Matsukaze 松風 (“Wind in the Pines”). This karate kata is from Matsumora Kosaku of Tomari in Okinawa. The kata was renamed to Matsukaze from the name Wankan by Master Kenwa Mabuni. Matsukaze is considered to be an intermediate kata in Shito-ryu. It contains both offensive and defensive techniques done together in one motion at various points. It is said that the meaning ” Wind in the Pines” suggests strength but flexibility in the face of adversity, like a pine tree on top of a mountain facing fierce winds. Thus, all movement is in the forwarddirection, driving the opponent backwards or standing ones ground.
