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Kata
Backgrounds
The following is a summary of the background of each of Isshinryu's empty hand
kata...
Seisan Kata
Seisan kata is one of the oldest Okinawan kata practiced today. Other disciplines
which teach forms of seisan include Shitoryu, Uechiryu, Gojuryu, and Shorinryu.
Seisan is traced back from master Shimabuku to Chotoku Kiyan, to Bushi matsumora,
Tode Sakugawa, to Takahara Peichin. Takahara was taught seisan by a famous Chinese
master, by the same name (Seisan).
Seisan kata is a relatively advanced kata. The other disciplines that teach
it, place it in the brown belt or black belt ranks. It is a very important tool
for the student. It teaches a number of crucial lessons on fighting. Chotoku
Kiyan is said to have mastered this form while jumping backwards off a barge.
Seiuchin Kata
Seiuchin, like seisan was named after a Chinese master. Master Seiuchin's teachings
inspired this kata. It was said that master Seiuchin was so powerful, he could
drive his hand in nukite through a cows side and pull out strips of meet. The
kata was formally developed by Chojun Miyagi, the founder of Gojuryu Karate.
The development took place in the 1920's. The word "seiuchin" means "storm within
the calm."
Naihanchi Kata
This kata's maker is unknown. It probably was developed about 200 years ago.
The kata was named for an actual karate master from Okinawa. The word translates
into "iron horse." Shorinryu and Shotokan karate teach three different naihanchin.
Isshinryu uses a form based mostly on the first naihanchi. This kata, while
short in length should inspire the karateka to long hours of study.
Wansu Kata
Wansu kata, Isshinryu's fourth kata was developed in the 1600's. This kata is
credited to a chinese traveler named Wanshu. He was known amoung the Okinawans
as "the birdman." Wansu is taught in Shobayashi Shorinryu Karate but not in
Kobayashi Shorinryu. Both styles are otherwise nearly identical. Wansu is also
called "the dumping form." This is because of a technique near the middle of
the kata. Symbolically, we see wansu meaning "karate is my secret", because
of the opening move where the right fist is covered. The kata is performed in
an eight foot by eight foot space because it was developed by Wanshu while in
prison.
Chinto Kata
It is believed that the chinto kata originated in the early 19th century. Chinto
was a sailor from China who was shipwrecked on Okinawa. Because he was forced
into stealing food, a famous swordsman named Matsumora was sent to capture him.
Matsumora found Chinto, but couldn't defeat him. It is said that Matsumora couldn't
even hit him because of Chinto's skill at side stepping and countering. Matsumora
decided to befriend Chinto. They traded safety for fighting lessons.
Master Chinto's teaching inspired the kata we know today. The name means, "fighting
to the east."
Kusanku kata
Kusanku is translated, "to view the sky." Tode Sakugawa developed this form
after studying with a Chinese traveler named Kushanku for six years. The first
meeting between these two was a little unusual. Kushanku was standing alone
on a bridge. Sakugawa saw him and decided to push him over the side. As you
might guess, this was not successful. Kushanku gave Sakugawa a scolding and
lectured him on respecting his elders.
Sunsu Kata
Sunsu kata is the only empty hand kata totally developed by master Shimabuku.
The name means "strong man." This was Shimabuku's knick name because of tremendous
strength in sanchin kata. Sunsu is the most advanced and difficult to perform.
Much of the kata is drawn from the previous kata in Isshinryu. Shimabuku patterned
the techniques after his own fighting style.
Sanchin Kata
Not only is sanchin kata the oldest kata in Isshinryu, it is the oldest in all
of Okinawan karate. In the beginning it was a stationary breathing exercise
done by buddhist monks at the original shaolin temple. It was done with open
hands. Later steps were added and Chojun Miyagi put in closed fist strikes.
The word sanchin means "three conflicts." The kata is practiced in Isshinryu,
Gojuryu, Uechiryu, and Shotokan karate. Although the purpose of the sanchin
kata is not in learning new techniques, many sensei believe it to be one of
the most important kata to study.
