Shinpa (シンパー 心破・新破・侵破) 心 = Shin. Heart, mind, intention, center, core. 新 = Shin. New. 侵 = Shin. To invade, raid, trespass, encroach, approach. 破 = Ha. To break, split or cleave, to get rid of, to destroy, to defeat. … Continue reading
Naihanchi (ナイハンチ) Kata ‘Nidan’ & ‘Sandan’
Naihanchi (ナイハンチ) performed in Naihanchi-Dachi It translates to ‘Internal Divided Conflict‘ or “Inner Tension Stance”. There are three modern kata derived from this (Shodan, Nidan and Sandan). Some researchers believe Nidan and Sandan were created by Master Anko Itosu, but … Continue reading
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Ura Mawashi Geri
Ura Mawashi Geri (inside roundhouse kick or hook kick)This is almost like Mawashi geri but the difference is the path which is inverted. Bring your knee up close to your body and open the knee and at the same time … Continue reading
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Shiho Zuki «Punching in four directions»
This is part of preparation for the beginners for actual kata. Shiho means 4 directions. The purpose of training Shiho Zuki is that the beginners understand the concept of Mawari Ashi or turning. Basically there are 2 ways of turning, … Continue reading
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Annanko (安南光) Kata
Annanko (安南光), ‘Peace from the South’ is a kata from Tomari-te system. Its history in Okinawan Karate is relatively short in comparison to other kata as it was composed and created by Master Chotoku Kyan. Its meaning is “Light from … Continue reading
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Haffa (白鳥) Kata
Haffa” White Bird” or Also translated as “100 Birds”.The Kata was brought to Okinawa by Master Go Kenki and found it’s way to Shitoryu by Ryuso Kenwa Mabuni. The concept of Haffaand the performance of the techniques is very close to … Continue reading
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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
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Saifa (砕破) Kata
Saifa (砕破) means “smash and tear. Saifa has its origins in China, and was brought to Okinawa by Master Kanryo Higaonna. It contains quick whipping motions, hammer fists, and back fist strikes; it particularly emphasizes moving off-line from an opponent’s main force, while simultaneously … Continue reading
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Shinsei (新生) Kata
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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