Matsumura no Rohai was once called Kuan Muan (“Crane Dreams or Visions”). This kata’s name is composed of two kanji. The first is rock, and the second is crane (a stork). The common interpretation is a crane standing upon a rock, but it could also be taken to simply imply a species of crane or... more »
Myojo which was a private kata of Kenwa Mabuni Sensei, the founder of Shito-Ryu Karate-Do. The word Myojo can be interpreted to mean “morning star” however, the Kata derived its name from the name of the Japanese High School where Kenwa Mabuni Sensei attended to teach the students self defence. The Kata contains the... 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Sepai is a Shito Ryu Karate Kata. The standard kanji of Seipai mean “18”. The pronunciation is an Okinawan rendering of the Fujian dialect. “Sei” means 10, and “pai” means 8. It is thought that this name was given because the kata originally had 18 types of movements. Seipai contains a variety of unusual... more »