Bassai Dai «To breach a Fortress» This kata belongs to Shuri-te, from master Anko Itosu school summing up basic techniques with combination of attack and defense in serial movements. Forcefulness, strong spirit and overflowing power are manifested in this … Continue reading
Chinto (鎮 東) Kata
Chinto (meaning approximately “fighter to the east”) is an advanced kata practiced in Shitoryu Karate. It is named after a Chinese sailor whose ship crashed on the Okinawan coast. It is known that the kata Chinto was well-known to the early Tomari-te and Shuri-te schools of Karate. The kata is very dynamic, … Continue reading
Itosu no Rohai Shodan (鷺牌) Kata
The Rohai (鷺牌) originated from the Tomari-te school of Okinawan martial arts. It was called Matsumora Rōhai, after Kosaku Matsumora, who was presumably its inventor. Master Itosu later took this kata and developed three kata from it: Rohai shodan, Rohai nidan, and Rohai sandan. In Shitoryu beside “Matsumora ha Rohai, also precise … Continue reading
Naihanchi Shodan (ナイハンチ初段) Kata
Naihanchi (ナイハンチ) performed in Naihanchi-Dachi It translates to ‘Internal Divided Conflict‘ or “Inner Tension Stance”. The form makes use of in-fighting techniques. In Naihanchi Shodan is the first San Kyu (Brown Belt Kata). There are three modern kata derived from this (Shodan, … Continue reading
Heian (平安) Kata “Heian Shodan”
Way of peace (literally, “Great Peace”, sometimes translated as “Calm Mind”, “Peaceful Mind”). The Heian kata series was introduced into the Okinawan School District karate program as gym training from 1905 to 1907 by Master Ankoh Itosu. Sensei Ankoh Itosu … Continue reading
Itosu no Rohai Sandan (鷺牌) Kata
The Rohai (鷺牌) originated from the Tomari-te school of Okinawan martial arts. It was called Matsumora Rohai, after Kosaku Matsumora, who was presumably its inventor. Master Itosu later took this kata and developed three kata from it: Rohai shodan, Rohai … Continue reading
Heian (平安) Kata “Heian Sandan”
Heian or “Pin-an” Way of peace (literally, “Great Peace”, sometimes translated as “Calm Mind”, “Peaceful Mind”). The Heian kata series was introduced into the Okinawan School District karate program as gym training from 1905 to 1907 by Master Ankoh Itosu. … Continue reading
Bassai Sho (拔 塞 小) Kata
Heian or “Pin-an” Way of peace (literally, “Great Peace”, sometimes translated as “Calm Mind”, “Peaceful Mind”). The Heian kata series was introduced into the Okinawan School District karate program as gym training from 1905 to 1907 by Master Ankoh Itosu. … Continue reading
Gojushiho (五十四歩) Kata
Gojushiho (五十四歩 lit. 54 steps “also called Useshi”) is a kata practiced in Shitoryu and represents of Shur-te system of Master Anko Itusu. It consists of many advanced open-handed techniques and attacks. Due to its difficulty, this kata is often reserved for advanced students, usually for … Continue reading
Matsumura Seisan (松村十三) Kata
Matsumura Seisan literally means ’13’ (Version of Master Matsumura) who adapted original kata of Seisan from Naha-te Schools. Seisan is thought to be one of the oldest kata, being quite spread among other Naha-te schools. Shito-ryu has both ‘Shuri-te’ Version and … Continue reading