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 sono go is the last Kata in the Pinan group in Kyokushinkai Karate. Pinan sono go is practised in order to unite several of the core aspects of Karate. In particular: Defence of Jodan, Chudan and Gedan areas. Seizing and countering an opponents attack. Counters quickly followed with change of direction (in order... more »
Pinan sono ni is a basic Kyokushin Kata. The entire Pinan series was synthesized by Itosu, Anko and introduced as part of the Okinawan school systems physical education routine in the early 1900’s. Legend has it that he synthesized the five Kata out of the Kata known in Okinawa as Kusanku (Kanku Dai, Kong... more »
Pinan sono san is a basic Kyokushin Kata, the third of the Pinan series. This kata contains many techniques for close combat and focuses on the usage of Kiba Dachi. Pinan Katas was synthesized by Itosu, Anko and introduced as part of the Okinawan school systems physical education routine in the early 1900′s. Legend has... more »
Pinan sono yon is a basic Kyokushin Kata, the fourth of the Pinan series. The flow of Pinan sono yon is characterised by the dynamic use of ‘double defence’ movements and foot techniques. Many are quick to point out that Pinan sono yon is from the Kanku Kata. Pinan Katas was synthesized by Itosu, Anko and introduced as... 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 »
Po Eun is a Taekwondo 36-movements form (hyeong). The name “Po Eun” is the pseudonym of a loyal subject Jeong Mongju who was a distinguished scholar of neo-Confucianism during the Goryeo Dynasty. His poem “I would not serve a second master though I might be crucified a hundred times” is known to every Korean.... more »
Pyongwon is a Taekwondo form. The definition of Pyongwon is “stretch, vast plain.” The name carries with it a connotation of being large and majestic. [From Wikipedia. Original page is... more »
Originally a Chinese kata. It was brought to Okinawa and Karate by Kanryo Higaonna. Its name translates to “smash and tear down”. It contains quick whipping motions, hammerfists, and back fist strikes; it particularly emphasizes moving off-line from an opponent’s main force, while simultaneously closing distance and exploding through them. [From... more »
Sam Il is a Taekwondo form (Hyeong). “Sam-Il” name refers to the historic March 1st Movement, the biggest nation-wide Korean independence movement against the imperial Japan in 1919. The 33 movements in the pattern represent for the 33 patriots who planned the movement. [From Wikipedia. Original page is... more »
Sanchin literally means “three battles” or “three conflicts”. It is the principal kata in certain Okinawan karate styles, such as Goju Ryu and Uechi Ryu, and it is likely one of the oldest kata. Certain legends attribute the creation of Sanchin to Bodhidharma in the early sixth century. Sanchin kata seeks to develop three... more »
Se jong is a Taekwondo pattern named after Se-Jong who was the 4th King of the Yi Dynasty. He was known for his many great achievements in domestic and foreign affairs, diplomacy, scientific advancements, defense matters and culture. His most remarkable achievement was his invention of “Hangeul”, the Korean Alphabet. The 24 movements of... more »
Originally a Chinese kata. It was brought to Okinawa and karate by Kanryo Higaonna. In other karate styles, this kata is sometimes called Seipaite, or eighteen hands. The number 18 is derived from the Buddhist concept of 6 x 3, where six represents color, voice, taste, smell, touch and justice and three represents good, bad... 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 »
There are several Chinese martial arts known as Snake Boxing or Fanged Snake Style (Chinese: shéquán; literally “snake fist”) which imitate the movements of snakes. It is a style of Shaolin Boxing. Proponents claim that adopting the fluidity of snakes allows them to entwine with their opponents in defense and strike them from angles... more »
Shipjin is a Taekwondo form. Sipjin stands for ten symbols of longevity, which are Sun, Moon, Mountain, Water, Stone, Pine tree, Herb of eternal youth, Turtle, Deer, and Crane. This pumsae represents the endless development and growth by the basic idea of the ten symbols of longevity and the decimal system. [From Wikipedia. Original... more »