Shinsei (新生, New life, New Birth) is a kata created by Master Kenwa Mabuni. Shinsei is a summary of the Kata Gekisai Dai Ichi and Dai Ni. Shinsei kata shows a special kind of calmness and elegance and the techniques … Continue reading
Sanchin (三戦) Kata
Sanchin (三戦), meaning “three battles/conflicts/wars” is usually interpreted as the battle to unify the mind, body, and spirit; however, there are other interpretations. Sanchin is a kata of apparent Southern Chinese origin that is considered to be the core of … Continue reading
Filed under: Technical Notes Permalink
Ji’in (慈陰) Kata
Ji’in 慈陰 (“Temple Grounds “), also translated as ” Inverted Mercy.” Having many similarities to Jion, Jiin is most likely another kata inspired by the teachings of a Buddhist temple in China. Jiin is sometimes grouped with Jion and Jitte, since all three use similar techniques, and all … Continue reading
Filed under: Technical Notes Permalink
Matsukaze (松風) Kata
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 … Continue reading
Filed under: Technical Notes Permalink
Tomari no Bassai (泊拔塞) Kata
Tomari no Bassai 泊拔塞 (“To Breach a Fortress, Tomari-te Version” ).There are 2 main versions of Bassai kata which developed in Tomari region one developed and modified by Master Matsumora Kosaku and one by Master Oyadomari Kokan. Switching blocks and … Continue reading
Filed under: Technical Notes Permalink
Tomari no Wanshu (泊汪輯) Kata
Wanshu (ワンシュー, 汪輯) means “Wang’s Series (or Form)” and refers to the name of the diplomat Wang (1621 – 1689). Wang was the leader of a large ambassadorial mission from China sent by the Qing government in 1683 to the village of Tomari. A poet, calligrapher, diplomat, and martial … Continue reading
Filed under: Technical Notes Permalink
Kosokun Dai (公相君) Kata
Kosokun (公相君) ‘Dai’. The name Kosokun or Kusanku or Kushanku is used in Okinawan systems of karate, and refers to a person by the name of Kusanku, a Chinese diplomat from Fukien who is believed to have traveled to Okinawa to teach his system of fighting. Kosokun is a … Continue reading
Filed under: Technical Notes Permalink
Shiho Kosokun (四方公相君) Kata
Shiho Kosokun (四方公相君). The name Kosokun or Kusanku refers to a person by the name of Kusanku, a Chinese diplomat from Fukien who is believed to have traveled to Okinawa to teach his system of fighting. Kosokun is a kata … Continue reading
Filed under: Technical Notes Permalink
Matsumura ha Bassai (松村拔塞) Kata
Matsumura Bassai (松村拔塞) Kata «To breach a Fortress», version of Master Sokon Matsumura. This kata belongs to Shuri-te system, created by master Matsumura. Forcefulness, strong spirit and overflowing power are manifested in this Kata. It is as though one was … Continue reading
Filed under: Technical Notes Permalink
Ishimine no Bassai (石嶺の拔塞) Kata
Ishimine no Bassai (石嶺の拔塞) Kata «To breach a Fortress», version of Master Ishimine Peichin. This kata belongs to Shuri-te system, modified and created by master Peichin Ishimine. It is as though one was capturing an enemy castle . Forcefulness, strong … Continue reading
Filed under: Technical Notes Permalink
Oyadomari no Bassai (親泊の拔塞) Kata
Oyadomari no Bassai (親泊の拔塞) Kata «To breach a Fortress», version of Master Oyadomari Kokan. Although this kata belongs to Shuri-te system but modified and created by master Oyadomari Kokan of Tomari region and Tomari-te system. It is as though one … Continue reading
Filed under: Technical Notes Permalink
Seienchin (セイエンチン) Kata
Seienchin セイエンチン (Lull in the storm) This kata belongs to Naha-te system, from master Higaonna school. This is one of the most important kata in shitoryu karate. Tender and slow movements with deep breathing along with quick and strong movements … Continue reading
Filed under: Technical Notes Permalink
Chinte (珍手) Kata
Chinte (珍手) (“Rare Hand” or “Strange Hand”) is a kata from Shuri-te system introduced by Master Anko Itosu. It is a very old kata originating from China. Its mixture of standard movements and rarely seen techniques, vestiges of ancient forms, give this kata a … Continue reading
Filed under: Technical Notes Permalink
Itosu Wanshu (糸洲汪輯) Kata
Wanshu (糸洲汪輯, also ワンシュー) The way of writing the name of this kata (汪輯) means “Wang’s Series (or Form)” and refers to the name of the diplomat Wang (1621 – 1689). A poet, calligrapher, diplomat, and martial artist in the Shaolin tradition of Fujian White Crane, he … Continue reading
Filed under: Technical Notes Permalink
Shitoryu’s Characteristics
Shitō-ryū is a combination of 4 main karate systems (Shuri-te, Naha-te, Tomari-te and Hakkaku-Ken “Crane Fist”), which attempts to unite the diverse roots of karate. On one hand, Shitō-ryū has the physical strength and long powerful stances of Shuri-te derived … Continue reading
Filed under: Technical Notes Permalink
Tachi Kata (Stances)
Fundamental to the improvement of one’s karate technique is the acquisition of correct and balanced form. Stance, as a term, must be thought of with regard to the lower part of the body. For techniques to be fast and accurate, … Continue reading
Filed under: Technical Notes Permalink
Kosa Dachi – 交差立
Kosa-dachi (Crossing stance) From Moto-dachi, bring the back leg forward so that the back knee is tucked in to the back of the front knee, with only the toes and ball of the back foot on the floor. The back … Continue reading
Filed under: Technical Notes Permalink
