Embusen (also Enbusen, 演武線) describe the route or line of movement of a kata. Every Shotokan kata has a unique flow of techniques and sequences. They also have unique lines of movement. Like a fingerprint every kata can be recognized in this regard. An embusen can be depicted as a diagram. While their a very simple embusen, others can have a high degree of complexity.
The embusen defines from which starting point the karateka has to begin to execute a certain kata. In addition, the starting point defines also the ending point in every kata – they are similar. Therefore, the karateka can immediately check whether he or she executed the kata in a right way. If so he or she must arrived at the same spot where they departed.
List of Authors:
Dr. Christian Tribowski