' and it marks a return to the conceptual approach to the study of kata promulgated by Gavin Mulholland in his book Four Shades of Black. This kata is particularly notable for the greater use of the hips to generate power, particularly, in this kata, with the use of open handed movements that can be used in a variety of ways.

This is another Goju ryu kata that suffers from serious doubt as to whether or not Kanryo Higaonna actually brought it back from China or if it was later learned by Chojun Miyagi or even created by the latter master from a synthesis of Chinese and Okinawan influences. Given the latter opinion, it is unknown precisely which school of kung fu the form originated from; possibly Dragon style, but (and like the other Goju ryu kata) no one knows for sure.

The form is mesmerizing to watch and very stylistic, combining slower movements with rapid bursts of action and high, fluid stances with low, stable stances. This kata very much reflects both the hard (go) and soft (ju) of the style.

Master Morio Higaonna performing Kururunfa