Hangetsu

Hangetsu is a unique kata within the Shotokan system. It is an internal kata, focusing on the cultivation and release of ki energy, or one's inner force. The kata's main stance, hangetsu, is an inner tension stance that only appears in this kata and nowhere else (hence the name of the stance).

As such, it tends to be a very under-developed stance that is rarely practiced. Most of the kata's slow moves are executed with atypical tension and isometric contraction. Emphasis is on strong breathing and muscular contraction of the legs, buttocks, and abdominals.

Quite simply, Hangetsu is meditation in motion, with the aim of developing one's ki. Bunkai involve close range fighting in which the hangetsu stance is used to move in between an opponent's legs (or around them) to break their balance.