Kyoku – The Seven Kata of the Rising Sun The Kyoku Kata are seven extraordinary forms created in the 1950s by the karatedō genius Ichikawa Isao Hanshi (10th Dan). At only twenty-eight years of age, he developed these kata at the Shudokan Dōjō. To this day, they remain among the most impressive creations of modern karatedō. Christian Bellina has studied and researched the Kyoku Kata for more than forty years. In this unique volume, he explores their origins, their development and changes over the decades, the meaning behind their name, and their technical principles. Numerous photographs guide the reader through all seven kata step by step, making the movements clear and accessible for dedicated practitioners. The Kyoku Kata, together with the presumed involvement of Toyama Kanken Sensei in their creation, offer far more than a technical study. They provide rare insight into the martial arts philosophy and technical repertoire of Ichikawa Hanshi, while also revealing a direct connection to the teachings of Toyama Kanken. This book is essential reading for serious karatedō practitioners and a special tribute to the students and followers of Ichikawa Hanshi.