Kata
In most forms of Karate, Kata are taught. These are formalised sequences of moves used to improve technique. Each sequence of moves also has practical applications in self defence. The mastery of each Kata in turn is usually one of the requirements for progression to the next grade or belt colour.
The Goju Ryu Kata are listed here.
Sanchin ichi /ni
Sanchin means Three
Battles, Three Steps Forward.
Miyagi Sensei created these katas as two basic katas for his style.
As Goju means hard and soft, the Sanchin represents the hard (Go) Kata.
They are very difficult Katas to master, using only fundamentals and not set
techniques. They were designed to perfect co-ordination between mind and body,
using Sanchin stance and basic hand techniques.
They can be used as a self training method to learn to tighten muscle groups, co-ordinating long and
short breath control through a state of awareness.
Tensho Kata
This breathing kata was
developed by Miyagi sensei from the Rokkishu kata of the Chinese white crane
style. Rokkishu, meaning 6 Hands, denotes the different hand positions.
Tensho Kata represents the softness (ju) of Goju Ryu. It is soft and hides the
fighting spirit below the surface, whereas Sanchin shows outward physical power.
A very defensive Kata using the open hand with circular movements, blocking,
trapping and utilising an opponents power against themselves.
Tensho is a Kata designed to take advantage of an opponents weakness.
A first insight for starters in
this martial art. This was developed around 1944. This kata is
called Shinsei in Shito-Ryu and Fukyu Kata Ni in Matsubayashi-Ryu.
Emphasis is put on smashing the legs with Gedan Barai, attacking using Nae Geri,
Empi Uchi, Uraken Uchi and Jodan Yoko Sto Uchi. Breathing should be natural with
emphasis on hard and soft flowing movements and body co-ordination.
Designed to introduce fundamental attacks, stances and three basic blocks -
Jodan, Chudan and Gedan (Upper, Middle and Lower).
Gekisai Dai Ni
This kata was created at the
same time as Gekisai Dai Ichi for similar reasons and begins to incorporate Tai-Sabaki
and softer blocking patterns, with the addition of Mawashi Uke, Hikke Uke and
Kake Uke.
At such an early stage in the Goju-Ryu practitioners training they are taught
Muchimi (Sticky Hands) and Sukamihikke (grappling and pulling) and how to
redirect an attack.
Saifa Kata
Translated means The final
breaking point (destroy, defeat greatly, the maximum).
This kata changes from fundamentals to complex techniques. It does not start
with defence only, but with a combination of freeing techniques.
Seiunchien Kata
Many translations exist for the
name of this kata, but, The storm within the calm (Tiger kata), is often
considered the most appropriate.
Usually this kata is taught at 1st Kyu level. It is a difficult kata to master
even for black belts.
Until one obtains Nidan this is the main kata to practice. The Shiko Dachi is
emphasized as well as hand techniques more than leg. There are about 50
techniques within this kata, of which more than half are attacking.
Shisounchin Kata.
Means The kata of the four
fighting monks.
This kata stresses four directional fighting, sticking and pushing away four
opponents. As you strike power is concentrated in the palm, heel and tanden.
The opening sequence of moves are that of the tiger stalking its prey. At first
stepping with intent, slowly and smoothly, keeping body movements to a minimum,
but when the distance is right the tiger pounces with lightning speed, Nukite
(spear hand) is performed with speed and power, the fingers rigid as steel
blades.
Sanseiru Kata.
This is a Dragon kata using
very strong attacking techniques.
Sanseru means 36. It is believed that this kata was taught in the Kume section
of Okinawa and taught by Aragaki Seisho before Kanryo Higashionna made his trip
to China. Several Fujian Quanfa styles practice a kata with this name, for
instance, Kanbum Uechi brought the Fujian Tiger Quanfa version back to Okinawa.
Ryuei-Ryu also practices Sanseru, their kata being very similar to the Goju-Ryu
version. Considering that Nakaima Kenko and Miyagi Chojun were good friends, I
believe it more likely that one borrowed from the other than the likelihood that
both descended from the same Ryuruko.
There are 39 techniques in this kata with 36 of them in attack formation and 7
kicks.
Seisan Kata.
Advanced tiger techniques from Seiunchin kata.
Although this kata is further advanced than Seiunchin, it may look easier to
perform.
Emphasis is on the open hand with 56 techniques in all. A concentration of speed
where the small techniques are all important.
Seipai Kata.
Translated means Cupful.
A Dragon kata with half the techniques of Sanseiru but with an emphasis on
reverse and breaking techniques.
Kururunfa Kata.
Translated means Come, Stop,
Deflect, Hold your ground and stay the waves.
This kata originated in China and was modified in Okinawa. A Sandan kata, it
utilises takedowns, breaking the bone structure and throwing techniques.
Superempai (Pechurin) Kata.
Sometimes referred to
only as Superempei or Pechurin.
This is the most advanced kata in Naha Te and includes all of the Naha Te's 108
steps.
Originally the creation of General Yue Fei during the Tang Dynasty, the kata was
modified by Miyagi Chojun on his return from Shanghai.
The changes were only in the directional movements and the essence of the
original kata remain.
Learn traditional Martial Arts in Romsey, Hampshire (near Southampton).
A friendly club teaching traditional Okinawa Goju Ryu Karate for exercise and self defence.
Goju Ryu is one of the most effective self defence styles of the traditional Japanese martial arts, and offers real self defence capability, as well as providing very good exercise and improving stamina and self confidence.
Students notice improvements in general fitness and balance after only a handful of sessions.
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