Meaning
Crane on a rock
Also known as Chinto, fighting to the east.
History
Today’s forms are derived from Matsumura’s straight forward and back embusen (Shuri), or Matsumora Kosaku’s side to side embusen (Tomari). The Shuri version, as perfected by Itosu, became Funakoshi’s Gankaku. Because of the many one-legged postures and changes of balance required to complete this kata, it is among karate’s most difficult to perfect.