Enpi

Empi has 37 counts, making it the shortest of the Sentei kata. Empi translates as "Flying Swallow" or "Flight of the Swallow."

Hence, the kata is characterized by quick changes in direction, as well as many sinking and rising motions that mimic the swallow's flight. Just as the swallow catches flying insects in mid-flight, the bunkai of Empi focus on catching the opponent in mid-attack, unbalancing him and making him unable to make further attacks.

Empi offers several new variations on previously learned techniques, usually by changing their angle. These techniques include gedan-zuki, age-zuki, tekubi-uchi (similar to soto-uke), teisho oshiage-uke and teisho-osae-uke. Empi also allows for the practice of certain rare techniques that, although not unique, are not found in many other kata. These movements include dropping to one knee (orishiki), the reverse lean (in hizakutsu), and kirikae-ashi, an advanced form of footwork whereby the karateka switches the feet to counterattack.

Empi is probably most noted for the spinning jump (kaiten-tobi) ocurring at the end of the kata, making it attractive to younger karateka.