Naihanchi also known as “Naifanchi”: this was the original name for the three Tekki kata, but was changed by Funakoshi. This is a lateral kata learned from Chōki Motobu. Wado ryu practices only the first Naihanchi... more »
The name “Niseishi” means “24 steps”. Transmitted by Ankichi Aragaki, this kata is known in Japanese as Nijūshiho. This kata teaches you to move and defend from many angles, and helps teach you coordination. Many use this kata as a tool to highlight the need for total concentration. If you take a student and... 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 Kushanku and Gojushiho into forms suitable for teaching karate to young students. When Gichin Funakoshi brought karate to Japan, he renamed the... 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 Kushanku 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 »
Rōhai has three variation invented by Itosu. Wadō-ryū practices Rōhai Shodan. The name “Rōhai” translates approximately to “vision of a Crane” or “vision of a heron”. The kata originated from the Tomari-te school of Okinawan martial arts. It was called Matsumora Rōhai, after Kosaku Matsumora, who was presumably its inventor. Ankō Itosu later took... more »
The name Seishan means “13 hands”. This kata was named after a well-known Chinese martial artist who lived in or near Shuri c. 1700. The movements are repeated in sets of three, and has pivots and turning of the head. Funakoshi renamed this kata as Hangetsu. Seisan is thought to be one of the... more »
Soto ude uke (outside forearm block) is a Karate blocking technique. Like age uke, soto ude uke has a prepare, although different in position. This preparation is a vital part of the block, and the more advanced you become the clearer its purpose becomes. Soto ude uke starts outside of the body, travelling inward.... more »
Suparinpei, known as “108 hands,” representing the 108 evil spirits of man. This kata is also said to have represented a band of 108 warriors that travelled the Chinese countryside in the 17th century, performing ‘Robin Hood’-type tasks of doing good deeds, giving to the poor, and so on. It is also known by... more »
Tetsui tsuki (hammer fist) is a Karate technique. In Tetsui the striking is with the little finger end of the fist, and by default it is aimed at the bridge of the... more »
Uchi uke or Uchi ude uke (inside-forearm-block): tis a Karate block that follows an opposite path to Soto ude uke. This block travels from the inside in an outward direction. Like the other blocks, timing the return arm with the blocking arm is important, and rotation of the forearm is vital. This too is... more »
Uraken (back fist) is a Karate hand technique, one of the fastest fist available. As it uses a snapping motion rather than a thrusting one, (like most other strikes), it can be whipped out in a flash. So why is it not used more frequently by martial artists. Well it is a technique that... more »
Also called a donkey kick, spin kick, mule kick, or turning back kick. This kick is directed backward keeping the kicking leg close to the standing leg and using the heel as a striking surface. Most often, this kick is delivered with a spinning motion in tournaments. It can be highly damaging due to... more »
The name Wadō-ryū has three parts: Wa, dō, and ryū. Wa means “harmony,” dō means “way,” and ryū means “style.” Harmony should not be interpreted as pacifism; it is simply the acknowledgment that yielding is sometimes more effective than brute strength. From one point of view, Wadō-ryū might be considered a style of jūjutsu... more »