Naihanchi (or Naifanchi, Tekki) is a Karate Kata, performed in straddle stance (kiba dachi). It translates to ‘internal divided conflict’. The form makes use of in-fighting techniques and grappling. There are three modern kata derived from this (Shodan, Nidan and Sandan). Some researchers believe Nidan and Sandan were created by Anko Itosu, but others... more »
Naihanchi (or Naifanchi, Tekki) is a Karate Kata, performed in straddle stance (kiba dachi). It translates to ‘internal divided conflict’. The form makes use of in-fighting techniques and grappling. There are three modern kata derived from this (Shodan, Nidan and Sandan). Some researchers believe Nidan and Sandan were created by Anko Itosu, but others... more »
Naihanchi (or Naifanchi, Tekki) is a Karate Kata, performed in straddle stance (kiba dachi). It translates to ‘internal divided conflict’. The form makes use of in-fighting techniques and grappling. There are three modern kata derived from this (Shodan, Nidan and Sandan). Some researchers believe Nidan and Sandan were created by Anko Itosu, but others... more »
Shito-ryu Nipaipo is a shortened and simplified version of the Okinawan kata Neipai. This kata was created by Master Kenwa Mabuni. The name is often translated as “28” but what the “28” actually refers to nobody is really sure. Coming from Yabiku Takaya lineage this Kata is said to have been brought to Okinawa by the... more »
Niseishi is the Shito Ryu version of Nijushiho, a kata created by Anikichi Aragaki. Niseishi means “24” in Chinese. In Japanese, it translates as Nijushi, the ‘ho’ character (in this case) means ‘move’ and hence Nijushiho translates as ‘24 moves’. The Chinese and Japanese Kanji are identical. Chito-ryu Niseishi is not the same Kata as Niseishi... more »
Oi tsuki (lunge punch) is a Karate punch where the leg and fist are on the same side. The chamber, or preparatory position, of Oi tsuki is with the striking hand retracted to the hip or ribs, in a fist, with the palm facing up. The punch travels in a linear path directly toward... more »
Pinan godan is the fifth and last of the five Pinan Katas. This Kata utilizes double-handed techniques demonstrating both complimentary forces and contradicting forces. Additionally, we also see demonstration of other two-handed tactics and elements not already obvious in the previous Pinan katas. The Pinan kata are a series of five empty hand forms taught... more »
The Pinan kata are a series of five empty hand forms taught in many karate styles. The Pinan kata originated in Okinawa and were adapted by Anko Itosu from older kata such as Kusanku and Gojushiho into forms suitable for teaching karate to young students. When Gichin Funakoshi brought karate to Japan, he renamed... more »
Pinan Sandan is the third of the five Pinan Katas. This Kata introduces a number of new techniques, including double forearm block and elbow block. The Pinan kata are a series of five empty hand forms taught in many karate styles. The Pinan kata originated in Okinawa and were adapted by Anko Itosu from... more »
The Pinan Kata (peace and tranquillity forms) demonstrates aspects of individual concepts that many may not be aware of. If we take Ku-Shanku and break it down we can then identify these elements and recognise and understand them into the Kata of their own. Although all Kata generally demonstrate a ‘dropping movement’ at the... more »
Pinan Yondan is the fourth of the five Pinan Katas. This Kata introduces a number of new techniques, including cross blocks, double punches (ren tsuki), side kicks and more. The Pinan kata are a series of five empty hand forms taught in many karate styles. The Pinan kata originated in Okinawa and were adapted... more »
The Saifa kata has been introduced by Kanryo Higaonna from China, although some claims have stated that Chojun Miyagi (Goju Ryu) may have introduced it. “Saifa” can be translated as, ‘Smash and Tear’, i.e. to Rend. The folding techniques contained in the kata reflect the name with its joint manipulations used to smash bone and... more »
Sanchin was brought back from China by Kanryo Higaonna, and means “three battles”, the three generally accepted as being the body, mind and spirit. The physical principles that provide the strength of Sanchin are: 1) centering of the body’s energy; 2) lowering the body’s center of gravity; 3) controlled breathing into the abdomen, which... more »
Sanseiru is one of the 4 “core” kata brought back from China by Kanryo Higaonna. The standard kanji of Sanseiru mean “36”. The pronunciation is an Okinawan rendering of the Fujian dialect. “San” means 3, “sei” means 10, and “ru” means 6. The number has siginificance in Buddhist tradition. Traditionally Fujian quan fa schools would... more »
Seienchin kata is a traditional Japanese/Okinawan style kata. The name Seienchin is generally defined as either “the calm before the storm” or the “storm within the calm.” Seienchin was one of the many kata handed down by Kanryo Higaonna, a famous Okinawan karate master. It is a very old kata and its roots may... more »
In about 1935 Konishi Sensei, Ueshiba Sensei (the founder of Aikido), Mabuni Sensei, and Ohtsuka Sensei were training together almost daily. At this time, the Japanese government was largely controlled by top officers of the Imperial Army. Konishi Sensei was asked by the commanding general of the Japanese Army to develop women’s self-defence techniques.... more »
Seisan is a Shito Ryu advanced kata. In Shotokan it is called Hangetsu. Seisan literally means ’13’, however some people refer to the kata as ’13 Hands’, ’13 Fists’, ’13 Techniques’, ’13 Steps’ or even ’13 killing positions’. However, all these names are made up and have no historical basis. Seisan is thought to be... more »