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Kata
Yellow Belt |
Taikyoku Shodan (First course - level 1) |
This is the first Kata all students learn. It contains just one stance, one block, and one attack, making it easy for beginners to assimilate. Yet the Kata is also known as the most difficult to master, for beneath the simplicity of its movements lie the underlying principles of Karate-do. |
Orange Belt |
Heian Shodan (Peaceful Way number 1) |
Although there is no one single interpretation of the word that can be considered to be absolutely correct, the word Heian can be interpreted to signify "peaceful." There are five Heian kata. All were likely created by Yasutsune Itosu in the early 1900's for the purpose of teaching karate to large groups of children. Originally, Heian Shodan was the second kata taught and the current Heian Nidan was the first. However, Gichin Funakoshi decided to change the order for the reason that the current Heian Shodan is initially much simpler to perform and teach to beginners. Heian Shodan introduces the student to rising block, knife hand block, hammer fist strike, and back stance. It also heavily emphasizes the use of front stance, lunge punch, and downward block. |
Green Belt |
Gekisai Dai Ichi (To destroy introduction number 1) |
The Geki Sai Kata were formulated by Chojun Miyagi Sensei in 1940 as a form of physical exercise for high school boys and to help popularize Goju-Ryu among the public of Okinawa. In 1948, after WWII, Miyagi Sensei began to teach the Geki Sai Kata in depth as a regular part of Goju-Ryu in his own dojo. Until this time, Sanchin was the first Kata taught in Goju-Ryu. Sanchin Kata is physically and mentally a demanding Kata and requires a great deal of time and patience to learn and perform properly. The Geki Sai Kata however are easier to learn and perform, and contain dynamic techniques which are more attractive to young people. These Kata contain the same kanji found in Saifa. This would suggest that even though these Kata were designed primarily as a form of exercise, Miyagi Sensei included his understanding of combat as part of their makeup.
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Blue Belt |
Saifa (To smash and tear to pieces) |
Saifa is the first of the classical combative Kata taught in Goju-Ryu. Goju-Ryu's Kata origins come from the martial arts taught in the Fuzhou area of southern China, largely Crane and Xingyi/Baqua as well as other internal and external martial arts. Kanryo Higaonna Sensei was taught this Kata, along with the other Kata of Goju-Ryu, while he studied in China from 1863-1881 under the direction of RuRuKo (Xie Zhongxiang in Chinese) and others. These Kata and martial strategies would become the basis of the the quanfa of Higaonna Sensei, which later Miyagi Sensei would call Goju-Ryu. From an understanding of the grappling and striking techniques of this Kata, Saifa can be interpreted to mean grabbing and tearing of tissue in close-quartered combat. |
Purple Belt |
Heian Godan (Peaceful Way Number 5) |
Heian Godan is a very visually exciting kata. Being the most athletic of the Heian series, this kata employs movements, techniques and concepts that stretch the skills of the beginning student.
Here, not only must the karateka further develop the vital contrast between fast and slow, but must also effectively execute a jump with speed, balance and grace. Through effectively developing this kata, the karateka will be able to develop not only the skills introduced and fine-tuned in the previous kata, but incorporate such skills as stance transition.
Although appearing simple to an advanced student, to a beginner, the shift of weight and balance from zenkutsu-dachi to kokutsu-dachi can be very difficult. Through many repetitions of this within the kata, along with other transitions through stances, this kata is essential in the development of understanding how to generate power and how to use the body to its maximum potential. |
Brown Belt |
Bassai Dai (Storming the fortress) |
Originally known as "Passai", Bassai-Dai is a good test of the students’ ability to make maximum use of hip movement. This kata is very well suited to those students who can bring out the power this kata portrays when done properly. |
Brown Belt + black tip |
Seiyunchin (To control, suppress and pull) |
The name Seiyunchin implies the use of techniques to off balance, throw and grapple. It is this understanding that imparts the original intentions of the Kata of Naha-te before the sport alignment of modern Karate. Seiyunchin contains close-quartered striking, sweeps, take-downs and throws. Though the Kata itself is void of kicks, many practitioners make the grave mistake by missing the opportunity to apply any leg technique. Though almost invisible to the untrained eye, the subtleness of "ashi barai" and "suri ashi" can represent foot sweeps, parries and traps. |
Brown Belt + 2 black tips |
Hangetsu (Half Moon) |
The Kata revolves around the Hangetsu Dachi, a stance noted for it's effectiveness against groin kicks (Kin Geri). The movements are performed slowly up to the first kiai, with strong emphasis on kime (tensing and relaxing). From the point of view of more mature students, Hangetsu is a good Kata because it does not require the suppleness of youth to complete it |
Black Belt |
Sanchin (Three Battles) |
One of two "heishu " Kata of Goju-Ryu, Sanchin is probably the most misunderstood Kata in all of Karate. In contrast, it is probably the single most valuable training exercise in Goju-Ryu. Like the other Kata of Goju-Ryu, Sanchin can be found in several Chinese arts (San Jan), particularly the southern styles including four styles of Crane Boxing, Dragon Boxing, Tiger Boxing, Lion Boxing, Dog or Ground Boxing and Monk Fist. Sanchin has such aspects as deep, diaphragmatic breathing found in many internal arts as well as external attributes like mechanical alignment and muscular strength. Because many martial artists have little or no understanding of the true history and nature of the Chinese arts from which Okinawan Goju-Ryu has its roots, Sanchin has become little more than an isometric form performed with dangerous tension and improper breathing techniques.
The original Sanchin that Higaonna Sensei learned from RuRuKo (1852-1930) was performed with open hands and with less emphasis on muscle contraction and "energetic" breathing. With the changes brought about by Emperor Meiji (Meiji Restoration Period 1888-1912), Higaonna Sensei changed the open hands to closed fists as the martial meaning was no longer emphasized. Later Miyagi Sensei would again alter the Kata in pattern alone.
Sanchin translates as "3 Battles" or "3 Conflicts". This has many meanings. First it refers to the struggle to control the body under physical fatigue. With fatigue the mind begins to lose focus and thus the spirit begins to diminish as well. Therefore Sanchin develops discipline, determination, focus, perseverance and other mental attributes. The Chinese refer to this as Shen (spirit), Shin (mind) and Li (body). Another possible interpretation refers to the "Three Burners" of the body as decribed in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). |
1st Dan |
Empi (Flight of the swallow) |
The meaning of this kata is 'Flying Swallow' and is also known as Wansu or Wanshu. The name originates from the path of flight the swallow makes, all the changes in height, likewise this kata contains many changes in height from the first block through the gedan strikes and to the 360 degree jump. |
Sanseru (36 Hands) |
This kata develops the use of low kicks and double hand techniques. Sanseru also employs many entry, joint attacks and defences against kicking attacks. |
Jion (Jion-ji temple/Kind and graciousness) |
Jion conceals a strong fighting spirit, putting the emphasis on teaching a student how to deal with rotational movements and directional shifts and is a good kata for a strong, powerful student. Jion introduces several new hand techniques and utilises a number of stances, notably zenkutsu dachi, kiba dachi and neko ashi dachi. It is a very commonly used kata in the opening rounds of competitions. |
2nd Dan |
Kanku Dai (To view the sky/Gazing skywards) |
Kanku Dai was a favourite Kata of Gichin Funakoshi. The Kata was used to create the five Shotokan Heian Kata. The word Kanku means 'Look to (or view) the sky', and comes from the opening sequence where the Karate-ka raises both hands, with finger and thumb of each hand touching to provide a triangular-shaped opening. As both hands are raised, the Karate-ka follows the movement with their eyes (keeping the head still) until the hands are aloft and the sky (or ceiling!) can be clearly seen. By the time this slow movement is complete, the student should achieve a state of inner calm and readiness, in preparation for the rest of the Kata. |
Shisochin (To destroy in 4 directions) |
Shisochin translates as "Four Gates" or "Four Directions of Conflict". To leave it at that discounts a truer understanding. The third kanji is the same found in Sanchin and Seiyunchin, which translates as "battle" or "conflict". This lends to a deeper definition of its meaning. The idea of four directions can come from the performance of the four shotei in four directions. It can also represent the four elements represented in Chinese medicine (Acupuncture is one) of Wood, Fire, Metal and Water with man representing Earth. Since this was the science and culture of that period in China when Higaonna and Miyagi both studied in Fuzhou, it would be a great oversight to discount this aspect as a very probable explanation of the Kata's name and martial intent. |
Sochin (To preserve the peace)
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In Sochin we find grandeur, strength and stable power. So much use is made of the solidly stable rooted stance (fudo dachi) that the stance is often referred to as the Sochin stance. When defence is called for the stance provides a strong basis for resisting attacks from all directions. The characteristics of the kata are manifested best when it is performed slowly, meaning that the muscles are often brought gradually from a state of full relaxation to full tension. Some movements however, require an instantaneous production of muscular power. One of the benefits of the kata is the nurturing of a keen sense of timing that allows repeated attacks without giving the opponent time for a counterattack. |
3rd Dan |
Tensho (Rotating/Turning Palms)
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The second "heishu" kata in Goju-Ryu, Tensho is derived from the Chinese form "Rokkishu". Unlike Sanchin, which is almost identical to its Chinese counterpart, Tensho is uniquely Okinawan. From his understanding of the Kata of Goju-Ryu and the "nature of man", Miyagi Sensei developed Tensho to further complete his Goju-Ryu where Sanchin left off. Tensho has many of the same principles of Sanchin but goes further to include more intricate concepts of the techniques of Goju-Ryu. These concepts expressly come alive in kakie, which in advanced training, breathes life into the bunkai of the Kata of Goju-Ryu.
The term "heishu" translates as "closed". As with every aspect of Okinawan Karate, there is more than one definition. First, "heishu" can refer to muscle contraction and "ibuki" style breathing unique to Sanchin and Tensho. Secondly, it can imply the restriction and specific direction of energies within the energy pathways of the body, both superficial and deep. The other 10 Kata are referred to as "kaishu" or "open", as they are free of constant muscle contraction and breathing is "normal". |
Seipai (18 Hands)
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Seipai uses many movements that require co-ordination between the hips and hands. It contains many varied techniques. This kata has a number of notable characteristics. For example, circular movements such as furi uchi and uchi uke are performed simultaneously but with different emphasis; Furi uchi swings freely like a whip and uchi uke is performed in a powerful, small movement, but both are with speed. The direction of attack in this kata is not always from a face-to-face position, it also contains attacks from a 45 degree angle as well as attacks where you first sink down and then rise up into the attack. Seipai also contains many hidden techniques and combinations of movements designed to confuse the opponent in combat. |
Kanku Sho (To view the sky/Gazing skywards)
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Kanku Sho is the minor form of this kata and derives its name from the opening movement of gazing toward the sky. The embusen of the kata is similar to that of Kanku Dai, but it begins differently. |
Nijushiho (24 steps)
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The origin of Nijushiho is unknown, but it is presumed that it originates from one of the Chinese Dragon styles. Alternating explosive and calm sequences lend it a very distinctive rhythm. Some Okinawan practitioners have likened it to the ebb and flow of the ocean crashing on a beach. This explosion and recession of movement is especially evident in the opening movements. This principle, applied throughout the kata, alludes to an understanding of reception of an attack, and suppression of the attacker in the same motion. Like most good karate, it imparts the important principle of defending and responding in one movement. |
4th Dan |
Unsu (Cloud Hands) |
Unsu contains many intricate hand techniques, such as the ippon-nukite (one finger strike) in the opening sequence. Unsu also contains a 360-degree spinning double-kick with a double-leg take down at the same time, landing on the floor face-down before continuing. Because of this, it is a very common kata in tournaments. Being among the most advanced of kata, it is generally taught to karateka at the 3rd to 4th Dan. The origin of Unsu is unknown, but it is believed to be of the Dragon style . It is somewhat a condensation of other katas (e.g., Bassai, Kanku, Jion, Empi), hence it is essential to have mastered these before practicing Unsu. The movement, Unsu, or hands in the cloud, is used to sweep away the hands of the opponent and is said to signify the gathering clouds in a thunderstorm. It consists of 48 moves. |
Kururunfa (Holding on long and striking suddenly) |
Kururunfa epitomizes the ideals of Go-"hard and Ju-"soft". Stance transitions are quick and explosive while the hands techniques are employed using "muchimi" or a heavy, sticky movement. As in the other kata of Goju-Ryu, it is quite evident that grappling and close-quartered fighting is the favored fighting style. The same kanji is found in Saifa. Again, this would suggest a strong emphasis on grappling. Where most other styles' Kata concentrate on "block/punch", it is obvious from the unique techniques that this is not the case with Goju-Ryu.
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Gojushiho Sho (54 steps) |
Gojushiho Sho has its origin in the Phoenix Eye style. Its name derives either from the repetitive movements of a woodpecker pecking a tree-trunk, or from the staggering and hesitant steps of a drunken man. In some styles of karate, there are two versions of this kata - Gojushiho Sho and Gojushiho Dai. An advantage of the two versions of the kata is to better master the difficult techniques presented therein, but not without facing some confusion, for many sequences are the same and others only slightly different. The embusen of both Gojushiho Sho and Gojushiho Dai are nearly identical. Gojushiho Sho begins straight off with a wide variety of advanced techniques and, as such, is highly recommended for study. Gojushiho Dai consists of many advanced open-handed techniques and attacks to the collar bone.
Originally, the names were reversed so that Dai was called Sho, and Sho was called Dai. The name change seems to have happened sometime in the 1960's or 1970's. |
Seisan (13 Hands) |
Seisan (alternate names: Sesan, Seishan, Jusan, Hangetsu) literally means '13', however some people refer to the kata as '13 Hands', '13 Fists', '13 Techniques', or '13 Steps'. Yet, that '13' refers to the 13 killing positions. Seisan is thought to be one of the oldest kata quite spread among other Nahate schools. Shito-ryu has its own version and different versions are now practised even in Shurite derivatives like Shotokan (called Hangetsu) and in Wado-ryu (called Seishan).
There are numerous theories as to the naming of the kata. These include the number of steps originally in the kata, the number of different types of 'power' or 'energy' in the kata, the number of applications, or that the kata represents defence against 13 specific types of attack. The most likely explanation is the number of non-repeating techniques contained within the kata. It is believed Seisan derives from Yong Chun White Crane Boxing from Fujian Province in Southern China, where the form is known as 'Four Gate Hands'.
The Goju Ryu version of this kata, is a more complicated version that contains close range fighting techniques such as short-range punches, low kicks and directional changes to unbalance the opponent. Typical of Goju Ryu it contains slow movements performed under tension, as well as strong fast techniques. Seisan is said to complement Seiyunchin. Although rooted in the same form, significant differences can be seen in the Goju version compared to the other versions. |
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