Karate

Kata (forms)

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Introduction

On the surface, kata appears to be fixed sequences of techniques and movements designed as effective defenses against attacks by several opponents from different directions. However kata are more than this; they are essentially the heart and soul of martial arts training and development.

Unfortunately, during recent decades, as a result of the accelerating dilution of the traditional arts and the fighting systems through the desire to popularize and market all physical activities this facet has become misunderstood and even maligned. By learning and practising the various kata and their applications (bunkai) from beginner level up to the highest ranks, students at the Academy have an entrenched medium which stimulates, matures and balances their individual, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual attributes.

Kata functions

• Kata teach the martial artist to focus her or his techniques on specific striking and blocking points with special emphasis on follow-up techniques.

• Kata practise strengthens muscles and sinews while increasing fitness and improving flexibility.

• Spatial awareness is improved by visualizing imaginary attacks from a number of directions enabling the practitioner to handle more than one attacker at a time.

• Footwork and agility are prompted by warding off "attacks" and delivering counterattacks from all angles.

• Balance is improved by maintaining one's centre-of-gravity while changing into different stances.

• Correct breathing is learned and controlled by the constant stopping and starting, fast and slow movements of the kata performed.

• Kata act as an encyclopedia of kumite scenarios (attacks and defences) which can then be practised with a partner. These kata applications are known as bunkai and can include tenchin (body evasion movements), punching, striking, kicking and qin-na (grappling, seizing and throwing).

• Kata has been called "meditation in motion" and in the endless striving for perfection epitomizes the concept of a martial art. When a kata is performed well all the above points should be apparent in the execution of the form. Conversely, a kata can often look pretty but lack all understanding. Kata is therefore the cornerstone to becoming a good martial artist.

Fukyugata ichi/ni 
"Kata to be spread or shared, Nos. 1 and 2"

Fukyugata is composed of 3 characters, the first meaning "general; popular; everywhere; universal", the second meaning "to reach" and the third meaning "form".  Together the characters mean "kata to be spread or shared" - a reference to popularising karate by designing a basic, though effective kata that is easy to learn.... (read more)

Sanchin 
"Three battles"

This dynamic tension and breath control exercise is the fundamental kata ("heishugata" - literally "closed fist form") of Goju-ryu. Its name: San - "three", Chin - "battle" - refers to the 3 battles of mind, body and spirit/breathing. Sanchin kata originated in southern China, and indeed versions of the kata are still being performed both there and in Taiwan. Many southern Chinese styles have versions of Sanchin as their basic kata, but it is with the old southern White Crane (Jap. Hakutsuru) styles that it is most often associated... (read more)

Gekisai-dai-ichi/ni 
"To defeat by smashing, Nos. 1 and 2"

The Chinese character for "geki" means to defeat and the character "sai" means to smash or demolish.   Dai ichi and dai ni mean No. 1 and No 2 respectively.

The Gekisai kata contain powerful, basic movements that are quite easy to learn and interpret although many of the techniques have multiple applications as they were... (read more)

Saifa 
"To smash and tear"

This is the first of the advanced kaishu (or "open hand") group of kata. The name of this kata uses the same Chinese character as for the 'sai' found in Gekisai kata. The second character 'fa' means to tear or rip. It therefore means "to smash and tear". It is pronounced "Sui-po" in Mandarin, "Sai-fa" in Okinawan dialect and "Sai-ha" in Japanese.

This is a close-fighting kata which utilises hammer fist and backfist strikes along with kicks using the knee and... (read more)

Naifunchin 
"Battle in horse stance"

The Muidokan version of this Shorin kata is a simplified one developed by Anko Itosu from the original Chinese form taught by Sokon Matsumura. The characters used by the Academy literally mean "battle in a horse stance" (see "Origins of Naifunchin" for more detail). This is a very formal kata and the original Chinese version (now lost) was one of the oldest kata practised in Okinawa.

Also known as Naihanchi/Naifuanchi/Tekki shodan, it... (read more)

Seiunchin 
"To control and pull in battle"

The standard kanji of Seiunchin mean “to control and pull in battle”.  This is said to be an Okinawan attempt to pronounce the Hokkien/Amoy reading of the characters (pronounced "zhi yin zhan" in Mandarin).  Sei/zhi means to control, un/yin means to pull, and chin/zhan means to do battle.

Its origins are thought by some to be in the Xingyi internal system while others think it is from the Tiger Shaolin system... (read more) 

Shisochin 
"Four directional battle"

The standard kanji of Shisochin mean “four directional battle”.  This is said to be an Okinawan attempt to pronounce the Hokkien/Amoy reading of the characters (pronounced "xi xiang zhan" in Mandarin).  Shi/si means "4", so/xiang means "direction", and chin/zhan means "battle".

Its origins are thought by some to be in the Fujian White Crane system while others think it is from the Tiger or... (read more) 

Tensho 
"Rotating palms"

This dynamic tension and breath control exercise is the second of the fundamental kata ("heishugata") of Goju. The character "ten" means rotating, revolving or changing, while the character "sho" refers to the palm of the hand. The name describes the movements of the palms that characterise this kata.

Tensho was developed by Chojun Miyagi after his return from China in 1916 where he had been researching the origins of Okinawan martial arts.  Traditionally he is said to have developed the kata from an older White Crane form named Rokkisho... (read more)

Sanseiru (te) 
"36 hands"

Sanseiru is one of the 4 "core" kata brought back from China by Kanryo Higaonna (although the origins of Miyagi's version are disputed by some - see "Origins of Sanseiru").

The standard kanji of Sanseiru mean “36”. The pronunciation is an Okinawan rendering of the Fujian dialect. "San" means 3, "sei" means 10, and "ru" means 6. The number has siginificance in Buddhist tradition.

Traditionally Fujian quan fa schools would have added the character ("bu" meaning "steps")... (read more)

Seipai (te) 
"18 hands"

The standard kanji of Seipai mean “18”. The pronunciation is an Okinawan rendering of the Fujian dialect. "Sei" means 10, and "pai" means 8.  It is thought that this name was given because the kata has (or originally had) 18 types of movements/techniques.

Traditionally Fujian quan fa schools would have added the character ("bu" meaning "steps") or sometimes ("ji" meaning "skill" or "technique") after such a number.  In Okinawa... (read more)

Seisan (te)
"13 hands"

Seisan is one of the 4 "core" kata brought back from China by Kanryo Higaonna (see Origins and analysis of Seisan). 

The standard kanji of Seisan mean “13”. The pronunciation is an Okinawan rendering of the Fujian dialect. "Sei" means 10, and "san" means 3. The number 13, a prime number, is a symbol of good luck and prosperity in China.

Traditionally Fujian quan fa schools would have added the character ("bu" meaning "steps") or sometimes ("ji" meaning... (read more)

Kururunfa  
"To detain for a long time then suddenly rip apart"

The name of this quick and fast kata literally means "to detain for a long time and suddenly rip apart". Kururunfa contains a wide variety of open-hand/hip coordination techniques that, depending on the circumstances, can either be interpreted joint locks, blocks or strikes or any combination of the three. The use of the hips to aid some hand techniques enhances both the power and effect of the joint locking and breaking techniques... (read more)

Suparinpei (te) 
"108 hands"

The kanji traditionally used for Suparinpei mean "108 hands". This is the longest of the Goju-ryu kata and is regarded as the most advanced.  This kata utilizes many techniques and contains a great number of applications. Suparinpei not only contains many of the techniques from earlier kata but also introduces two kicks not found in any other Goju kata, specifically a mae tobi geri (jumping front kick) and mikazuki geri (crescent kick).

In the Academy 2 versions of the kata are practised, namely "Suparinpei sho" and "Suparinpei dai"... (read more)

While each of the above pages has some information pertaining to the origins of the kata, the following articles provide a more detailed examination and analysis of this topic:

• The origins of goju-ryu kata: Part 1
• The origins of goju-ryu kata: Part 2
• The origins of goju-ryu kata: Part 3 - shisochin kata

Embu (Two Person Kata) were (and still are) a staple training method of Chinese boxing systems (where they are called "dui da quan"). Unfortunately this vital training method has been largely lost in modern karate which instead places too much emphasis on unrealistic "dojo" and sport competition sparring.

It is important to remember that kata and its bunkai are the essence of karate, and tenshin (evasion) and tai sabaki (body movement) are, in turn, the essence of bunkai... (read more)