Heian means “peaceful mind”. This kata is the first of five introductory kata, developed by Yasutsune Itosu (one of Gichin Funakoshi’s instructors). Although scholars do not agree on how the Heian kata were created, it is commonly stated that all are derived in some part from the higher level kata, Kanku‐dai (In addition to... more »
Heian Nidan is the second of the five Heian, or “Peaceful Mind” Karate Shotokan katas. This kata introduces the student for the first time to kicking techniques within a Kata such as yoko geri keage (side snapping kick), and mae geri, (front kick). In addition several new hand techniques are also introduced for the... more »
Heian Sandan is the third of the five Heian, or “Peaceful Mind” Karate Shotokan katas. The third kata in the heian series is noted for the introduction of kiba dachi (horse riding stance). Also introduced for the first time is a two handed combination block, in this case a gedan barai (lower level down... more »
Heian Shodan is the first of the five Heian, or “Peaceful Mind” Shotokan Karate katas. Heian Shodan is composed entirely of “basic” techniques. There is nothing “fancy” at all being done. For this reason, it could be said that Heian Shodan is actually the hardest of all kata to do and do correctly. This... more »
Heian Shodan is the first of the five Heian, or “Peaceful Mind” Shotokan Karate katas. Heian Shodan is composed entirely of “basic” techniques. There is nothing “fancy” at all being done. For this reason, it could be said that Heian Shodan is actually the hardest of all kata to do and do correctly. This... more »
Heian Yodan is the fourth of the five Heian, or “Peaceful Mind” of Shotokan Karate katas. The layout of this kata is a plus sign on top of a minus sign. It starts at the center of the plus sign. The kata also ends in the same place. From this starting point the kata... more »
Heian Yodan is the fourth of the five Heian, or “Peaceful Mind” of Shotokan Karate katas. The layout of this kata is a plus sign on top of a minus sign. It starts at the center of the plus sign. The kata also ends in the same place. From this starting point the kata... more »
Nage no kata is the throwing techniques form of Hontai Yōshin-ryū Jujutsu, a traditional (koryū) school of Japanese martial arts founded c.1660, by Takagi Shigetoshi. [From Wikipedia. Original page is... more »
Oku no kata is the form of the controlling defence techniques of Hontai Yōshin-ryū Jujutsu, a traditional (koryū) school of Japanese martial arts founded c.1660, by Takagi... more »
Gyaku no kata is the study of the barehanded defence techniques of Hontai Yōshin-ryū Jujutsu, a traditional (koryū) school of Japanese martial arts founded c.1660, by Takagi... more »
The Hyori no kata (form of front and back) is a part of Yoseikan Aikido. This pattern demonstrates counter techniques, which have been removed from some aikido schools. The rolls of attacker and defender are continuously being changed. The first attacker, performing eri dori yokomen uchi, escapes the second attack, ushiro kubi jime kata... more »
Chatan Yara is taught as the second Sai kata in the Isshin Ryu system, coming from Tatsuo Shimabuku’s Kobudo instruction with Shinken Taira. The form focuses on the development of the “sequential summation of movement”, which is the scientific term for full-body whipping motion. This is exemplified by the emphasis on whipping strikes, which... more »
Chinto is the fifth Kata taught at Isshin Ryu Karate. As with most of the kata in Isshin Ryu, Chinto comes from the teaching of Chotoku Kyan. The kata differs from others in that its embusen is a line placed on a 45 degree angle. The footwork is indicative of a slipping, deflecting, and... more »
Hama Higa No Tuifa is the Tonfa Kata of the Isshin Ryu curriculum. This form is from Shimabuku’s studies with Shinken Taira. It is the only Tonfa kata in the Isshinryu system. Shimabuku always referred to the weapon as tuifa. The kata bears many similarities to the Uechi Ryū empty-hand form Seisan, and actually... more »
Kusanku is the sixth Kata taught at Isshin Ryu Karate. Of the eight weaponless kata in Isshin-Ryu, five come from the teaching of Chotoku Kyan. Kusanku is one of these. Kusanku is often referred to as a “night-fighting” kata, or a form which teaches fighting at night. Modern research does not support this theory.... more »
Naihanchi is the third empty-hand kata taught in Isshin Ryu Karate. This form comes to Isshin Ryu from studies with both Chotoku Kyan and Motobu Choki (a cousin of Kyan). It is also considered one of the staples of Ryukyu Ti, and is prevalent in most forms of Karate. The Isshin Ryu version is... more »
Sanchin is the eight and last empty-hand Kata in Isshin Ryu Karate. Coming from Chojun Miyagi, Sanchin has its origins in the Gojū-ryū Ryu system. Along with Seiunchin, this is one of two Gojū-ryū katas in Isshin-ryū. Previous to the instruction of Miyagi, the kata was practiced with open hands, turns, and natural breathing... more »