Ānan アーナン 安南
This majestic kata comes to us from the once secret family style of karate known as Ryuei-ryū. Nakaima Kenri, the founder of Ryuei-ryū, introduced this kata when he returned to Okinawa from Fuzhou, where he studied under the legendary Fujian martial arts master, Rū Rū Kou. Interestingly, Ānnán is the name of a district of Fuzhou, in China’s Fujian Province. The kata contains a variety of unique strikes, numerous kicks, hidden submission locks, top-knot seizing, takedowns, evasive footwork, knee strikes, and finishes with a deadly throat crush. Ānan is one of the most magnificent kata that Nakaima sensei introduced while establishing Ryuei-ryū.
安南 = Ānnán, district of Fuzhou in the Fujian province, in Southeastern China.
安 = Ān. Chinese: Content, calm, still, quiet, safe, secure, in good health.
南 = Nán. Chinese: Surname for South.
Ānan アーナン
Ānan Dai アーナン大
Ānanku・Ānanko アーナンクー・アーナンコー
Earliest reference 1978. Introduced by Kyan Chotoku after returning from Taiwan in the 1930’s. In the mid to late 1800’s, a ship from the Fujian province drifted into Okinawan waters and shipwrecked in Tomari. While repairing their ship, one of the crew-members demonstrated Fujian martial arts to several Okinawan martial artists. The name of the crew-member is unknown, but people have called him Anan, after this legendary event. In any case, Kyan sensei introduced this kata after returning from Taiwan in the 1930’s. This kata is practiced in many Shōrin-ryū traditions, for example, Matsubayashi Ryū, Shōrin-Ryū Seibukan, Shorinjiryu Renshinkan, Jyōshinmon Shōrinryū, and Shōrin-Ryū Shinkōkai.
安南公 = Anankō, Ananku. Noble Anan.
阿南公 = Anankō, Ananku. Honorable Brother Anan.
阿 = Prefix used before monosyllabic names, kinship term to indicate familiarity.
安 = Ān. Chinese: content, calm, still, quiet, safe, secure, in good health.
安 = An. Japanese: Relax, quiet, rested, contented, peaceful.
南 = Nán. Surname. South.
公 = Kō, ku. Highest of five orders of nobility. Duke.
Anji-kata nu Mēkata・Mai no Te 按司方の舞方・按司の舞の手型
This is the highest kata in Motobu Udundi and is unique to this style. Anji or Aji were the ruling class of lords in the Ryûkyû Kingdom. Their rank in the Ryukyuan royal court was below the Prince (ōji) but above the Ueekata. Mēkata is the ancient form of unarmed Okinawan martial art of Dī incorporated within the artforms of dance. Motobu Udundi has a long tradition of preserving mēkata.
按司方の舞方・按司の舞の手型 = Dancing Form of the Lords.
按司 = Anji, aji. The ruling class of lords in the Ryûkyû Kingdom.
方 = Kata. A person, lady, gentleman (Honorific or respectful).
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
舞方 = Mēkata, maikata. Ancient martial dances of Okinawa.
Ansan・Yansu・Yantsu アンサン 安三
Earliest reference Late 1970’s. Possibly introduced by Kuniba Shōgō. This bold kata was originally called Ansan by Motobu-ha/Kuniba-ha ryū. Later, it would be adopted by the Kyokushinkai where it is known as Yantsu or Yansu. This kata is practiced by Motobu-ha/Kuniba-ha ryū Shitō-ryū, and also by the Kyokushinkai.
安三 = Ansan. Content or Calm Three. Three Peace.
安 = An, yasu. Relaxed, low, quiet, rested, contented, peaceful.
三 = San, mi. Three.
Aoyagi・Seiryū アオヤギ・セイリュウ 青柳
Earliest reference 1956. Mabuni Kenwa and Konishi Yasuhiro created this kata together with the help of Ueshiba Morihei. This kata was created for women working at the Japanese Government Railways. This kata contains a unique blend of material from Mabuni sensei’s Shito-ryū, Konishi sensei’s Jiu-jutsu, and Ueshiba sensei’s Aikido principles. Shito-ryū uses the name Aoyagi, while Shindō Jinen-ryū uses the name Seiryū.
青柳 = Aoyagi, Aoyanagi. Willow.
青 = Ao. Blue, green interchangeably. Nature’s color.
青 = Sei. Youth.
柳 = Yanagi, yōryū. Willow, weeping willow.
柳 = Ryū. Chinese “Willow” constellation (one of the 28 mansions).
青柳 = Green willow (i.e. one that has budded).
Standing within
The green willow
A warrior women
– Issa (Written in 1819)
Ba Bu Lien 八步连 See Pappuren・Paipuren.
Bassai・Passai バッサイ・パッサイ 拔塞・抜砦
Earliest reference 1911. The first mention of the kata Passai comes to us from Tomikawa Seiboku’s Ryūkyū Shimpo newspaper article in 1911 where Kiyuna Taro Pēchin was reported to have performed it during the Teacher School karate Meeting. Kiyuna sensei was a student of Matsumura Sōkon. Funakoshi Gichin’s Bassai interpretation was derived from Azato Ankō and Itosu Ankō. Mabuni Kenwa’s Bassai Dai and Bassai Sho are both from Itosu Ankō. Interestingly, Chibana Passai Dai is Tawada Passai, and Chibana Passai Sho is Itosu Passai. Kyan Chōtoku’s Passai, practiced in Seibukan, was handed down from Oyadomari Kōkan. Matsumura Sōkon and Matsumora Kōsaku both passed on their interpretation of Passai, thus, the areas around Shuri and Tomari both enjoy a Passai tradition. To this day, it is a very popular kata. The many versions all have overlap in that they contain rapid alternating block and counter-attacks, sharp knife-hand blocks, a powerful low thrust kick or takedown, an elbow strike, body shifting blocks, and two-armed punches. “This form contains repeated switching of the blocking arms, motions that represent the feeling of shifting from a disadvantageous position to an advantageous one, a feeling implying a will similar to that needed to break through an enemy’s fortress.” – Funakoshi Gichin
拔塞 = Bassai, Passai. To Siege a Fortress. To Storm a Fortress.
抜砦 = Bassai. To Uproot a Stronghold. To Storm a Fortress.
拔 = Bá. Chinese: Extract, remove, surpass, seize.
抜 = Batsu, hatsu, nukeru. Slip out, extract, pull out, pilfer, remove.
塞 = Sài. Chinese: Fortress.
塞 = Sai. Japanese: Close, cover, block, obstruct.
砦 = Sai. Fort, stronghold.
Kiyuna Passai 喜友名パッサイ Earliest reference 1911.
Passai Dai パッサイ（大） Major Passai. Earliest reference 1922.
Passai Sho パッサイ（小） Minor Passai. Earliest reference 1922.
Tawada Passai 多和田パッサイ Earliest reference 1934.
Matsumura Passai 松村パッサイ Earliest reference 1938.
Hanashiro Passai 花城パッサイEarliest reference 1938.
Ishimine Passai 石嶺パッサイEarliest reference 1956.
Azato Bassai 安里バッサイ
Chatanyara Bassai 北屋谷良バッサイ
Chibana Passai 知花パッサイ
Itosu Bassai 糸洲バッサイ
Kyan Passai 喜屋武パッサイ
Matsumora Bassai 松茂良バッサイ
Motobu Passai (Passai Gwa) 本部パッサイ（パッサイグヮー）
Oshiro Bassai 大城バッサイ
Oyadomari Bassai 親泊バッサイ
Teruya Bassai 照屋バッサイ
Tomari Passai 泊パッサイ
Bassai Dai 拔塞大 Major Bassai.
Bassai Sho 拔塞小 Minor Bassai.
Bechurin ベッチューリン 百歩連 See Pechurin.
Byakko 白虎
The White Tiger is one of the Four Symbols of the Seven Mansions Constellations, Byakko is said to rule over the Western heavens. This kata was introduced in 1988 by its creator Yagi Meitoku. Byakko is practiced in Meibukan Gōjū-ryū.
白虎 = Byakko, Hakko. White Tiger.
白 = Shiro, haku, byaku. White.
虎 = Tora, ko. Tiger.
Channan チャンナン
Earliest reference 1934. Supposedly, Pinan Shodan and Pinan Nidan were created from this kata, or they initially had the name Channan. Mabuni Kenwa states in his 1938 book “Kobo Kenpo Karatedo Nyumon” that Channan was Itosu Ankō’s original name for the Pinan kata. Itosu sensei does not mention this in any writings, though. And it is clear that Itosu sensei chose the name Pinan to best describe his introductory level kata.
Yoshimura no Channan 吉村のチャンナン Earliest reference 1934.
Chatanyara Kusanku・Kushanku 北谷屋良クーサンクー・北谷屋良クーシャンクー See Kushanku.
Chatanyara no Kon・Chatanyara nu Kun 北谷屋良の棍
This is a Bōjutsu kobudō kata. This amazing Bo kata is named after the legendary Okinawa Dī master Chatan Yara. Evidently, he was a master of many weapons and unarmed combat, thus, many kata are named after him. Naming a kata after one’s master was one way to pay homage to them, and their contribution to the arts.
北谷屋良の棍 = Chatanyara no Kon. Chatanyara’s Staff. The Staff of Chatanyara.
北谷屋良 = Chatan Yara. A legendary master of Okinawa Dī, Chatan Yara.
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
棍 = Kun. Okinawan: Staff. Japanese: Kon.
Chatanyara no Sai・Chatanyara nu Sai 北谷屋良の釵
This is a Saijutsu kobudō kata. This wonderful Sai kata is named after the legendary Okinawa Dī master Chatan Yara. Remarkably, he was a master of various weapons and unarmed combat, thus, many kata are named after him. Naming a kata after one’s master was one way to pay homage to them, and their contribution to the arts.
北谷屋良の釵 = Chatanyara no Sai. Chatanyara’s Sai. The Sai of Chatanyara.
北谷屋良 = Chatan Yara. A legendary master of Okinawa Dī, Chatan Yara.
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
釵 = Sai. Okinawan: A metal pronged kobudō weapon.
Chikan 地巻
Creator: Kojō Kahō. This distinctive kata is the third of six kata unique to Kojō-ryū, these kata were inspired by the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac, with kamae named after each of its animals and corresponding counter-attacks attributed to each of the postures. Chikan contains the postures of the monkey, rooster, dog, and boar. In addition, this kata contains consecutive punching sequences, various open-hand attacks, many lower level punches, difficult angle and timing changes, several front kicks, and numerous dangerous attacks to vital points. Chikan is practiced in Kojō-ryū.
地巻 = Chikan. Earth/Ground Volume (of book).
地 = Chi, tsuchi. Earth, ground, land, soil
巻 = Kan, maki. Volume (of book).
Chi no Kata 地之型
Earliest reference 1955. Creator: Funakoshi Gichin.
地之型 = Chi no Kata. Form of the Earth. Form of the Ground.
地 = Chi, tsuchi. Ground, earth
之 = No. Of. Indicates possessive.
型 = Kata. A standard form of movements, postures, etc. in martial arts.
Chi-i no Kata 地位の型
Earliest reference 1953. Creator: Shukumine Seiken. This kata is practiced in Genseiryū.
地位の型 = Chī no Kata. Form of Position/Social Status.
地位 = Chī. Position, social status.
之 = No. Of. Indicates possessive.
型 = Kata. A standard form of movements, postures, etc. in martial arts.
Chinpei チンペー
Earliest reference 1934. A kata listed in Morinobu Itoman’s Tōdi Jutsu no Kenkyu, 1934.
Chinshu チンシュー 鎮衆
Earliest reference 1976.
鎮 = Chin. Tranquilize. A weight (Buddhist term). Temple supervisor. Town (of China).
衆 = Shu, shū. Great numbers (of people), numerical superiority, masses.
Chinte・Chintei・Chinti チンテ・チンテー 珍手・鎮定
Earliest reference 1914. Introduced by Matsumora Kōsaku and Oyadomari Kokan. This kata comes from the Tomari region of Okinawa. The exceptional kata Chinte has an interesting backstory. In the mid to late 1800’s, a ship from Fuzhou, Fujian province drifted into Okinawan waters and shipwrecked in Tomari. While repairing their ship, one of the crew-members demonstrated Fujian martial arts to several Okinawan martial artists. According to Funakoshi Gichin, Matsumora Kōsaku and Oyadomari Kokan both learned Chinte from this traveler from Fuzhou. In any case, there are many open hand strikes to vulnerable points, tempo changes, and unique blocking techniques in this kata. Chinte is most commonly practiced in Shitō-ryū, Shotokan, and Shōrin-ryū Kyudōkan. The Shōrin-ryū Kyudōkan refer to this kata as Chinti.
珍手 = Chinte. Exceptional Hands.
鎮定 = Chintei. Suppression.
珍 = Zhēn. Chinese: Precious, treasure, rare, valuable.
珍 = Chin. Japanese: Rare, curious, strange.
鎮 = Chin. Tranquilize. A weight (Buddhist term). Temple supervisor. Town (of China).
手 = Te. Hand, means, trick, move, technique.
定 = Tei. Determine, fix, establish, decide.
鎮定 = Chintei. Suppression.
Chintō チントウ 鎮東・鎮闘・鎮党
Earliest reference 1911. Introduced by Gusukuma and Kanagusuku. This kata comes from the Tomari region of Okinawa. As mentioned above, in the mid to late 1800’s, a ship from Fuzhou, China’s Fujian province, shipwrecked in Tomari. While their ship was being repaired, one of the crewmembers performed Fujian martial arts to several Okinawan martial artists. According to Funakoshi Gichin, Gusukuma and Kanagusuku both learned Chintō from these crewmembers from Fuzhou. Traditionally, Chintō is said to be the name of the person who taught this kata, thus, it was named in their honor. This kata was said to be a favorite of Kyan Chōtoku. As with any popular kata, there are multiple interpretations, for example, Itosu Ankō’s version is performed in a straight line, while Kyan’s version is performed diagonally. In any event, there is an assortment of unique blocks with both hands, unique angled punches, open-hand strikes, and front kicking techniques in this kata. Chintō is practiced in Shōrin-ryū, Shitō-ryū, Matsubayashi-ryū, Wadō-ryū, Isshin-ryū and other styles.
鎮 = Chin. Tranquilize. A weight (Buddhist term). Temple supervisor. Town (of China).
東 = Tō, higashi. East.
闘 = Tō, tatakau. Fight, war.
党 = Tō. Party, faction, clique.
Chintō チントー Earliest reference 1911.
Tomari Chintō 泊チントウ Earliest reference 1914.
Itosu no Chintō 糸洲のチントウ
Kyan no Chintō 喜屋武のチントウ（泊チントウ）
Chōun no Kon・Chōun nu Kun 趙雲の棍・朝雲の棍
Earliest reference 1938. This is a Bōjutsu kobudō kata. Creator: Soeishi Yoshiyuki. Chōun is the Okinawan pronunciation for the Chinese name Zhào Yún. Zhào Yún was a legendary general of Shu Han who lived during the late Eastern Han dynasty, and early Three Kingdoms period. His relation to Bōjutsu comes from the many traditional depictions of his exemplary skill with the spear.
趙雲 = Chōun. Okinawan: The legendary general Zhào Yún, who was a master of weaponry.
朝雲 = Chōun. Morning Cloud.
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
棍 = Kun. Okinawan: Staff. Japanese: Kon.
趙雲の棍 Taira Shinken Lineage. Earliest Reference 1938.
朝雲の棍 Matayoshi Lineage.
Dōchin・Rōchin・ドーチン・ローチン・竜進
Earliest reference 1961. Adopted by Kaneshima Shinosuke. “Douchin is a kata never seen in Okinawa, therefore, it will be the first ever demonstration in public. He learned this kata from Chin Hando sensei after crossing over to Taiwan when 17.” – Onko Chishin Newspaper. November 21, 1961. In 1969, a second article was released in The Okinawa Times referring to the same kata, but written as ローチン. Granted that the first katakana might have variations, the pronunciation of the kata was not necessarily changed.
Enpi・Empi 燕飛
Earliest reference 1935. This dynamic kata comes from Funakoshi Gichin’s rendering of Wanshū that he learned while working at Tomari Elementary school in Okinawa. Empi contains rising punches, numerous level changes, open hand blocks, and a spectacular throw sequence near the end of the kata. Renown is the iconic spinning jump near the closing of the kata. Funakoshi sensei speaks about the meaning of Enpi in his masterpiece Karate-dō Kyōhan, “The distinctive motion of this kata is an upper-level attack following which one grasps the opponent and draws him inward, simultaneously jumping in and attacking again. The movement resembles the up and down and flipping away flight of a swallow.” This kata is practiced in Shotokan.
燕飛 = Enpi. Flying Swallow.
飛燕 = Hien. Swallows in flight.
燕 = En, tsubame. Swallow (bird).
飛 = Hi. Fly.
Fukyūgata 普及型
Created in 1940 by Nagamine Shōshin, and Miyagi Chōjun. In Nagamine sensei’s Essence of Okinawa Karate-dō, he asserts, “Two Fukyugata commonly practiced today were composed by Shōshin Nagamine, the originator of Matsubayashi-ryū karate, and Chōjun Miyagi, the originator of Goju-ryu karate, because the kata of the Shuri and Naha schools had been too difficult for beginners. In 1940, two of the compositions were authorized to be the formal basic kata by the special committee of Okinawa karate-do organized and summoned by Gen Hayakawa, then governor of Okinawa Prefecture.” Hajime Hayakawa was the governor of Okinawa Prefecture from January 7, 1941 to July 1, 1943. These kata are practiced in Shōrin-ryū.
普及型 = Fukyūgata. Promotional Form. Promotional Kata.
普及 = Fukyū. Diffusion, spread, popularization.
型 = Kata. A standard form of movements in martial arts.
Fukyūgata 1 普及型一 Created by Nagamine Shōshin in 1940.
Fukyūgata 2 普及型二 Also known as Gekisai Ichi, was created by Miyagi Chōjun in 1940.
Fukyūgata 3 普及型三 Created by Ueshiro Ansei in 1960.
Gankaku 岩鶴
Earliest reference 1935. This elegant kata comes from Funakoshi Gichin’s rendition of Chintō that he learned from his main two instructors, Azato Ankō and Itosu Ankō. Gankaku is named after the one-legged stance in the kata which resembles a crane balancing on one leg. The crane is a bird of omen, and vigilance in some cultures, and a symbol of happiness, peace, and longevity by others. An idea of the kata that I like to explore involves juxtaposing the two symbols of nature the kata gives us, crane and rock, and draw a more significant understanding of what the kata is trying to reveal. The crane may illustrate graceful, light, and flexible attributes, while the rock may represent stability, hardness, and immoveable characteristics. Gankaku contains many difficult techniques, like balancing and kicking from a one-legged stance, seamlessly shifting between defensive and offensive movements, reverse punches from various stances, and a leaping double front kick. In Funakoshi sensei’s iteration, all of the front kicks executed from the one-legged stance have been changed to sidekicks. This kata is practiced in Shotokan.
岩鶴 = Gankaku. Rock Crane. Crane on a Rock.
岩 = Gan, iwa. Rock, boulder, crag, cliff.
鶴 = Kaku, tsuru, tazu. Crane. Any bird of the family Gruidae, esp. the red-crowned crane. They are very large, have long legs, and long necks. Cranes live on all continents except Antartica and South America.
Friend of the pine
Friend of the crane
He plows his field
– Issa (Written in 1821)
Gankaku Sho 岩鶴小
This kata is a Shotokan version of Tomari (Kyan) Chintō introduced by Kanazawa Hirokazu. Kanazawa sensei claims to have learned this kata from Inoue sensei.
岩鶴小 = Gankaku Sho. Rock Crane, Minor. Crane on a Rock, Minor.
岩 = Gan, iwa. Boulder, rock, cliff.
鶴 = Kaku, tazu, tsuru. Crane, stork.
小 = Shō, ko. Little, small.
Garyū 臥竜
This kata was created in 1964 by Oyama Masutatsu, Garyū was Oyama sensei’s nickname. This kata is practiced by the Kyokushinkai.
臥竜 = Garyū, garyō. Reclining Dragon. Exceptional Person.
臥 = Ga, fuseru. Bend down, bow, lie prostrate.
竜 = Ryū, tatsu. Dragon, imperial.
Gekiha 撃破
Earliest reference 1976. Creator: Toguchi Seikichi. These kata are practiced in Shorei-kan Gōjū-ryū.
撃破 = Gekiha. Crushing.
撃 = Geki, utsu. Beat, attack, defeat, conquer.
破 = Ha, yaburu, yabureru. Rend, rip, tear, break, destroy, defeat, frustrate
第一 = Dai Ichi. First, foremost.
第二 = Dai Ni. Second.
Gekiha 1 撃破第一
Gekiha 2 撃破第二
Gekisai Dai 撃砕大
Earliest reference 1974. Created in 1940 by Miyagi Chōjun. This exemplary kata contains a variety of blocking techniques and stances, simultaneous foot stomping and knife hand attacks, and its iconic front kick, elbow strike, back-fist, down-block and reverse punch sequence. The Gekisai Dai Ichi and Ni are practiced in Gōjū-ryū, and are its introductory kata. The Gekisai Dai and Sho kata, which were created much later, are practiced by the Kyokushinkai.
撃砕大 = Pulverizing. Crushing Attack. (Major)
撃 = Geki, utsu. Beat, attack, defeat, conquer.
砕 = Sai, kudaku, kudakeru. Smash, break, crush.
第一 = Dai Ichi. First, foremost.
第二 = Dai Ni. Second.
大 =Dai, ō. Big, Large. Great, Major.
Gekisai Dai Ichi・Shodan 撃砕 第一・初段 Created in 1940 by Miyagi Chōjun.
Gekisai Dai Ni・Nidan 撃砕 第二・二段 Created in 1940 by Miyagi Chōjun.
Gekisai Dai 撃塞大 Created post-1964 by Oyama Masutatsu.
Gekisai Sho 撃塞小 Created post-1964 by Oyama Masutatsu.
Genbu 玄武
The Black Tortoise is one of the Four Symbols of the Seven Mansions Constellations, Genbu is said to rule over the Northern Heavens. Genbu is known as the Black Warrior of the North. This kata was introduced in 1991 by its creator Yagi Meitoku, and is practiced in Meibukan Gōjū-ryū.
玄武 = Genbu, Genmu. Black Tortoise (said to rule over the northern heavens).
玄 = Gen. Mysterious, occultness, black, deep, profound.
武 = Bu. The art of war; martial arts. Warrior, military, chivalry, arms.
Gojūshiho・Useishi 五十四歩
Earliest reference 1911. The powerful kata Gojūshiho is first mentioned in Tomikawa Seiboku’s Ryūkyū Shimpo article in 1911 where Yabu Kentsū, a brilliant student of both Matsumura Sōkon and Itosu Ankō, was reported to have performed it during the Teacher School Karate Meeting. Interestingly, it is one of the few kata originally written in kanji instead of katakana. This is significant because, originally, the oldest recorded kata were written in Chinese characters (with the exception of Shisōchin), and then later in Hiragana and katakana, respectively. The number 54 is considered an auspicious number in China. Most Shōrin-ryū styles trace their Gojūshiho/Useishi kata back through Itosu Ankō or Kyan Chotoku’s version because both are derivations of Matsumura sensei’s rendition. Tōyama Kanken’s Koryū Useishi is derived from Yabu Kentsu’s Useishi. The earliest reference to the Shotokan version is the early 1940’s. Shotokan’s original Gojūshiho kata is nearly identical to Yabu sensei’s Matsumura Gojūshiho, and much later became known as Gojūshiho Dai. Funakoshi Gichin referred to this version as Hōtaku, a phoenix-like mythical bird, because of the rapid pecking like finger strikes. The different versions all have overlap in that they contain rapid punching sequences, several front kicks, elbow strikes, body shifting, lateral movement, and a variety of rapid open-hand techniques. The tournament favored Gojūshiho Dai and Sho kata popular in most JKA Shotokan styles were derivations from Mabuni Kenwa’s (Itosu) Gojūshiho. Additionally, these kata were introduced into the JKA by Obata Isao, and Nakayama Masatoshi after training with Mabuni sensei and Sakagami Ryusho. In any event, this kata is practiced in most Shōrin-ryū, Shotokan, Shūdōkan, and Shitō-ryū traditions.
五十四歩 = Gojūshiho. Fifty-four Steps.
五十四 = Gojūshi. Fifty-four. Okinawan: Useishi. Fifty-four.
歩 = Ho. Steps, counter for steps.
Matsumura Useishi 松村五十四歩 Earliest reference 1938.
Yabu Gojūshiho 屋部五十四歩 Earliest reference 1911.
Itosu Gojūshiho 糸洲五十四歩 Earliest reference 1934.
Kyan Gojūshiho 喜屋武五十四歩 Earliest reference 1934.
Gojūshiho Dai 五十四歩大 Fifty-four Steps Major. Earliest reference 1943.
Gojūshiho Sho 五十四歩小 Fifty-four Steps Minor. Earliest reference 1945.
Koryū Useishi 古流五十四歩 Old Style Fifty-four Steps. Earliest reference 1955.
Iju Gojūshiho 伊集五十四歩
Gorin 五輪
Creator: Nakazato Shugoro. The significance of Five Rings could be a reference to the Gorintō (五輪塔) meaning five-ring or five-wheel pagoda, sometimes simply called, Gorin (五輪). It is a five-tiered stone stupa that serves as a grave marker for the departed. In the past, the Gorintō would hold a relic of the Buddha. Each level of the five-tiered stupa represents one of the five elements. The bottom level is square and represents the Earth ring, Chirin (地輪). Above Earth is the spherical Water ring, Suirin (水輪). On top of Water is the triangular ring of Fire, Karin (火輪). Above Fire is a half-moon shaped Wind ring, Fūrin (風輪). At the very top of the stupa is the gem-shaped ring of the Void, Kūrin (空輪). Furthermore, Japan’s most famous samurai Miyamoto Musashi titled his masterpiece of sword fighting strategy, The Book of Five Rings, Gorin no Sho (五輪書). This kata is practiced in Shorin-ryu Shorinkan.
五輪 = Gorin. Five-Rings. Five-Wheels. Five-Tiers.
五 = Go, itsu.. Five.
輪 = Rin, wa. Wheel, ring, circle, link, loop, counter for wheels and flowers.
五輪塔 = Gorintō. Five-tiered stupa in Buddhism.
五輪書 = Gorin no Sho. The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi.
五輪 = Gorin. In modern Japanese Gorin means the Olympics.
Haffa・Haufa ハッファ・ハウファー 白鳥
Earliest reference 1956. A kata practiced by some Shitō-ryū traditions.
白鳥 = Swan. White Bird.
Hakkaku ハッカク 白鶴
This marvelous kata is the last of six kata unique to Kojō-ryū, these kata were inspired by the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac, with kamae named after each of its animals and corresponding counter-attacks attributed to each of the postures. This kata only utilizes movements from the white crane, and does not contain any other postures from the Chinese zodiac. Hakkaku is practiced in Kojō-ryū.
白鶴 = Hakkaku. White Crane.
白 = Haku, shiro. White.
鶴 = Tsuru, kaku, tazu. Crane, Red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis).
Hakko ハッコ 白虎
Traditionally, the White Tiger is the ruler of the western heavens in Chinese Astrology. This wonderful kata is the fifth of six kata unique to Kojō-ryū, these kata were inspired by the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac, with kamae named after each of its animals with corresponding counter-attacks attributed to each of the postures. Hakko contains the postures of the ox, tiger, rooster, and dog. This kata is practiced in Kojō-ryū.
白虎 = Hakko. White Tiger.
白 = Haku, shiro. White
虎 = Ko, tora. Tiger.
Hakuchō・Hakkaku ハクチョウ・ハッカク 白鳥
One of the kata that Fujian martial artist Go Kenki used to teach.
白鳥 = Hakuchō. Swan. White-feathered bird.
白 = Haku, shiro. White.
鳥 = Chō, tori. Bird.
Hakuryū ハクリュウ 白龍
This superb kata is the fourth of six kata unique to Kojō-ryū, these kata were inspired by the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac, with kamae named after each of its animals and corresponding counter-attacks attributed to each of the postures. Hakuryu incorporates the postures of the dragon, serpent, rat, horse, and hare. This kata is practiced in Kojō-ryū.
白龍 = Hakuryū. White Dragon.
白 = Haku, shiro. White.
龍 = Ryū, tatsu, ryō. Dragon. This is the same kanji used to write Shōryūken (昇龍拳), Rising Dragon Fist, the technique used by Ryu and Ken, among others, in the Street Fighter franchise. To be clear, that technique is not in this kata.
Hakutsuru 白鶴
This is one of the kata that Fujian martial artist Go Kenki used to teach. There seem to be different versions that also use this kanji. Hakutsuru is the name that Matsumura Shorin-ryū use for their White Crane kata.
白鶴 = Hakutsuru. White Crane. Specifically the Red-crowned Crane (Grus japonensis).
Crane in the reeds
The evening’s haze
Is your doing
– Issa (Written in 1813)
Hamahiga no Sai・Hamahijya nu Sai 浜比嘉の釵
Earliest Reference 1682. This is a Saijutsu kobudō kata. Hamahiga Pēchin played in the first ever international Go match in 1682 against the Meijin of Go, Hon’inbō Dōsaku in Edo, Japan. During that same visit, HamaHiga Pēchin supposedly demonstrated Saijutsu for the 5th Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi. This is quite possibly the first recorded instance of Ryūkyūan Kobujutsu being displayed on mainland Japan, or outside of the Ryūkyū Kingdom. According to Taira Shinken in Ryūkyū Kobudō Taikan (1964), the form he demonstrated would later be known as Hamahiga no Sai.
浜比嘉の釵 = Hamahiga no Sai. The Sai of Hamahiga/Hamahijya.
浜比嘉 = Hamahiga, Hamahijya Pēchin, the legendary Ryūkyūan noble who was a master of Go, and kobudō.
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
釵 = Sai. Okinawan: A metal pronged kobudō weapon.
Hamahiga no Tonfa・Hamahijya nu Tuifa 浜比嘉のトンファー（ハマヒジャヌトゥイファー）
This is a Tonfajutsu kobudō kata.
浜比嘉のトンファー = Hamahiga no Tonfa. The Tonfa of Hamahiga/Hamahijya.
浜比嘉 = Hamahiga, Hamahijya Pēchin, the legendary Ryūkyūan noble who was a master of Go, and kobudō.
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
トンファー = Tonfa. Okinawan: A baton like kobudō weapon
トゥイファー = Tuifa. Okinawan. This is the original pronunciation for tonfa.
Hangetsu 半月
Earliest reference 1935. This robust kata derives from Funakoshi Gichin’s version of Seishan that he learned from Azato Ankō. Azato sensei, in turn, learned Seisan from Matsumura Sōkon himself. Hangetsu contains many slowly building movements, technical accelerations, several kicking techniques, and swift alternating down block, reverse-punch, and rising-block sequences. Curiously, up until the second edition of Karate-dō Kyōhan (1958), forward stances were used instead of the half-moon stance (hangetsu-dachi). Also introduced in the second edition, the stances after the front kicks are officially immoveable-stance (fudō-dachi). Referring to the kata’s meaning Funakoshi sensei said, “One characteristically describes semicircles with the hands and feet, and the name is derived from this.” Again, Funakoshi sensei is encouraging us to explore the deeper meaning of the kata, in this case, the image that lies beneath the water’s reflection of the moon. The theme of the crescent moon hanging in the night sky is a captivating artistic motif. While practicing this kata, the initial movements are controlled, simple, and mindful, but as we make the first turn, our rhythm changes. Like the phases of the moon, our movements correspond by becoming bigger, and more complex. The most whimsical part of the kata is the closing sequence, which utilizes mikazuki geri 三日月蹴り(crescent moon kick) solidifying our place in nature. The bigger the moon appears, the less of it is hidden. Be bold like the moon. Do not diminish yourself. This kata is practiced in Shotokan.
半月 = Hangetsu. Half-moon. Half month. Semicircle.
半 = Han. Half.
月 = Getsu, tsuki. Month, moon.
Happiken ハッピケン 八臂拳
Earliest reference 1976. Creator: Hisataka Masayuki. This kata is practiced in Shōrinjiryū Kenkōkan.
八 = Hachi, ya. Eight.
臂 = Hi, hiji. Elbow.
拳 = Ken, kobushi. Fist.
Happoren 八歩连・八歩連 See Pappuren・Paipuren.
Happo Shō 八歩掌
This is a kata practiced by some Shitō-ryū traditions, namely from Mabuni Kenzo sensei‘s line.
八歩掌 = Stepping Eight Palms. Eight Pace Palm.
八歩 = Happo. All sides; the four cardinal directions, and the four ordinal directions.
掌 = Shō, tenohira. Manipulate, rule, administer, conduct. The palm of the hand.
Heian 平安
Earliest reference 1922. The wonderful Heian kata are derived from Funakoshi’s rendering of the Pinan kata that he learned from Itosu Ankō. Funakoshi sensei started using this pronunciation in 1925, but he had already changed the first movement of Pinan Nidan to a downward-block way back in 1922. The Heian kata as we know them were still being fine-tuned until the publication of Funakoshi sensei’s masterpiece, Karate-dō Kyōhan in 1935. Funakoshi also switched the order of the first (Pinan Shodan) and second (Pinan Nidan) kata relative to their earlier order. Funakoshi sensei maintains in Karate-dō Kyōhan, “Having mastered these five forms, one can be confident that he is able to defend himself competently in most situations. The meaning of the name is to be taken in this context.” This is a fascinating quote, insofar as suggesting the Heian kata could be external representations of our internal emotional states. Without question, peace of mind is paramount to our over-all wellbeing. This is an idea that should be further explored. These kata are practiced in Shotokan.
平安 = Heian. Peace, tranquility; tranquillity.
平安時代 = Heian Jidai. The peaceful era. This was a period in Japan from 794-1185 where Buddhist development and Taoist philosophies were at their height of influence. Art, poetry, and literature were important aspects of Heian culture. During this period, Heian-kyō (modern day Kyōto) enjoyed an exceptionally long period of peace.
平安神宮 = Heian Jingū. Heian Jingū is a Shinto shrine in Kyoto, Japan that was established in 1895, and is an invaluable cultural property.
Heian Shodan 平安初段
Heian Nidan 平安二段
Heian Sandan 平安三段
Heian Yondan 平安四段
Heian Godan 平安五段
Heiku ヘイクー 黑虎・黒虎
This astonishing kata is originally from Ryuei-ryū. This pronunciation is an Okinawan interpretation of the original Fujianese. Heiku comes to us through the once secret family style of karate known as Ryuei-ryū. Nakaima Kenri, Ryuei-ryū’s founder, introduced this kata when he returned to Okinawa from Fuzhou, in China’s Fujian province. While in Fuzhou, Nakaima sensei trained under the legendary Fujian martial arts master, Rū Rū Kou, and Heiku is one of the unique kata that Nakaima sensei introduced while establishing Ryuei-ryū. The kata contains a variety of multi-level punches, hidden submission locks, top-knot grasps, palm-heel strikes, rapid strikes, and simultaneous attack and block sequences.
黑虎・黒虎 = Black Tiger.
黑 = Hēi. Chinese: Black, dark, secret, shady, to hide.
虎 = Hǔ. Chinese: Tiger.
Hito no Kata 人之型 See Jin no Kata.
Hookiyu 普及型
Earliest reference 1976. Creator: Toguchi Seikichi. Hookiyu is an alternate spelling for Fukyū. These kata are practiced in Shorei-kan Gōjū-ryū.
普及型 = Fukyūgata. Promotional Form.
普及 = Fukyū. Diffusion, spread, popularization.
型 = Kata, gata. A standard form of movements in martial arts.
Hyakuhachiho・Hyakuhappo 百八歩
This kata is a version of Suparinpei practiced by a few Shotokan styles. Asai Tetsuhiko’s groups refer to this kata as Hyakuhappo, and by Kanazawa Hirokazu’s groups as Hyakuhachiho.
百八歩 = Hyakuhachiho. 108 Steps.
百 = Hyaku. 100.
八 = Hachi, ya. Eight.
歩 = Ho. Step.
八歩 = Happo. All sides; the four cardinal directions, and the four ordinal directions.
Jī ヂー
Earliest reference 1911. A kata listed in Tomikawa Seiboku’s Ryukyu Shimpo article Teachers School Karate Meeting, 1911. It is not written in kanji, thus, it is nearly impossible to understand its meaning.
Jicchin ジッチン 実戦型
This kata is practiced in Motobu-ryū, and is unique to this style.
実戦型 = Jicchingata. Form of Actual Combat.
実戦 = Jicchin. Okinawan: Combat, actual fighting.
実 = Ji, jitsu, makoto. Reality, truth.
戦 = Chin, sen. Okinawan. War, battle.
型 = Kata, gata. A standard form of movements, postures, etc. in martial arts.
Jifa ジーファー
This is a Jifa kobudō kata. Jifa resembles the kata Kushanku Sho, although rearranged in some parts, and altogether slightly shorter. There is a video of Gushi Shinyu performing this kata before he passed. Gushi sensei learned this kata from his teacher Uehara Saburo. This kobudō kata is practiced in the Ryukokaku style.
ジーファー = Jīfā, jifa. Okinawan: A hairpin used as a weapon in Okinawan kobudō.
Jigen no Sai 慈元の釵（ジゲンヌサイ）
Creator: Maezato Taira Shinken. This is a Saijutsu kobudō kata. This kata is derivative of Kojō no sai, minus one sai. The kanji used for this kata is different from the famous koryū martial art, Jigen-ryū (示現流) used by the Satsuma Clan from Kagoshima prefecture. This kata is usually performed using manji sai. The meaning of Jigen refers to the Buddhist interpretation of the manji symbol while in its Omote positioning.
慈元 = Jigen. Buddhist term for the Omote Manji symbol’s representation of Infinite Mercy.
慈 = Ji. Mercy, compassion, gentle, merciful, kind, humane.
元 = Gen, moto. Origin, source, foundation, cause.
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
釵 = Sai. Okinawan: A metal pronged kobudō weapon.
Jiin ジーン 慈陰・慈允
Earliest reference 1911. Introduced by Yamasato Gikei. This kata comes from the Tomari region of Okinawa. In the mid to late 1800’s, a ship from Fuzhou, China’s Fujian province, drifted into Okinawan waters and shipwrecked in Tomari. While repairing their ship, one of the crew-members was reported to have demonstrated Fujian martial arts to several Okinawan martial artists. According to Funakoshi Gichin, Yamasato Gikei was one of those Okinawan martial artists fortunate to learn the kata Jiin from the Fujian traveler. This kata is most commonly practiced in Shitō-ryū and some Shotokan styles.
慈陰 = Jiin. Hidden Mercy.
慈允 = Jiin. Sincere Mercy.
慈 = Ji, itsukushimu. Mercy, compassion, gentle, merciful, kind, humane.
陰 = In, kage. Yin, negative, secret, unseen location.
允 = Yun. Chinese: Just, fair, to permit, to allow.
允 = In, jyō, makotoni. Japanese: License, sincerity, permit.
Jin no Kata・Hito no Kata 人之型
Earliest reference 1955. Creator: Funakoshi Gichin.
人之型 = Jin no kata. Form of Humankind. People’s Form.
人 = Jin, hito. A person, human being, people.
之 = No. Of. Indicates possessive.
型 = Kata, gata. A standard form of movements, postures, etc. in martial arts.
Jin-i no Kata 人位の型
Earliest reference 1953. Creator: Shukumine Seiken. This kata is practiced in Genseiryū.
人位の型 = Jini no kata. Form of Rank.
人位 = Jini. A person’s rank.
の = No. Of. Indicates possessive.
型 = Kata, gata. A standard form of movements, postures, etc. in martial arts.
Jion ジォン 慈恩・慈音
Earliest reference 1922. The kata Jion was created on Okinawa proper, and not at the Jion-ji temples in mainland Japan, or elsewhere. The Jion-ji temples are Buddhist temples located in Saitama, Gifu, and Yamagata prefectures in mainland Japan. These wonderful temples continue to maintain the noble faith of Buddhism. The several versions all have overlap in that they contain consecutive straight punches, alternating up-block and reverse punches, several front kicks, two-handed blocks, various block and counter-attack combinations, and they all finish with a double punch to the side. Just to reiterate, the kata called Jion was created on Okinawa. This kata is practiced in Shotokan, Shōrin-ryū, Shitō-ryū, Tōon-ryū, and Wadō-ryū.
慈恩 = Jion. Merciful Grace.
慈音 = Jion. Merciful Sound.
慈 = Ji, itsukushimu. Mercy, compassion, gentle, merciful, kind, humane.
恩 = On. Grace, kindness, goodness, blessing.
音 = On, oto. Sound, noise.
Itosu no Jion 糸洲のジオン This kata is practiced in Shotokan, Shitō-ryū, and Wadō-ryū, and by some Shōrin-ryū styles
Yabu no Jion 屋部のジオン This kata is practiced in Tōon-ryū.
Hanashiro no Jion 花城のジオン This kata is practiced by many Shōrin-ryū styles.
Jissen No Kata 実戦の型
Created in 1980 by Ashihara Hideyuki. These kata are practiced in the Ashihara style.
実戦 = Jissen. Combat, actual fighting.
実 = Ji, makoto. Reality, truth.
戦 = Sen, ikusa. War, battle.
Jissen no Kata Sono Ichi 実戦の型（一）
Jissen no Kata Sono Ni 実戦の型（二）
Jitte・Jūtte ジッテ 十手・術手
Earliest reference 1911. Introduced by Nakasato Bokunin. This kata comes from the Tomari region of Okinawa. In the mid to late 1800’s, a ship from Fuzhou, Fujian province drifted into Okinawan waters and shipwrecked in Tomari. While repairing their ship, some of the crewmembers demonstrated Fujian martial arts to several Okinawan martial artists. According to Funakoshi Gichin, Nakasato Bokunin learned this kata from one of the crewmembers. Interestingly, Jitte is the original pronunciation. Among the styles that practice this kata, there are slight variations, but overall are very similar. They all contain a variety of open-hand blocks, two-handed attacks, palm-heel strikes, and three successive mountain blocks. This kata is practiced in Shotokan, Shitō-ryū, and some Shōrin-ryū traditions.
十手 = Jitte, Jūtte. Ten-hands.
術手 = Jutte. Technical Hand.
十手 = Jitte, Jūtte. A weapon that was used by the Shogun’s palace samurai in Edo period Japan.
十 = Jū, tō, ji. Ten.
術 = Jutsu. Art, technique, means.
手 = Te. Hand.
Jūmu ジュウム
Earliest reference 1911. A kata listed in Tomikawa Seiboku’s Ryukyu Shimpo article Teachers School Karate Meeting, 1911. Personally, I think the meaning of this kata is Sixteen.
Jūni no Kata 十二の型
A fundamental kata practiced by some Shitō-ryū styles that is identical to the Taikyoku kata created by Funakoshi Gichin, practiced by some Shotokan groups.
十二 = Jūni. Twelve.
の = No. Of. Indicates possessive.
型 = Kata, gata. A standard form of movements, postures, etc. in martial arts.
Rainstorm
The shrine in the thicket’s
Twelve lamps
-Issa (Written in 1825)
Jūroku 十六
Creator: Mabuni Kenwa. This kata was created in the 16th year of Showa, or 1941. The number sixteen is significant because it can also be a reference to Izayoi (十六夜) the sixteenth of the month under the lunar calendar, the night just after full moon. There is a tradition dating back to the 16th century of Moon Viewing, or Tsukimachi (月待ち) where people would gather to wait for the moon to rise on the sixteenth day of the month, share food and drink, or give offerings and prayers to the moon.
十六 = Jūroku. Sixteen.
十 = Jū, tō. Ten.
六 = Roku, mu. Six.
Sixteen foot Buddha
Heat waves rising
From the stone base
– Bashō (Written in 1688)
Kakuha 鶴破
Earliest reference 1976. Creator: Toguchi Seikichi. These kata are practiced in Shorei-kan Gōjū-ryū.
鶴破 = Kakuha. Tearing Crane. Ripping Crane. Destroying Crane.
鶴 = Kaku, tsuru, tazu. Crane, stork. Red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis).
破 = Ha, yaburu, yabureru. Rend, rip, tear, break, destroy, defeat, frustrate.
第一 = Dai Ichi. First, foremost.
第二 = Dai Ni. Second.
Kakuha 1 鶴破第一
Kakuha 2 鶴破第二
Kanchin カンチン 完戦
Earliest reference 1977. Creator: Uechi Kanei. The son of Uechi-ryū’s founder, Uechi Kanei used the first kanji of his family name Kanbun, Kanei, and his oldest son Kanmei for the creation of Uechi-ryū’s seventh kata. Uechi Kanei sensei utilized the techniques he favored from his father’s teachings to render this kata for future generations. This kata is practiced in Uechi-ryū.
完戦 = Kanchin. Complete War. To Finish the Fight.
完 = Kan. Complete, to finish.
完 = Kan. The first kanji in Uechi Kanbun, Kanei, and Kanmei’s name.
戦 = Chin. Okinawan: War, battle.
Kanegawa no Nichōgama・Kanigawa nu Nichōgama 鐘川の二丁鎌（カニガーヌニチョーガマ）
This is a Kamajutsu kobudō kata where the user wields a pair of kama.
鐘川の二丁鎌 = Kanegawa no Nichōgama. Kanigawa’s pair of kama.
鐘川 = Kanigawa, Kanegawa. Kanigawa Gimu was considered an expert in kamajutsu, a type of Okinawan kobudō using the sickle as a form of protection.
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
二丁鎌 = Nichōgama. This is when two kama are used simultaneously in Okinawan Kobudō.
鎌 = Kama. Okinawan: A sickle, or scythe shaped kobudō weapon.
Kankū Dai・Kwankū・Kankū 観空大・観空
Earliest reference 1935. This extraordinary kata originates from Funakoshi Gichin’s version of Kushanku that he learned from Asato Ankō and Itosu Ankō. This version has very few differences from his 1922 version, the renaming of the kata being the most obvious. The meaning of Kankū is named after the introductory movement, where one’s hands slowly raise while looking skyward. This was evidently Funakoshi sensei’s favorite kata, and is said to contain the core fundamentals of his interpretation of karate. The kata contains deep stances, various knife-hand blocks, knife-hand strikes to the neck, several sidekicks, level changes, vertical back-fists, and a tremendous jumping double front snap kick near the end. Noteworthy is the classical opening movement of the kata. This kata is practiced in Shotokan under the name Kankū Dai, by the Shotokai under the name Kwankū, and by the Kyokushinkaikan as Kankū.
観空 = Kanku. To Look at the Sky. To Behold Emptiness.
観 = Kan. Look, watch, observe, to behold.
空 = Kū, kara, sora. Empty air, sky.
空 = Śūnyatā. The Buddhist concept of emptiness.
大 = Dai, ō. Big, large, great. The large part of.
Kankū Dai 観空大 Major Kankū. Earliest reference 1935.
Kankū Sho 観空小 Minor Kankū. Earliest reference 1940’s.
Cool breeze
Filling the empty sky
With Pine voices
– Uejima Onitsura
Kankū Sho 観空小
Earliest reference 1943. This is the Shotokan version of Kushanku Sho supposedly introduced by Funakoshi Gigo. Gigo sensei might have derived his version from Mabuni Kenwa’s Kosokun Sho, or Yabu Kentsu’s Kushanku. According to Harada Mitsusuke, this kata was introduced into the Shotokan in the early 1940’s, because he specifically remembers watching Gigo sensei execute the jump while performing Kankū Sho. Years later, Funakoshi Gichin sensei personally took Obata Isao, and Nakayama Masatoshi to visit his dear friend Mabuni sensei so they could formalize a unified method of karate. During that time, they further researched Kosokun Sho with Mabuni sensei. The result of that visit is the modern version of Kanku Sho. The kata contains various tempo and level changes, various kicking techniques, alternating attack and counter-attack sequences, hidden wrist locks, and a leaping spinning crescent kick. Significant are the two spectacular jumps within the kata. This kata is practiced in Shotokan.
観空小 Kanku sho. To Look at the Sky, Minor.
観 = Kan. Look, watch, observe, to behold.
空 = Kū, kara, sora. Empty air, sky.
空 = Śūnyatā. The Buddhist concept of emptiness.
小 = Sho, ko. Little, small.
The pine wind
Circling around the eaves
Autumn deepens
– Bashō
Kanshiwa カンシワ 完子和
Earliest reference 1977. Creator: Uechi Kanei. Uechi Kanei used the kanji of his father’s name, and Shu Shiwa’s name to pay homage to them. This kata is practiced in Uechi-ryū.
完 = Kan, the first kanji in Kanbun Uechi’s name, combined with his instructor’s name.
子和 = Shiwa. Uechi Kanbun’s renown instructor, Shū Shiwa.
Kanshu カンシュー 完周
Earliest reference 1977. Creator: Uechi Kanei. Uechi Kanei used the kanji of his father’s name, and Shu Shiwa’s name to pay homage to them. This kata is practiced in Uechi-ryū. Konan-ryū refers to this kata as Dai Ni Seisan.
完 = Kan. The first kanji in Kanbun Uechi’s name, combined with his instructor’s name.
周 = Shū. Uechi Kanbun’s instructor was Shū Shiwa. To make a circle, circumference.
Kasshinbō・Kassen-bō・Gassen-bō カッシンボー 合戦棒
This is a Bōjutsu kobudō kata. This kata is practiced in Motobu-ryū and is unique to this style.
合戦棒 = Kassenbō. Battle Staff.
合戦 = Kasshin, kassen, gassen. Battle, fight, fighting, engagement, contest.
棒 = Bō. Pole, rod, stick, staff.
Kasshindi・Kassen-te・Gassen-te 合戦手
Creator: Uehara Seikichi. Uehara sensei created these kata using the techniques he learned from Motobu Chōyu sensei. The Kasshindi 1-3 are practiced in Motobu-ryū and are unique to this style.
合戦手 = Kassen te. Battle Hand. The te used for battle.
合戦 = Kasshin, kassen, gassen. Battle, fight, fighting, engagement, contest.
手 = Okinawan: Dī, tii. Hand. Japanese: Te. Hand. Means, way, trick, move, technique.
Kenpaku 拳伯
Creator: Mabuni Kenzo.
拳伯 = Kenpaku. Supreme Fist.
拳 = Ken, kobushi. Fist.
伯 = Haku. Count, earl. Eldest brother (archaic).
Kenshō 拳掌
Creator: Mabuni Kenwa.
拳掌 = Kenshō. Ruling Fist.
拳 = Ken, kobushi. Fist.
掌 = Shō. Manipulate, rule, administer, conduct. The palm of the hand.
Kenshū 拳秀
Creator: Mabuni Kenwa.
拳秀 = Kenshū. Elegant Fist. Preeminent Fist.
拳 = Ken, kobushi. Fist.
秀 = Shū. Preeminence, excel, excellence, beauty, surpass.
Kihon Dōsa Bōgyo Rokkyodō 基本動作 防御六挙動
Earliest reference 1956. Creator: Konishi Yasuhiro.
基本動作 防御六挙動 = Kihon dōsa bōgyo rokkyodō. Six Defensive Fundamental Movements.
基本 = Kihon. Foundation, basis, standard.
動作 = Dōsa. Action, movements, motions, behavior, execution.
防御 = Bōgyo. Defense, safeguard, protection.
六 = Roku, mu. Six.
挙動 = Kyodō. Conduct, behavior.
Kihon Dōsa Hiji Atari 基本動作 肘当たり
Earliest reference 1956. Creator: Konishi Yasuhiro.
基本動作 肘当たり = Kihon dōsa hiji atari. Fundamental Movements – Elbow Strike.
基本 = Kihon. Foundation, basis, standard.
動作 = Dōsa. Action, movements, motions, behavior, execution.
肘 = Hiji. Elbow.
当たり = Atari. Hit. Success.
Below are some popular elbow striking methods.
立て猿臂打ち = Tate enpi uchi. Vertical elbow strike.
横猿臂打ち = Yoko enpi uchi. Side elbow strike.
前猿臂打ち = Mae enpi uchi. Forward elbow strike.
支え肘当て = Sasae hiji ate. Supporting elbow smash.
後ろ回し猿臂打ち = Ushiromawashi enpi uchi. Spinning elbow strike.
飛び猿臂打ち = Tobi enpi uchi. Flying elbow strike.
肘落とし = Hiji otoshi. Elbow drop.
後ろ肘当て = Ushiro hiji ate. Backwards elbow smash.
斜め肘当て = Naname hiji ate. Diagonal elbow strike.
回し猿臂打ち = Mawashi enpi uchi. Roundhouse elbow strike.
逆上げ猿臂打ち = Gyaku age enpi uchi. Reverse upward elbow strike.
Kihon Dōsa Tegatana 基本動作 手刀
Earliest reference 1956. Creator: Konishi Yasuhiro.
基本動作 手刀 = Kihon dōsa tegatana. Fundamental Movements – Sword Hand.
基本 = Kihon. Foundation, basis, standard.
動作 = Dōsa. Action, movements, motions, behavior, execution.
手刀 = Tegatana, shutō. Hand used as a sword in striking.
手 = Te. Hand, means, way, trick, move, technique.
刀 = Katana, tō. Sword, saber, knife.
Below are some popular sword hand methods.
手刀鎖骨打ち下ろし = Shutō sakotsu uchi oroshi. Sword hand collarbone strike.
手刀鎖骨打ち込み = Shutō sakotsu uchikomi. Sword hand collarbone thrust.
手刀顔面打ち = Shutō ganmen uchi. Sword hand face strike.
手刀脾臓打ち = Shutō hizo uchi. Sword hand spleen strike.
内回し手刀打ち = Uchimawashi shutō uchi. Inward sword strike.
外回し手刀打ち = Sotomawashi shutō uchi. Outside sword strike.
後ろ回し手刀打ち = Ushiromawashi shutō uchi. Spinning sword strike.
Kihon Gata・Kihon Kata 基本型
There are many styles that practice a kata by this name. The Kihon no Kata 基本の型 (1980) is a kata practiced in the Ashihara style.
基本型 = Kihon kata. Fundamental form, basic form.
基本 = Kihon. Foundation, basis, standard.
型 = Kata, gata. A standard form of movements, postures, etc. in martial arts.
Kihon no Kata Sono Ichi 基本の型（一）
Kihon no Kata Sono Ni 基本の型（二）
Kihon no Kata Sono San 基本の型（三）
Below are some popular striking methods.
抜き手 = Nukite. Spear hand. Piercing hand.
一本抜き手 = Ippon nukite. One finger spear hand.
二本抜き手 = Nippon nukite. Two-finger spear hand.
裏拳 = Uraken. Back-fist.
手刀 = Shutō, Tegatana. Sword hand.
底掌・掌底 = Teisho, Shotei. Palm heel.
拇指拳 = Boshiken. Thumb strike. Thumb fist.
小拳・一本拳 = Shōken, Ipponken. Single knuckle fist.
平拳 = Hiraken. Flat fist.
背刀 = Haitō. Ridgehand (Sword spine).
鉄槌・拳槌 = Tettsui, Kentsui. Iron hammer. Hammer fist.
背手 = Haishu. Back hand.
青龍刀 = Seiryutō. Sabre (Blue dragon sword).
鷲手 = Washide. Eagle hand.
熊手・熊掌 = Kumade, Kumasho. Bear paw.
鶴頭・吭拳 = Kakuto, Koken. Bent wrist (Crane-head). Arc fist.
虎口・刀峰 = Koko, Toho. Tiger mouth. Sword peak.
中高拳 = Nakadakaken. Middle knuckle fist.
鸛頭 = Keito. Chicken-head wrist (Stork head).
鶴嘴拳 = Kakushi ken. Crane’s beak strike. Crane’s beak fist.
腕 = Wan, Ude. Forearm.
Kokan コカン
Earliest reference 1922. A kata attributed to or named in honor of Oyadomari Kokan, the Tomari-te master whose teachers were Uku Karyū, and Teruya Kishin.
コカン = Kokan. Oyadomari Kokan (親泊興寛), a Tomari-te master.
Kongō no Kon 金剛の棍
Earliest reference 1938. Creator: Maezato Taira Shinken. This is a Bōjutsu kobudō kata.
金剛の棍 = Kongō no kon. Vajra Staff.
金剛 = Kongō. Indra’s indestructible weapon, Vajra, thunderbolt, Buddhist symbol of the inextinguishable truth. For some further context, Kongō Rikishi (金剛力士) are the two Deva King statues guarding the gates of many Buddhist temples with their imposing frames and wrathful expressions.
の = No. Of. Indicates possessive.
棍 = Kon. Staff. Okinawan: Kun.
Koshokun・Kosokun 公相君 See Kushanku.
Kūbō no Kon・Kubo nu Kun クーボーヌクン 公望の棍
This is a Bōjutsu kobudō kata.
公望の棍 = Kūbō no kon. Kūbō’s Staff. The Staff of Kūbō.
公望 = Kūbō.
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
棍 = Kun. Okinawan: Staff. Japanese: Kon.
Kugusuku nu Sai・Kojō no Sai 湖城の釵（クグスクヌサイ）
This is a Saijutsu kobudō kata. The Kugusuku family name was originally Sai (蔡) a family that was one of the original 36 Chinese families that came to Okinawa in 1372. The 36 families were from the valley of the Min River in Fujian Province, China. The 36 families established themselves in Kumemura, Naha. Today, the Sai family are known as the Kugusuku family in Okinawan, and the Kojō family in modern Japanese.
湖城の釵 = Kojō no sai. The Kojō Family’s Sai. The sai of the Kugusuku family.
湖城 = Kugusuku, Kojō. The Kojō family has practiced karate on Okinawa for many generations.
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
釵 = Sai. Okinawan: A metal pronged kobudō method of self protection.
Kūkan 空巻
Creator: Kojō Kahō. This wonderful kata is the second of six kata unique to Kojō-ryū, these kata were inspired by the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac, with kamae named after each of its animals with corresponding counter-attacks attributed to each of the postures. Kūkan includes the postures of the dragon, serpent, horse, and ram. This impressive kata contains successive punching sequences, stupefying rapid open-hand attacks, various attacks with the elbow, several front kicks, and seamless transitions of attacking and defensive combinations. Kūkan is practiced in Kojō-ryū.
空巻 = Kūkan. Sky Volume (of book) Emptiness Scroll.
空 = Kū, kara, sora. Empty air, sky.
空 = Śūnyatā. The Buddhist concept of emptiness.
巻 = Kan. Volume (of book).
Kumite No Kata 組手の型
Created in 1980 by Ashihara Hideyuki. These kata are practiced in the Ashihara style.
組手の型 = Kumite no kata. Form of sparring.
組手 = Kumite. Sparring. Paired karate practice. Remember the critically acclaimed 1988 film Bloodsport? There is a song called “Fight to Survive” (written by Stan Bush). In this song, the lyric “Kumite” is repeated over and over again to really pump up the listener/viewer. No spoilers.
の = No. Of. Indicates possessive.
型 = Kata, gata. A standard form of movements, postures, etc. in martial arts.
Kumite Kata Sono Ichi 組手の型（一）
Kumite Kata Sono Ni 組手の型（二）
Kumite Kata Sono San 組手の型（三）
Kumite Kata Sono Yon 組手の型（四）
Kumite Kata Sono Go 組手の型（五）
Kururunfa クルルンファー 久留頓破・来留破・来留々破
Earliest reference 1934. According to Gōjū-ryū tradition, Higaonna Kanryō brought back Kururunfa from his travels in China. Higaonna sensei supposedly learned this kata from Rū Rū Kou or Wai Xinxian. However, seeing as though Tōon-ryū does not practice this kata, but also has a legitimate Higaonna lineage, it is possible that Miyagi Chōjun created this kata, or learned it independently while traveling in China. The kata contains a variety of unique elbow attacks, several front kicks, hidden submission locks, several single leg takedowns, shifting turns, and finishes with a deadly strike to a downed opponent. Extraordinary is the defense against clothing, and hair grabs within the kata. This kata is practiced in Gōjū-ryū and Shitō-ryū.
久留頓破・来留破・来留々破 = Kururunfa. Restrain and Utterly Destroy.
久留頓破 = Kururunfa. Lie in wait, suddenly destroy. Restrain and Utterly Destroy.
久 = Ku, kyū, hisashī. Long time, old story.
来 = Kuru, rai. Come, due, next, cause, become.
留 = Ru, ryū, tomeru. Detain, fasten, halt, stop.
頓 = Suddenly, immediately, in a hurry.
々 = Repetition of kanji (sometimes voiced).
破 = Ha, yaburu, yabureru. Rend, rip, tear, break, destroy, defeat.
Hanashiro no Kururunfa 花城のクルルンファー（ヌンフアー）Earliest reference 1934. Also known as Nunfa.
Kūshankū・Kusanku・Kosokun クーシャンクー 公相君
Earliest reference 1911. The meaning of this extraordinary kata is a reference to the legendary Chinese diplomat Quán Kuí (全魁) who led the 1756-1757 Chinese investiture mission to the Kingdom of Ryūkyū, according to the Oshima Hikki. In the Oshima Hikki, Quán Kuí is said to have demonstrated some fighting techniques described as “kumia-jutsu (組合術) known as kenpo in the Bubishi.” Evidently, several members of the mission had started fights while in the Ryūkyū Kingdom. Funakoshi Gichin performed this kata for the Exercise and Physical Education Exhibition at Tokyo Women’s Teachers College in 1922. The many different versions all have overlap in that they contain a variety of unique open-hand blocks, knife-hand attacks to the neck, level changes, several kicks, hidden wrist-lock escapes, and finishes with a jumping double front snap kick. Noteworthy is the elegant opening movement of the kata.
クーシャンクー 公相君 = Kushanku (Quán Kuí 全魁) the legendary Chinese diplomat who led the 1756-1757 investiture mission to the Ryūkyū Kingdom.
公相君 = Kushanku. Noble Appearance, an honorific title, not his name. First recorded as 公相君 コウシヤンキン in the 1750’s.
Tomikawa’s article mentions the kata Kūsankū クーサンクー 1911.
Itosu Buyū-den article of Kuwae-guwa’s Kūsankū from Naha 1915.
Kūshankū Dai 公相君（大）Major Kushanku. Earliest reference 1922.
Kūshankū Sho 公相君（小）Minor Kushanku. Earliest reference 1922.
Chibana Kusanku 知花公相君 Earliest reference 1938.
Chatanyara Kusanku 北谷屋良クーサンクー Earliest reference 1959.
Kuniyoshi no Kusanku 国吉の公相君
Kosokun Dai 公相君（大）Major Kosokun. Practiced in Shito-ryū.
Kosokun Sho 公相君（小）Minor Kosokun. Practiced in Shito-ryū.
Shiho Kosokun 四方公相君 Kushanku in Every-direction. Earliest reference 1926.
Maezato no Nunchaku・Meezatō nu Nunchaku 前里のヌンチャク（メーザトゥヌヌンチャク）
Creator: Maezato Taira Shinken. This is a Nunchaku kobudō kata. Maezato sensei was famous for his exemplary use of kobudō weaponry, consequently, he was the founder of Ryūkyū Kobudō Kongo-ryū.
前里のヌンチャク = Maezato no Nunchaku. Maezato’s Nunchaku.
前里 = Maezato. Maezato sensei was a master of weapons, particularly Okinawan Kobudō.
の = No, Nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
ヌンチャク = Nunchaku. An Okinawan truncheon weapon linked by a rope, chain or horse hair.
Maezato no Tekkō・Meezatō nu Teikkō 前里の鉄甲（メーザトゥヌティッコウ）
Creator: Maezato Taira Shinken. This is a Tekkō kobudō kata. Maezato was famous for his exemplary use of kobudō, consequently, he was the founder of Ryūkyū Kobudō Kongo-ryū. This kata seems to follow the Jiin, Jitte and Jion template, but the performer is armed with a pair of Tekkō.
前里の鉄甲 = Maezato no Tekkō. Maezato’s Stirrup. Maezato’s Knuckle-duster.
前里 = Maezato. Maezato sensei was a master of weapons, particularly Okinawan Kobudō.
の = No, Nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
鉄甲 = Tekkō. A stirrup, acting as a fist loaded weapon in Okinawan kobudō.
鉄 = Tetsu. Iron. For some more context, this is the kanji used to write Tekken (鉄拳), the marvelous fighting game franchise created by Bandai Namco Entertainment.
Mai nu Di・Mai no Te 舞の手
This kata is practiced in the Motobu Udundi style and is unique to this style.
舞の手 = Mai no Te. Dance of Tī.
舞 = Mai. Dance, flit, circle, wheel
の = No, Nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
手 = Dī, tii, Te. The unarmed Okinawan martial Art is known as Tii. Hand, means, trick, move, technique.
Matsuhiga no Kon・Machuu Hijaa nu Kun 比嘉の棍（マチュー ヒジャー）
This is a Bōjutsu kobudō kata.
比嘉の棍 = Matsuhiga no kon. Matsuhiga’s Staff. The staff of Matsuhiga.
比嘉 = Matsuhiga. Matsuhiga Pēchin was a royal bodyguard to the King of the Ryūkyū Kingdom.
の = No, Nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
棍 = Kun. Okinawan: Staff. Japanese: Kon.
Matsukaze 松風
A bō kata, Matsukaze, was introduced in 1939 by its creator, Funakoshi Gigo. The kanji Matsu “松” refers to the lineage handed down from Matsumura Sōkon to Funakoshi Gichin, and lastly to Gigo. This bo kata is practiced by the Shotokai, and by some Shotokan styles. Some Shitō-ryū styles refer to the more commonly known kata Wankan as Matsukaze.
松風 = Matsukaze. Pine Tree Wind. Pine Tree Style. The sound of wind blowing through Pine Trees
松 = Matsu. Pine tree.
松村 = Matsumura. Matsumura Sōkon’s family name.
松濤 = Shōto. Funakoshi Gichin’s pen name.
風 = Kaze. Wind, air, style, manner.
Pine wind
Needles falling on
Water’s cool sound
– Bashō (Written between 1684-1694)
Meikyō 明鏡
Earliest reference mid-1930’s. The mysterious kata Meikyō is derived from Mabuni Kenwa’s versions of Itosu Rohai Nidan and Itosu Rohai Sandan, which are themselves derivations of the much older Tomari Rohai kata. To be clear, Meikyō’s performance line (embusen) is slightly different than any of the Itosu Rohai kata practiced in Shitō-ryū, and many techniques were reimagined with consideration to Shotokan principles for this interpretation. Meikyō was introduced much later into Shotokan’s curriculum, and apparently was one of the favorite kata of Nakayama Masatoshi. The kata’s meaning is possibly a reference to the Yata no Kagami, the sacred mirror that is part of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan. The sacred mirror represents wisdom or truth, like still water reflecting moonlight. This kata is practiced in Shotokan.
明鏡 = Meikyō. Brilliant Mirror. Clear Mirror.
明 = Mei, myō. Brightness, clarity. Acumen.
鏡 = Kyō, kagami. Mirror.
Freshly polished
The mirror too is clear
Blossoms of snow
– Bashō (Written in 1687)
Mutudi・Motote・Motode 元手
This is a foundational kata practiced by the Motobu Udundi style, and was introduced directly from Motobu Chōyū, the eldest son of Motobu Aji Chōshin. Mutudi 1-5 are Motobu-ryū’s interpretation of the kata Sanchin, with variations that reflect Motobu-ryū’s technical framework and ideology. Additionally, these kata have been further modified by Uehara Seikichi to their current appearance. There are two forms of motote, one done with closed fists, and another other done with open hands. The open hand versions utilize techniques from the Mai no Te form.
元手 = Motote, Motode. Original Hand. Beginning Hand.
元 = Okinawan: Mutu. Beginning, origin. Japanese: Moto, gen.
手 = Okinawan: Dī, tii. Hand. Japanese: Te.
Myōjō 明浄・明星
Creator: Mabuni Kenwa.
明浄 = Myōjō. Purifying Light.
明星 = Myōjō. Morning Star
明 = Myō. Bright, light.
浄 = Jyō. Clean, purify, cleanse, exorcise, Manchu Dynasty.
明星 = Myōjyō. Venus, morning star.
Nage No Kata 投げの型
Not to be confused with the much older Nage no Kata practiced in Judo. These kata were created in 1980 by Ashihara Hideyuki, and are practiced by the Ashihara style.
投げの型 = Nage no Kata. Form of Throwing.
投げ = Nage. A throw, a fall.
の = No. Of. Indicates possessive.
型 = Kata. A standard form of movements, postures in martial arts.
Nage no Kata Sono Ichi 投げの型（一）
Nage no Kata Sono Ni 投げの型（二）
Nage no Kata Sono San 投げの型（三）
Nage no Kata Sono Yon 投げの型（四）
Naihanchi ナイハンチ・ナイファンチ 内歩進
Earliest reference 1911. The first mention of Naihanchi comes to us from Tomikawa Seiboku’s Ryūkyū Shimpo article in 1911 where Mr. Itokazu was reported to have performed it during a Teacher School karate Meeting. Years later, Funakoshi Gichin demonstrated this kata during the Exercise and Physical Education Exhibition at Tokyo Women’s Teachers College in 1922. Expressing his personal interpretation of karate in Karate-dō Gaisetsu, Miyagi Chōjun sensei asserts, “Sanchin, Tenshō, and Naifanchi are the fundamental Kata.” The three Naihanchi kata contain the characteristic naihanchi stance throughout, a variety of elbow strikes, hidden elbow locks, foot sweeps, lateral blocks, hooking punches, and trapping back-fist strikes. Evidently, the Naihanchi kata predate the Pinan kata and were traditionally taught to beginners. “Beginners used to learn Naihanchi instead of Pinan.” – Nagamine Shoshin. The Shōrinjiryū Kenkōkan refer to these kata as Naihanchin.
内歩進 = Naihanchi. Inside Step Advance.
内 = Nèi. Chinese: Inside, inner, internal, within, interior.
内 = Nai. Japanese: Inside, within.
歩 = Walk, stride. Counter for steps.
進 = To go forward, advance, proceed, progress, promote.
Naihanchi Shodan ナイハンチ初段
Naihanchi Nidan ナイハンチ二段
Naihanchi Sandan ナイハンチ三段
Nanshu ナンシウ 南手
Earliest reference 1934. A kata listed in Morinobu Itoman’s book Tōdi Jutsu no Kenkyu, 1934.
南手 = Nanshu. Southern Hand. Southern Dī.
南 = Nan. South.
手 = Shu. Hand, means, trick, move, technique.
Nantei ナンテー
Earliest reference 1911. A kata listed in Tomikawa Seiboku’s Ryukyu Shimpo article Teachers School Karate Meeting, 1911. Only katakana is given, thus, it is impossible to understand its meaning. It is my opinion that Nantei was the original spelling of the kata Nanshu. Example kanji is given below.
南 = Nan. South.
手 = Te. Hand, means, trick, move, technique.
Nepai ネーパイ 二八
The impressive kata Nepai was adopted into karate from the older Fujian White Crane form Neipaipo and is the precursor to the Shitō-ryū kata Nipaipo. Mabuni Kenwa’s Nipaipo derives from Fujian martial artist Go Kenki’s version of Nepai. Kyoda Juhatsu also learned this kata from Go Kenki, thus, it is practiced in Tōon-ryū. Matayoshi Shinko independently learned Nepai while traveling in Fuzhou, China. The older Fujian White Crane form Neipaipo is spelled 二十八宿 which means Twenty-Eight Constellations, the Twenty-Eight Mansions of the lunar cycle in traditional Chinese astronomy. 28 is considered an auspicious number in China and signifies prosperity, specifically “double prosperity.” Nepai is practiced in Tōon-ryū and Kingai-ryū.
二八 = Nepai. Two eight. 28.
二十八宿 = The Twenty-Eight Mansions of the lunar cycle in traditional Chinese astronomy.
二八 = 28. An auspicious number in China that signifies “double prosperity.”
Nīchin ニーチン
Earliest reference 1978. A kata listed in Sakagami Ryusho’s Karate-dō Kata Taikan’s 1978 edition. Interestingly, it was not included in the 1974 nor 1976 versions.
NichōSai 二丁釵（ニチョーサイ）
This is a Saijutsu kobudō kata. Creator: Matayoshi Shinpo.
二丁釵 = NichōSai. Two Sai. Double Sai.
二丁 = Nichō. Two.
丁 = Chō. Counter for tools.
釵 = Sai. Okinawan: A metal pronged kobudō weapon.
Nidanbu ニダンブ 二段武
Creator: Kishimoto Sokō. This kata is practiced in Kishimoto-Dī.
二段 = Nidan. Two-level, two-stage. Corresponds to the second kata learned in Kishimoto-Dī.
武 = Bu. The art of war, martial arts, military arts. Warrior, valor, bravery.
小 = Sho. Little, small.
大 = Dai. Big, large, great. The large part of.
Nidanbu Sho 二段武小
Nidanbu Dai 二段武大
Nijūhachiho 二十八歩
This is the Japanese pronunciation of the kata Nipaipo. This kata is a Shotokan interpretation of Nipaipo introduced by Kanazawa Hirokazu.
二十八歩 = Nijūhachiho. Twenty-eight Steps.
二十八 = Nijūhachi. Twenty-eight.
歩 = Ho. Steps, counter for steps.
Nijūshiho 二十四歩
Earliest reference mid-1930’s. This dynamic kata, practiced in Shotokan, was adapted from Funakoshi Gigo’s version of Niseishi and later modified by the JKA. Gigo sensei’s interpretation was likely derived from Mabuni Kenwa’s rendition of Niseishi, and his father’s expounding of the material. Niseishi movements were re-imagined within a Shotokan framework. There is a video showing a segment of Nijūshi being performed in front of Keio University’s karate club around 1936. Although it had since been practiced by most of the University Karate clubs, it was later officially adopted into the JKA’s curriculum by Obata Isao and Nakayama Masatoshi. Nakayama sensei claimed to have learned this kata, along with Obata sensei from Mabuni Kenwa. Nevertheless, Funakoshi sensei trained with Arakaki Seisho, who was the creator of Niseishi, so there is no reason why he wouldn’t have known this kata. Moreover, Wadō-ryū tradition claims that Otsuka Hironori learned Niseishi directly from Funakoshi Gichin, and later modified it after working with Mabuni sensei. Even if Niseishi was never included in the original 15 Shotokan kata, it is included within Funakoshi sensei’s recommended kata list. In the late 1940’s, Funakoshi sensei personally took Obata Isao, and Nakayama Masatoshi to visit his dear friend Mabuni sensei so they could formalize a unified method of karate. During this visit, they further researched Niseishi from Mabuni sensei and Sakagami Ryusho. This research gave birth to the modern JKA version of Nijūshiho. In any event, Funakoshi sensei was well aware of Arakaki Seisho’s original Niseishi from as early as 1922 because it is on his recommended kata list from his book Tōdi: Ryūkyū Kenpo. Nijūshiho is practiced in Shotokan.
二十四歩 = Nijūshiho. Twenty-four Steps.
二十四 = Nijūshi. Twenty-four.
歩 = Ho. Steps, counter for steps.
二十四節気 = Nijūshisekki. 24 divisions of the solar year. These are the classical 24 terms used to denote the changing of the seasons in East Asian cultures.
Windblown clouds
The fires of burning fields
Bring sunset
– Issa
Nipaipo 二八歩・二十八歩
Creator: Mabuni Kenwa. Mabuni Kenwa version of Nipaipo was derived from Go Kenki’s Fujian White Crane form Nepai. Evidently, Mabuni sensei learned it directly from Go Kenki and reimagined its techniques within Shitō-ryū’s framework. Today, there is still a Fujian White Crane Míng hè quán form called Nei Paik Po, usually translated as “28 Steps.” However, when written with the original Chinese characters, 二十八宿 actually means the Twenty-Eight Mansions of the lunar cycle in traditional Chinese astronomy. The number 28 is significant because it is considered an auspicious number in China and represents prosperity, specifically “double prosperity.” Nipaipo is practiced by most Shitō-ryū traditions.
二八歩・二十八歩 = Nipaipo. Twenty-eight Steps.
二十八宿 = 28 Mansions of the lunar cycle in traditional Chinese astronomy.
二十八 = Twenty-eight. An auspicious number in China that signifies “double prosperity.”
歩 = Steps, the counter for steps.
Niseishi ニーセーシ 二十四
Earliest reference 1922. Creator: Arakaki Seisho.
Arakaki Seisho created this beautiful kata. Arakaki sensei probably taught this dynamic kata to several of his students, thus it is present in some of the original karate styles. Mabuni Kenwa, for example, acquired Niseishi, thus, it is practiced in many Shitō-ryū traditions. Wadō-ryū tradition claims that Otsuka Hironori learned Niseishi directly from Funakoshi Gichin, and later modified it after working with Mabuni sensei, thus, it is practiced in Wadō-ryū. With regard to other interpretations, Sakiyama Kitoku and Nakaima Kenri were said to have learned a Niseishi kata while traveling together in China. Niseishi is practiced in Shitō-ryū, Ryuei-ryū, Wadō-ryū, and Okinawa Kenpo.
二十四 = Niseishi. Twenty-four.
二十四節気 = Nijūshisekki. 24 divisions of the solar year. These are the classical 24 terms used to denote the changing of the seasons that was adopted by Okinawa.
Niseishi Dai・Niseishi Sho 二十四大・二十四小
These kata are practiced in Chito-ryū.
二十四 = Niseishi. Twenty-four.
大 = Dai, ō. Big, large, great. The large part of.
小 = Sho, ko. Little, small.
Niwon 二ーヲン
Earliest reference 1934. A kata listed in Morinobu Itoman’s Tōdi Jutsu no Kenkyu, 1934.
Nuichie ヌイチェー
Earliest reference 1934. A kata listed in Morinobu Itoman’s Tōdi Jutsu no Kenkyu, 1934.
Nunfa ヌンフアー See Hanashiro no Kururunfa.
Oshiro no Kon 大城の棍 See Ufugusuku nu Kun.
Ohan オーハン
A kata practiced in Ryuei-ryū that is not usually taught outside of Okinawa. Ohan starts with a beautiful separating block similar to Seipai’s opening movement, except you step forward. Ohan contains many double punches from morote-gamae, angle changes, successive stepping punch sequences, simultaneous hand blocking with front kicks, low level attacks, open spear-hand counter-attacks, and a spectacular dropping hammer-fist.
Ohan (Dai) オーハン（大）
Pachū パーチュー 巴球
This vigorous kata is originally from Ryuei-ryū. This pronunciation is an Okinawan interpretation of the original Fujianese. Pachū comes to us through the once secret family style of karate known as Ryuei-ryū. Ryuei-ryū’s founder, Nakaima Kenri introduced this kata when he returned to Okinawa from Fuzhou, in China’s Fujian province. While in Fuzhou, Nakaima sensei trained under the legendary Fujian martial arts master, Rū Rū Kou, and Pachū is one of the unique kata that he introduced while establishing Ryuei-ryū. The kata contains dynamic footwork, simultaneous counter punches, hidden elbow locks, low thrust kicks, front kicks, angled punches, openhand groin attacks, and a flat-fist throat strike near the closing of the kata.
巴球 = Pachū. Binding/Clinging Sphere. Revolving Sphere. Whirling Sphere.
巴 = Bā. Chinese: Long for, wish, cling to, stick to, close, next to.
巴 = Japanese. Tomoe. Ancient comma shaped swirl symbol used in Shintoism and Buddhism, family crests, and Naruto, ie. Uchiha’s Sharingan.
球 = Qiú. Chinese: Ball, sphere, globe.
Paiho パイホー 白鶴
The meaning of this elegant kata is derived from the graceful movements of the white crane, technically the red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis), or Siberian crane (Grus leucogeranus). Unfortunately, both of these bird species are on the endangered species list. Paiho is a mysterious kata in Ryuei-ryū that is not usually taught outside of Okinawa. The fourth heir to Ryuei-ryū, Nakaima Kenko supposedly learned this kata from Fujian martial artist Go Kenki. This pronunciation is an Okinawan interpretation of the original Fujianese.
白鶴 = Paiho. White Crane. Siberian crane (Grus leucogeranus). Red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis).
白 = Bái. Chinese: White, snowy, pure, bright, empty, blank, plain, clear, to make clear.
鶴 = Hè. Chinese: Crane.
Paiku パイクー 白虎
The White Tiger is one of the Four Symbols of the Seven Mansions Constellations, ruling over the Western Heavens. This powerful kata is originally from Ryuei-ryū. This pronunciation is an Okinawan interpretation of the original Fujianese. Paiku comes to us through the once secret family style of karate known as Ryuei-ryū. Nakaima Kenri, the founder of Ryuei-ryū, introduced this kata when he returned to Okinawa from Fuzhou, in China’s Fujian province. While in Fuzhou, Nakaima sensei trained under the legendary Fujian martial arts master, Rū Rū Kou, and Paiku is one of the unique kata that he introduced while establishing Ryuei-ryū. The kata contains successive straight punches, dropping low punches, top-knot seizes, flank punches, elbow strikes, one-knuckle attacks, crouching up-blocks, multiple kicks, and double punches to a downed opponent.
白虎 = Paiku. White Tiger (the seven mansions of the western sky).
白 = Bái. Chinese: White, snowy, pure, bright, empty, blank, plain, clear, to make clear.
虎 = Hǔ. Chinese: Tiger.
Pappuren・Paipuren パープレン 八步連・八步连
Earliest reference 1956. Transmitted into karate by Sai Chōkō. Adopted from the Taiwanese White Crane form Papulien, or Ba Bu Lien, 八步连 also meaning Continuous Figure-Eight-Step. Ba Bu Lien is a reference to the Figure-eight stance (long sanchin) used throughout the original White Crane form where the position of the performer’s feet resembles the Chinese character “八” for eight. A student of Mabuni Kenwa named Chan Teiyū learned this kata from Sai Chōkō, who was a master of Taiwanese White Crane Boxing.
八步連, 八步连 = Pappuren. Continuous Figure-Eight-Step. Linked Figure-Eight Stance.
连, 連 = Lián. Chinese: To link, join, connect, continuously, in succession, including.
Passai パッサイ See Bassai.
Pechurin・Bechurin ペッチューリン・ベッチューリン 百歩連・百歩進
Earliest reference 1934. According to Kyoda Juhatsu, this is the name Higaonna Kanryō used to refer to one of his four special kata (Sanchin, Seisan, Sanseiru, and Pechurin). This kata is practiced in Tōon-ryū, Gōjū-ryū, and some Shitō-ryū traditions. Some styles prefer to use this term rather than Suparinpei. Morinobu Itoman’s kata list from his book Tōdi Jutsu no Kenkyu includes Suparinpei and Pechurin (Pichurin) listed as separate kata.
百歩連 = Pechurin. 100 Continuous Steps.
百歩進 = 100 Step Advance.
百 = Pek. Hokkien: 100. One hundred, numerous, all kinds of.
歩 = Counter for steps.
連 = Lián. Chinese: Continuous, linked, in succession.
進 = Shin, susumu, susumeru. Japanese: Advance, proceed, progress.
Pinan ピンアン 平安
Introduced in 1904. Creator: Itosu Ankō. Itosu Ankō created the Pinan kata to teach to elementary and jr. high school students within the Okinawa school system in the early 1900’s. These basic kata were meant to improve student’s coordination, develop strength, and teach them the introductory movements of Karate. Pinan is the Okinawan pronunciation of the Chinese, Píng’ān, or At Peace. This is usually said in a “be safe” context, for example, something one would say to a family member before a trip. According to Mabuni Kenwa, Itosu’s original name for the Pinan kata was Channan. Heian is the Japanese pronunciation of Pinan. These kata are practiced by most Shōrin-ryū and Shitō-ryū styles. Amusing modern pop culture reference, Jin Kazama can be seen performing Pinan sono Yon, the Kyokushin interpretation of Pinan Yondan, during the introductory Embu from the fighting game Tekken 4.
ピンアン 平安 = Pinan. At Peace. Peace.
Pinan Shodan ピンアン初段
Pinan Nidan ピンアン二段
Pinan Sandan ピンアン三段
Pinan Yondan ピンアン四段
Pinan Godan ピンアン五段
Peace to the world
From time immemorial
Cherry blossoms
– Issa (Written in 1817)
Rinkan リンカン
Creator: Nakasone Seiyu. This kata is practiced by the Gohakukai. I do not know the meaning of this kata without kanji, however, below are some options. In any case, I would never say this word out loud.
林間 = Rinkan. In the Forest or woods.
輪奐 = Rinkan. Grand and splendid building.
Rōhai ローハイ 鷺牌
Earliest reference 1911. Creator: Possibly Matsumora Kōsaku. According to Motobu Chōki in his book Okinawa Kenpo Tōdi Jutsu Kumite Hen, by 1879 there were already two versions of Rōhai that were only practiced in the Tomari area. The beautiful kata Matsumora Rōhai contains knife-hand blocks, one-legged heron stances, successive straight punches, winding blocks, a takedown, double punches, and a spinning crescent kick near the end of the kata. The Rōhai kata practiced by Wadō-ryū is derived from Mabuni Kenwa’s version of Itosu Rōhai Shodan.
鷺牌 = Rohai. Heron Shield. Heron Tile (Heron Piece in Mahjong).
鷺 = Ro, sagi. Heron. Black-crowned night heron.
牌 = Hai. Medal, Shield, Badge.
牌 = Pai. Tile, mahjong tile.
Matsumora Rōhai 松茂良ローハイ Earliest reference 1922. Practiced by many Shōrin-ryū styles.
Rōhai Shodan 鷺牌初段 Earliest reference 1938. Creator: Itosu Ankō.
Rōhai Nidan 鷺牌二段 Earliest reference 1938. Creator: Itosu Ankō.
Rōhai Sandan 鷺牌三段 Earliest reference 1938. Creator: Itosu Ankō.
Matsumura Rohai 松村ローハイPracticed by many Shitō-ryū styles.
Lightning
Into the darkness
A night heron’s voice
– Bashō (Written in 1694)
Rokkishu 六氣手・六気手
Earliest reference 1934. The Kanji is adopted directly from the Bubishi. Miyagi Chōjun is believed to have learned additional Fujian White Crane techniques from a student of Rū Rū Kou while traveling in China, but more specifically, these are the six open-hand techniques illustrated within the Bubishi. Mabuni Kenwa’s book “Seipai no Kenkyū” contains a reproduction of the Rokkishu illustrations. According to Gōjū-ryū tradition, Miyagi sensei’s exploration of the Rokkishu techniques inspired him to create the kata Tenshō.
六氣手・六気手 = Rokkishu. Six Spirit Hands.
六 = Roku, mu. Six
氣 = Ki. Spirit, mind, air, atmosphere, mood.
手 = Shu. Hand. Means, trick, move, technique.
Rūfua・Rūfa・Ryūfa ルーファー 竜波
Creator: Kishimoto Soko. Kishimoto passed this kata down to Higa Seitoku of the Bugeikan. Shukumine Seiken also learned this kata from Kishimoto, however, it is now known as Shukumine Bassai Dai to their organization’s classification, Gensei-ryū.
竜波 = Ryūfa. Dragon-Wave. Dragon-Waves
竜 = Ryū, tatsu, ryō. Dragon.
波 = Ha, nami. Wave, waves, billows. This is the same kanji used to write Kamehame Ha (かめはめ波) from the great manga/anime Dragon Ball, and Hadōken (波動拳) from the once excellent video game franchise Street Fighter. Furthermore, the legendary Raoh from Fist of the North Star also uses a concentrated wave blasting technique called Hokuto Gōshōha (北斗剛掌波).
Ryūho リュウホ 龍歩
Earliest reference 1934 as 富間氏龍歩 Toma-lineage Ryuho. A kata listed in Morinobu Itoman’s Tōdi Jutsu no Kenkyu.
龍歩 = Ryūho. Dragon-step. Dragon-walk.
龍 = Ryū, tatsu, ryō. Dragon.
歩 = Ho. Walk, counter for steps.
Ryūko 龍虎
This kata is practiced in Shōhei-ryū and was officially released in 2006.
龍虎 = Ryūko. Dragon and tiger; two mighty rivals.
龍 = Ryū, tatsu, ryō. Dragon.
虎 = Ko, tora. Tiger (Panthera tigris).
龍虎の拳 = Ryūko no Ken. Fist of Dragon and Tiger. This is the kanji used to write “Art of Fighting,” the SNK fighting game franchise starring Ryō Sakazaki (Dragon), and Robert Garcia (Tiger).
Ryūsan・Ryūshan リュウシャン 龍山
Chitose Tsuyoshi is said to have learned this kata from Hanashiro Chōmu. This kata is practiced in Chito-ryū.
リュウシャン 龍山 = Ryūshan. Mountain Dragon. Dragon Mountain.
龍 = Ryū, tatsu, ryō. Japanese: Dragon, imperial.
山 = San, yama. Japanese: Mountain, hill. 山 = Shān. Chinese: Mountain, hill.
Billowing clouds
The mountains in the rain
All black
– Issa (Written in 1794)
Ryūshu リュウシウ 龍手
Earliest reference 1934. A kata listed in Morinobu Itoman’s Tōdi Jutsu no Kenkyu, 1934.
龍手 = Ryūshu. Dragon-hand.
龍 = Ryū, tatsu, ryō. Dragon.
手 = Shu, te. Hand, arm. Means, way, trick, move, technique.
Sai no Kata 釵の型
This is a Saijutsu kobudō kata.
釵の型 = The sai form. The sai kata. The kata of the sai.
釵 = Sai. Okinawan: A metal pronged kobudō weapon.
の = No. Of. Indicates possessive.
型 = Kata, gata. A standard form of movements, postures, etc. in martial arts.
Sai Kata 1 釵Iの型
Sai Kata 2 釵IIの型
Sai Kata 3 釵IIIの型
Saifa サイファ 砕破・最破
Earliest reference 1900’s. Creator: Possibly Higaonna Kanryō. There is a photograph from the early 1900’s of Miyagi Chōjun and Kyoda Juhatsu practicing bunkai of the one-legged sagi-ashi dachi (Heron-leg stance) segment of the kata. Even if that photograph isn’t a direct depiction of Saifa, the counter kick element is included within the kata’s material, so it must have been significant in that regard. The kata contains a variety of wrist-lock escapes, back-fists, two-armed attacks, knee strikes, front kicks, and hammer-fist strikes while stomping. Noteworthy is the open-hand separation block, knee strike, and front kick combination within the kata. Interestingly, Saifa is the only kata within the Gōjū-ryū curriculum that uses a one-legged stance. Saifa is practiced in Gōjū-ryū, Shitō-ryū, and the Kyokushinkai. This kata is called Saiha by the Kyokushinkai.
砕破 = Saifa. To Rend Asunder.
最破 = Saifa. Maximum Destruction.
砕 = Sai, kudaku, kudakeru. Smash, break, crush.
最 = Sai. Utmost, most, extreme.
破 = Ha. Rend, rip, tear, break, destroy.
Sakugawa no Kon・Sakugawa nu Kun 佐久川の棍（サクガーヌクン）
Earliest reference 1938. This is a Bōjutsu kobudō kata. According to Maezato Taira Shinken, there were already three versions of this kata by 1938.
佐久川の棍 = Sakugawa no kon. Sakugawa’s Staff. The Staff of Sakugawa.
佐久川 = Sakugawa. Sakugawa Kanga was a legendary Okinawa Dī and kobudō master.
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
棍 = Kun. Okinawan: Staff. Japanese: Kon.
Sakugawa no Kon Dai 佐久川の棍（大）（サクガーヌクン・大）Earliest reference 1938.
Sakugawa no Kon Sho 佐久川の棍（小）（サクガーヌクン・小）Earliest reference 1938.
Sanchin サンチン 三戦・参戦
Earliest reference 1925. Adopted by Higaonna Kanryō from the Fujian White Crane form San Chiàn, 三戰 which also means Three Battles. Higaonna sensei learned this form in China from Rū Rū Kou or Wai Xinxian. The Sanchin kata practiced by Gōjū-ryū, Tōon-ryū, Shitō-ryū, and Chitō-ryū is passed down from Higaonna’s version of Sanchin. Another Fujian Chuan-fa practitioner, Zhou Zihe (Shu Shiwa) taught his version of Huzun Quan (虎尊拳) Tiger Respecting Boxing’s Sanchian to Uechi Kanbun, thus, it was inherited by Pangainūn-ryū and is still practiced to this day by Uechi-ryū practitioners. Isshin-ryū’s Sanchin kata comes from Shimabukuro Tatsuo’s version of Sanchin that he originally learned from Miyagi Chōjun. In his outline Karate-dō Gaisetsu, Miyagi sensei affirms, “Sanchin, Tenshō, and Naifanchi are the fundamental Kata.” The kata name, “Sanchin” is the Okinawan pronunciation of the original Fujianese form, akin to the popular Mandarin pronunciation “San Zhan.”
三戦・参戦 = Sanchin. Three Battles. Three Wars.
三 = San. Three. 参 = San. Three (used in legal documents).
戦 = Chin. Okinawan: War, battle, fight.
SanchōSai 三丁釵（サンチョーサイ）
This is a Saijutsu kobudō kata. Creator: Matayoshi Shinpo.
三丁釵 = Sanchōsai. The Three Sai.
三丁 = Sanchō. Three.
丁 = Chō. Counter for tools.
釵 = Sai. Okinawan: A metal pronged kobudō weapon.
Sandairyu・Sandairui サンダ－リュ・サンダ－ルイ 三十六
This powerful kata comes to us from Uechi Kanbun. This kata was one of the original three forms Uechi sensei inherited from his teacher, Zhou Zihe (Shū Shiwa). Sandairui’s meaning “Thirty-six” is possibly a reference to the Thirty-Six Stratagems, a writing attributed to Lao Tsu to illustrate philosophical strategies used in political warfare and combat. It may also be a reference to the original 36 Chinese families that came to Okinawa in 1392. The 36 families established themselves in Kumemura, Naha. They were from the valley of the Min River in Fujian Province, China. Interestingly, Uechi sensei learned this form in the very same Fujian Province, China. Nowadays, this is usually the eighth, and final kata taught within the curriculum of Uechi-ryū. Sanseirui is an alternate pronunciation for the kata’s original pronunciation Sandailui, but in Japanese “L” sounds are pronounced with “R”, so Sandailui becomes Sandairui. In any event, this kata is practiced in Uechi-ryū and its derivatives.
三十六 = Sandairui, sandairyu. Thirty-six.
三十 = Thirty.
六 = Rui. Fujianese: Six. Mandarin: Liù.
Sankakutobi 三角飛び
Creator: Hisataka Masayuki. Earliest reference 1976. This kata is practiced in Shōrinjiryū Kenkōkan.
三角飛び = Sankakutobi. Triangle jump, triangular jump.
三角 = Sankaku. Triangle, triangular.
飛び = Tobi. Flying, leaping, flight, leap.
Sanpabu サンパブ 三波武
Creator: Kishimoto Sokō. This kata is practiced in Kishimoto-Dī.
三 = San. Three. Corresponds to the third kata learned in Kishimoto-Dī.
波 = Ha, nami. Waves, billows.
武 = Bu. The art of war, martial arts, military arts. Warrior, valor, bravery.
一 = Ichi. One.
二 = Ni. Two.
Sanpabu Ichi 三波武一
Sanpabu Ni 三波武二
Sansai さんさい 三才
Earliest reference 1964. Creator: Shukumine Seiken. This kata is practiced in Genseiryū. This kata has recently been WKF approved for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
三才 = Sansai. The three powers are heaven, earth, and human beings.
Sanseiru・Sansēru サンセールー 三十六・三十六手
Earliest reference 1922. According to Miyagi Chōjun, Kyoda Juhatsu, and Mabuni Kenwa, this kata was inherited from Higaonna Kanryō. The number Thirty-six comes up often and may be a reference to the Thirty-Six Stratagems, a writing attributed to Lao Tsu to illustrate philosophical strategies used in political warfare and combat. The number Thirty-six could also be a reference to the original 36 Chinese families that came to Okinawa in 1392. They were from the valley of the Min River in Fujian Province, China. The 36 families established themselves in Kumemura, Naha. Sandairui or Sanseirui is usually the eighth, and final kata taught within Uechi-ryū’s curriculum. The several versions have overlap in that most interpretations open with a triple reverse punch sequence, contain hooking blocks, hidden lock escapes, kick catching, takedowns, low thrust kicks, and two-arm attacks. Noteworthy is the front kick, elbow strike, and reverse punch combination throughout the kata. Sanseiru is practiced by many traditions, including Ryuei-ryū, Goju-ryū, Tōon Ryū, Shitō-ryū, and Uechi-ryū.
三十六 = Sanseiru. Thirty-six. Also, never forget the wonderful debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).
三十六手 = Thirty-six Hands.
Sanshiryu 三十六歩
The number Thirty-six comes up often and may be a reference to the Thirty-Six Stratagems, a writing attributed to Lao Tsu to illustrate philosophical strategies used in political warfare and combat. The number Thirty-six could also be a reference to the original 36 Chinese families that came to Okinawa in 1392. They were from the valley of the Min River in Fujian Province, China. The 36 families established themselves in Kumemura, Naha. This kata is practiced in Chito-ryū.
三十六歩 = Sanshiryu. Thirty-six Steps. Based on the Mandarin pronunciation Sānshíliù.
三十六 = Sānshíliù. Mandarin: Thirty-six.
歩 = Steps, counter for steps. Some styles add this kanji at the end.
Seichin セーチン 十戦
Earliest reference 1977. Creator: Uechi Kanei. This kata combines elements of both Seisan and Sanchin. This kata is practiced in Uechi-ryū.
十戦 = Seichin. Ten Wars. Ten Battles.
十 = Sei. Fujianese: Ten.
戦 = Chin. Okinawan: War, battle.
Seido 誠道
Earliest reference 2001. Creator: Nakamura Tadashi. These kata are practiced by the Seido Juku style.
誠道 = Seido. Sincere Way. Seido Juku, a style of karate founded by Nakamura Tadashi.
誠 = Sei, makoto. Sincerity, honesty, integrity, fidelity.
道 = Do, michi. Way, path, journey, moral, teaching.
Seipai セーパイ・セイパイ 十八・十八手
Earliest reference 1934. This beautiful kata was introduced by Miyagi Chōjun, and was later taught to Mabuni Kenwa. Mabuni sensei dedicated a book to this form in his 1934 “Seipai no Kenkyū” (Study of Seipai). This book contains photography of Mabuni sensei performing Seipai, and complete bunkai with Konishi Yasuhiro. The kata contains a variety of unique open-hand strikes, several front kicks, hidden submission locks, several takedowns, shifting turns, and finishes with a deadly strike to a downed opponent. Noteworthy is the kick catch, foot-sweep takedown, to double strike within the kata. The number eighteen is significant because it can also be a reference to Imachi no Tsuki (居待の月) the eighteenth of the month under the lunar calendar. There is a tradition dating back to the 16th century of Moon Viewing, or Tsukimachi (月待ち) where people would gather inside to wait for the moon to rise on the eighteenth day, share food and drink, or give offerings and prayers to the moon. This kata is practiced in Gōjū-ryū, and Shitō-ryū.
十八 = Seipai. Eighteen.
十八手 = Seipai. Eighteen Hands. Some styles add this kanji at the end.
十 = Sei. Fujianese: Ten.
八 = Bai. Fujianese: Eight. Mandarin: Bā
Seirui・Seiryū セールー・セイリュウ 十六
Creator: Uechi Kanei. The number sixteen is significant because it can also be a reference to Izayoi (十六夜) the sixteenth of the month under the lunar calendar, the night just after full moon. There is a tradition dating back to the 16th century of Moon Viewing, or Tsukimachi (月待ち) where people would gather to wait for the moon to rise on the sixteenth day of the month, share food and drink, or give offerings and prayers to the moon. This kata is practiced in Uechi-ryū.
十六 = Seirui. Fujianese: Sixteen.
十 = Sei. Fujianese: Ten.
六 = Rui. Fujianese: Six. Mandarin: Liù.
Sixteenth night moon
Ever so slightly
The darkening begins
– Bashō (Written in 1693)
Seiryū・Aoyagi セイリュウ・アオヤギ 青柳
Earliest reference 1956. Konishi Yasuhiro and Mabuni Kenwa created this kata with the help of Ueshiba Morihei for women working for the Japanese Government Railways. Shindō Jinen-ryū uses the name Seiryū, and Shitō-ryū uses the name Aoyagi.
青柳 = Blue/Green Willow. Willow.
青 = Sei, ao. Youth. 青 = Ao. Blue, green interchangeably. Nature’s color.
柳 = Ryū. Chinese “Willow” constellation (one of the 28 mansions).
柳 = Yanagi, yōryū. Willow, weeping willow.
Holding up
The hazy moon
Willow tree
– Issa (Written in 1802)
Seiryū 青龍
The Azure Dragon is one of the Four Symbols of the Seven Mansions Constellations, Seiryū is said to rule over the Eastern heavens. There is a statue of the Azure Dragon in front of Kiyomizu-dera (temple) in eastern Kyoto that is said to drink from the waterfall within the temple grounds at night. Seiryū was created in the 1980’s by Yagi Meitoku. This kata is practiced in Meibukan Gōjū-ryū.
青龍 = Seiryū. Blue Dragon, Azure Dragon (said to rule over the eastern heavens).
青 = Sei, ao. Blue, green, nature’s color.
龍 = Ryū, tatsu, ryō. Dragon.
Seisan セーサン 十三・十三手・征参・正整
Earliest reference 1867. Adapted by Arakaki Seisho. Possibly adopted from the Fujian White Crane form Thirteen Ornaments, spelled 十三步摇. This is significant because the first recorded performance of Seisan uses the kanji 十三步. Japanese does not use the Chinese character 摇, thus the original 十三步摇 was simplified to 十三步. Arakaki Seisho demonstrated this kata during the Sanryuchu ceremony at the Uchaya-udunato in 1867. Seisan is later mentioned in Tomikawa Seiboku’s Ryūkyū Shimpo article in 1911 where Funakoshi Gichin was reported to have performed it during the Teacher School karate Meeting. This kata, being one of the oldest, is included within the curriculum of the greatest number of karate styles. Evidently, Itosu Ankō did not pass on a Seisan kata. Kyan Chotoku’s Seisan comes from Matsumura Sōkon. Funakoshi sensei and Mabuni sensei originally called their versions Seishan to differentiate it from Arakaki’s older Seisan. Uechi-ryū’s Seisan derives from Uechi Kanbun’s form that he learned while studying with Zhou Zihe (Shū Shiwa) in the Fujian province. Renown is the front kick, knee strike, takedown combination within Uechi-ryū’s Seisan.
十三 = Seisan. Fujianese: Thirteen.
十三手 = Seisan. Thirteen Hands. Some styles include this kanji at the end.
十三歩 = Seisan. Thirteen Steps. Some styles include this kanji at the end.
十三步摇 = Chinese: Thirteen Ornaments. Thirteen Shaking Steps.
步摇 = Bùyáo. Chinese: A dangling ornament that was worn by women.
Arakaki Seisan 新垣のセ－サン Earliest reference 1867.
Matsumura Seisan 松村のセ－サン・松村の正整
Higaonna Kanryō Seisan 東恩納寛量のセーサン This kata is practiced in Gōjū, and Shitō-ryū.
Higaonna Kanyu Seisan 東恩納寛裕のセーサン This kata is practiced in Tōon-ryū.
Iha Seisan 伊波氏十三・伊波のセーサン Earliest reference 1934.
Kyan Seisan 喜屋武氏十三歩・喜屋武のセ－サン Earliest reference 1934.
Oshiro Seisan 大城のセ－サン
Seishun セーシュン
Earliest reference 1934. A kata listed in Morinobu Itoman’s Tōdi Jutsu no Kenkyu, 1934.
Seiyunchin・Seienchin セイユンチン・セイエンチン 制引戦・征遠鎮
Earliest reference 1926. Creator: Possibly Higaonna Kanryō or Miyagi Chōjun. According to Gōjū-ryū tradition, Higaonna sensei brought back Seiyunchin from traveling in China after learning the kata from Rū Rū Kou, or Wai Xinxian. However, seeing as though Tōon-ryū does not practice this kata, but also has a legitimate Higaonna lineage, it is possible that Miyagi Chōjun created this kata, or learned it independently while traveling in China. Shitō-ryū stylists refer to this kata as Seienchin. The kata contains a variety of unique open-hand movements, uppercuts, several groin attacks, bearhug escapes, and hidden submission locks. Noteworthy is the uppercut, back-fist, and groin strike combination within the kata. This kata is practiced in Gōjū-ryū and Shitō-ryū. Intriguing pop culture reference, the lead characters Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi from the film franchise Karate Kid can be seen performing this kata together in at least one Karate Kid film.
制引戦 = Seiyunchin. Control, Pull, Fight.
征遠鎮 = Seienchin. Conquer, Subdue from Afar.
制 = Zhì. Chinese: System, control, regulate.
制 = Sei. Japanese: System, law, rule, regulation, control, suppression, restraint.
引 = Yǐn. Chinese: Draw (e.g. a bow), pull, extend, lengthen, lead, guide.
引 = In. Japanese: Pull, tug, jerk, to draw back.
戦 = Chin. War, battle.
征 = Sei. Conquer, subjugate, attack the rebellious.
遠 = En. Far, distant.
鎮 = Chin. Press down, to calm, subdue, suppress, guard, quell.
Sesoko no Kon・Shisuku nu Kun 瀬底の棍（シスクヌクン）
Earliest reference 1938. This is a Bōjutsu kobudō kata.
瀬底の棍 = Sesoko no kon. Sesoko/Shisuku’s Staff.
瀬底 = Sesoko, Shisuku.
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
棍 = Kun. Okinawan: Staff. Japanese: Kon.
Shihohai 四歩拝
This kata is practiced in Chito-ryū.
四歩拝 = Shihohai. Four-direction Salutation. Paying Respect in Four-directions.
四 = Shi, yo, yon. Four.
歩 = Ho. Step, stride. Counter for steps.
拝 = Hai. Bowing one’s head (in respect or worship). Worship.
Shiho Kosokun 四方公相君
Earliest reference 1938. Creators: Itosu Ankō and Mabuni Kenwa.
四方公相君 = Shiho Kosokun. Kushanku in Every-direction. Kosokun in Four Directions.
四方 = Shiho. All directions. The four cardinal directions, north, east, south, and west.
公相君 = Kosokun, Kushanku. Noble Appearance, an honorific title, not his name.
Shiho Uke 四方受け
This kata is practiced in Tōon-ryū.
四方受け = Shiho Uke. Defense in All Directions. Every-direction Defense.
四方 = Shiho, yomu. All directions. The four cardinal directions, north, east, south and west.
受け = Uke. Defense, receiver of technique. Accept.
Shikiyanaka no Kon・Shichiyanaka nu Kun 喜屋仲の棍（シチャナカヌクン）
Earliest reference 1938. This is a Bōjutsu kobudō kata.
喜屋仲の棍 = Shichiyanaka no kon. Shikiyanaka’s Staff.
喜屋 = Shikiyanaka, Shichiyanaka.
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
棍 = Kun. Okinawan: Staff. Japanese: Kon.
Shimpa・Shinpa シンパー 心破・新破・侵破
Earliest reference 1956. Creators: Mabuni Kenwa and Konishi Yasuhiro. Mabuni Kenwa and Konishi Yasuhiro cooperatively created this kata after an inspiring meeting they had with Uechi Kanbun. This kata incorporates defensive movements that Mabuni sensei and Konishi sensei wanted to further explore. It seems they were fascinated by Uechi sensei’s unique methods of attack and defense.
心 = Shin, kokoro. Heart, mind, intention, center, core.
新 = Shin. New.
侵 = Shin, okasu. To invade, raid, trespass, encroach, approach.
破 = Ha, yaburu, yabureru. To break, split or cleave, get rid of, destroy, to defeat.
Shinbaru no Sai・Shinbaru nu Sai 千原の釵（シンバルヌサイ）
This is a Saijutsu kobudō kata. Creator: Matayoshi Shinko.
千原の釵 = Shinbaru no sai. The sai of Shinbaru.
千原 = Shinbaru. This is the neighborhood in Chatan, Okinawa where Matayoshi Shinko was from.
の = No, Nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
釵 = Sai. Okinawan: A metal pronged kobudō weapon.
Shinsei 新生
Creator: Mabuni Kenwa.
新生 = Shinsei. Rebirth, new birth, nascent. New Life.
新 = Shin. New.
生 = Sei, shō. Life, living.
Shirataro no Kon・Shiratara nu Kun 白太郎の棍（シラタラーヌクン）
This is a Bōjutsu kobudō kata.
白太郎の棍 = Shirataro no kon. Shiratara’s Staff.
白太郎 = Shirataro, Shiratara.
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
棍 = Kun. Okinawan: Staff. Japanese: Kon.
Shirotaru no Kon・Shirataru nu Kun 白樽の棍（シラタルヌクン）
Earliest reference 1930. Creator: Chinen Sanda. This is a Bōjutsu kobudō kata.
白樽の棍 = Shirotaru no kon. Shirotaru’s Staff. The staff of Shirataru.
白樽 = Shirotaru, Shirataru.
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
棍 = Kun. Okinawan: Staff. Japanese: Kon.
Shisōchin シソーチン 士壮鎮・師壮鎮・四向戦
Possibly referenced as ちしゃうきん (四向战) in 1867. If this is the case, Arakaki Seisho demonstrated this kata during the Sanryuchu ceremony at the Uchaya-udun in 1867. This is one of the oldest recorded kata throughout the entirety of Karate’s kata history. Shisōchin contains many unique openhand blocks, piercing-hand strikes, elbow locks, palm-heel strikes, front kicks, stomps, and elbow strikes. This kata is most commonly practiced in Gōjū-ryū, and Shitō-ryū traditions.
士 = Shì. Chinese: Member of the ministerial class.
士 = Shi. Japanese: Gentleman, samurai.
師 = Shī. Chinese. Shi. Japanese: Teacher, master, expert.
壮 = Zhuàng. Chinese: Strengthen, vibrancy, strength, bravery.
壮 = Sō. Japanese: Vibrancy, strength, bravery.
鎮 = Zhèn. Chinese: To press down, to calm, to subdue, to suppress, to guard, to quell.
鎮 = Chin. Japanese: Tranquilize. A weight. Temple supervisor, town (of China).
四 = Sì. Chinese: Four. Shi. Japanese: Four.
向 = Towards, to face, to turn towards, direction, to support.
戦 = Chin. Okinawan: War, battle.
战 = Zhàn. Chinese: War, Battle.
Shoshinsha no Kata・Shoshin no Kata 初心者の型・初心の型
Created in 1980 by Ashihara Hideyuki. These kata are practiced by the Ashihara style.
初心者の型・初心の型 = Shoshinsha no kata. Beginner’s Form.
初心者 = Soshinsha. Beginner.
の = No. Of. Indicates possessive.
型 = Kata, gata. A standard form of movements, postures, etc. in martial arts.
Shoshin no Kata Sono Ichi 初心の型（一）
Shoshin no Kata Sono Ni 初心の型（二）
Shoshin no Kata Sono San 初心の型（三）
Shujaku 朱雀
The Vermillion Bird is one of the Four Symbols of the Seven Mansions Constellations, Shujaku is said to rule over the Southern Heavens. Shujaku was introduced in 1990 by its creator Yagi Meitoku. This kata is practiced in Meibukan Gōjū-ryū.
朱雀 = Shujaku, suzaku. Vermillion Bird (said to rule over the southern heavens).
朱 = Shu, aka. Vermilion, cinnabar, scarlet, red, bloody.
雀 = Suzume, jaku, saku. Sparrow.
Suji nu Kun・Shūshi no Kon・Shuji no Kon 周氏の棍 シューシ・シュージ
Earliest reference 1925. This is a Bōjutsu kobudō kata. This Kobudō kata was demonstrated by Ufugusuku for Prince Chichibu (Yasuhito) at the Shihan Gakko in 1925. Ufugusuku was reported to have taught the karate students Sūji nu Kun for three hours everyday for 14 days in a row. Years later, Maezato Taira Shinken demonstrates it in Nakasone Genwa’s Karatedo Taikan, from 1938.
周氏の棍 = Shushi no kon. Staff of the Shū clan. The staff of Master Shū.
周氏 = Sūji, Shūshi, Shuji. Master Shū, Mr. Shū, or Shū clan.
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
棍 = Kun. Okinawan: Staff. Japanese: Kon.
Sūji nu Kun スージヌクン（周氏の棍）Earliest reference 1925.
Shushi no Kon Dai 周氏の棍（大）（シューシヌクン・大）
Shushi no Kon Sho 周氏の棍（小）（シューシヌクン・小）
Sōchin ソーチン 壮鎮
Earliest reference 1918. Creator: Arakaki Seisho.
The Shotokan kata with the same name was created by Funakoshi Gigo, and the earliest reference for this version is 1943. Arakaki Sōchin is practiced in Shorin-ryū and Shito-ryū, while Shotokan practice the Funakoshi Gigo’s creation by the same name. The Shōrinjiryū Kenkōkan practice a Sōchin kata supposedly from Kudaka Island.
壮鎮 = Sōchin. Tranquil Strength.
壮 = Sō. Vibrancy, strength, and bravery.
鎮 = Chin. Tranquilize. Ancient peace-preservation centers.
Arakaki Sōchin 新垣ソ－チン Earliest reference 1938.
Motobu Sōchin 本部ソ－チン Earliest reference 1918.
Funakoshi Sōchin 壮鎮 Earliest reference 1943.
Soeishi no Kon・Soeishi nu Kun 添石の棍
Creator: Soeishi Yoshiyuki. This is a Bōjutsu kobudō kata.
添石の棍 = Soeishi’s Staff. The staff of Soeishi.
添石 = Soeishi. Soeishi was an Okinawan Bōjutsu master.
の = No, Nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
棍 = Kun. Okinawan: Staff. Japanese: Kon.
Sokugi Taikyoku 足技大極
Creator: Oyama Masutatsu. This kata follows the embusen of Funakoshi Gichin’s Taikyoku kata, but with kicking techniques instead of arm techniques. This kata is practiced by the Kyokushinkai.
足技 = Sokugi, ashiwaza. Foot technique, footwork.
足 = Soku, ashi. Counter for pairs (of socks, shoes, etc.).
技 = Gi, waza. Technique, art, skill.
大極 = Taikyoku. Ultimate Conclusion. Supreme Goal.
大 = Tai, ō. Large, big.
極 = Kyoku, goku. Climax, extreme, culmination, zenith.
Sokugi Taikyoku Sono Ichi 足技大極（一）
Sokugi Taikyoku Sono Ni 足技大極（二）
Sokugi Taikyoku Sono San 足技大極（三）
Below are some popular kicking methods.
前蹴揚げ = Maekeage. Front snap kick.
横蹴込み・足刀蹴り = Yokokekomi. Sokuto geri. Side thrust kick. Foot Blade kick.
回し蹴り = Mawashi geri. Round kick.
裏回し蹴り = Ura mawashi geri. Hook kick.
後ろ蹴り = Ushiro geri. Back kick.
三日月蹴り = Mikatsuki geri. Crescent kick.
立て首回し蹴り・袈裟蹴り = Tate kubi mawashi geri. Kesa geri. Question mark kick. Diagonal kick.
内廻し蹴り= Uchimawashi geri. Inside twist kick. Inside round kick.
関節蹴り = Kansetsu geri. Joint kick (Knee joint etc.).
後ろ回し蹴り = Ushiromawashi geri. Spinning hook kick. Wheel kick.
踵落とし = Kakato otoshi. Axe kick. (Heel drop)
蠍蹴り = Sasori geri. Scorpion kick.
踏み込み蹴り = Fumikomi geri. Stomping kick. Oblique kick.
飛び二段蹴り = Tobi nidan geri. Leaping double front kick.
左右蹴り= Sayu geri. Jumping splits kick.
足先蹴り・爪先蹴り = Sokusen geri. Tsumasaki geri. Toe kick.
倒れ蹴り・斜上蹴り = Taore geri. Shajō geri. Falling kick.
側転蹴り = Sokuten geri. Cartwheel kick.
金蹴り= Kin geri. Groin kick (Golden kick).
霞蹴り= Kasumi geri. Mist kick.
海老蹴り = Ebi geri. Shrimp kick. Turning thrust kick with hands planted.
飛び膝蹴り = Tobi hiza geri. Flying knee.
飛び横蹴り = Tobi yoko geri. Leaping side kick.
胴廻し回転蹴り = Dōmawashikaiten geri. Body turning flip kick. Rolling wheel kick.
竜巻旋風脚 = Tatsumaki senpū kyaku. Hurricane kick (Tornado Whirlwind kick). Used by Ryu and Ken in Street Fighter.
Sunakake no Kon・Chikin Sunakachi nu Kun 砂掛けの棍・津堅砂掛けの棍（チキンシナカチヌクン）
Earliest reference 1938. This is a Uēku and Bōjutsu kobudō kata. According to Maezato Taira Shinken, there were already two versions of this kata by 1938. Raking sand into the opponent’s eyes, the critical movement within the kata is derived from using the uēku, oar. The Oar kata is usually referred to as Chikin Sunakachi nu Uēku-dī.
砂掛けの棍・津堅砂掛けの棍 = Sunakake no kon. Sand Flipping/Scooping Staff.
砂掛け = Sunakake. The sand scooping technique used to distract one’s opponent by throwing sand into their eyes.
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
棍 = Kun. Okinawan: Staff. Japanese: Kon.
Sunsu スンス
Created around the late 1940’s. Creator: Shimabuku Tatsuo. Sun nu su was supposedly Shimabuku sensei’s nickname. This kata is practiced in Isshin-ryū.
Sushiho スーシーホー 五十四歩
Creator: Oyama Masutatsu. Sushiho is Oyama Masutatsu’s reimagining of the kata Gojūshiho within the framework of Kyokushin principles. This kata is practiced by the Kyokushinkai.
五十四歩 = Fifty-four Steps.
Suparinpei 壱百零八・壱百零八手 スーパーリンペイ
Earliest reference 1867. Chikudundon Tomimura demonstrated this kata during the Sanryuchu ceremony at the Uchaya-udunato in 1867. The number 108 is considered sacred by the Dharmic religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. In some Buddhist temples, at the end of the year, there is a tradition of ringing a bell 108 times to complete the year and welcome us into the new year. Each ring corresponds to one of 108 temptations a person must extinguish to achieve nirvana. Suparinpei contains many unique hooking blocks, elbow strikes, rapid double punches, snapping back-fist strikes, continuous open-hand attacks, darting one-knuckle strikes, spear-hand attacks, and closes with a double bent-wrist posture. Noteworthy is the agile spinning crescent-kick to jumping front kick combination near the end of the kata. Suparinpei is one of the oldest recorded kata throughout the entirety of Karate’s storied history. It is also one of the longest kata practiced today and is always a tournament favorite. Most commonly practiced in Gōjū-ryū, and Shitō-ryū, this kata is also known as Pechurin.
壱百零八 = Suparinpei. 108.
壱百零八手 = Suparinpei. 108 Hands. Some styles add this kanji at the end.
壱 = Ci’t. Hokkien: One (used in legal documents). The Japanese variant of 壹.
百 = Pah. Hokkien: Hundred, numerous, all kinds of.
零 = Lîng, Khòng. Hokkien: Zero, naught, zero sign.
八 = Peh, pueh. Hokkien: Eight.
Taikyoku 大極
Earliest reference 1930’s. Creator: Funakoshi Gichin. “In karate, there is no advantage in the first attack. It is for these reasons that I have given them the name Taikyoku” – Funakoshi Gichin. These kata are practiced by the Shotokai, Kyokushinkai, and some Shotokan styles. Alternatively, various karate styles have adopted this kata, as an introductory kata.
大極 = Taikyoku. Ultimate Conclusion. Supreme Goal.
大 = Tai, ō. Large, big.
極 = Kyoku, goku. Climax, extreme, culmination, zenith.
Taikyoku Shodan 大極初段
Taikyoku Nidan 大極二段
Taikyoku Sandan 大極三段
Taī no Kata 体位の型
Creator: Shukumine Seiken. This kata is practiced in Genseiryū.
体位の型 = Taī no kata. Form of Physical Standard.
体位 = Taī. Physique, posture, physical standard.
の = No. Of. Indicates possessive.
型 = Kata, gata. A standard form of movements, postures, etc. in martial arts.
Taira no Nunchaku See Maezato no Nunchaku.
Taisabaki 体捌・體捌・体捌き
Earliest reference 1956. Creator: Konishi Yasuhiro. Taisabaki is a term that usually relates to whole body movement or repositioning. These kata are practiced in Shindō Jinen-ryū.
体捌き = Taisabaki. Defensive body movement.
体 = Tai, karada, shintai. Body, physique, posture, shape, form.
捌く = Sabaku. To handle well, to process.
Taisabaki Shodan 体捌き初段
Taisabaki Nidan 体捌き弐段
Taisabaki Sandan 体捌き参段
Tawada no Sai・Tāda nu Sai 多和田の釵（ターダヌサイ）
This is a Saijutsu kobudō kata. Tawada was a royal bodyguard to King Shō Tai of the Ryūkyū Kingdom, who was famous for his Saijutsu, and Bōjutsu.
多和田の釵 = Tawada no sai. Tawada’s Sai. The sai of Tawada.
多和田 = Tawada. A royal bodyguard to King Shō Tai of the Ryūkyū Kingdom.
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
釵 = Sai. Okinawan: A metal pronged kobudō weapon.
Tekki 鉄騎
Earliest reference 1935. This kata comes from Funakoshi’s versions of Naihanchi that he learned from Azato Ankō and Itosu Ankō. Funakoshi sensei practiced diligently for ten years to learn these kata, he spent more than three years studying each one. The three Tekki kata contain the characteristic kiba-dachi stance throughout, a variety of elbow strikes, hidden elbow locks, foot sweeps, clinch escapes, lateral blocks, hook punches, and vertical back-fist strikes. Funakoshi sensei reformed the kata name from Naihanchi to Tekki, to help support Japanese pronunciation for karate-ka on mainland Japan, not to undermine the historical value of Okinawan karate, of which, he was a colossal expert. It is an intriguing thought that in the past, a warrior’s equestrian competency would have been paramount for survival. Riding a horse in full armor, let alone combat while riding, would strike me as extremely demanding, and fatigue from the armor’s weight might be colossal. Funakoshi sensei reminds us with a quote regarding Tekki, “The name refers to the distinctive feature of these kata, their horse riding stance.” – Funakoshi Gichin. These kata are practiced in Shotokan.
鉄騎 = Tekki. Iron Rider. Iron Knight. Mounted Soldier.
鉄 = Tetsu, kurogane. Iron. An old variant of 铁 (see below).
鉄拳 = Tekken. Iron Fist, i.e. King of the Iron Fist Tournament.
铁 = Tiě. Chinese: Iron (metal), arms, weapons, hard, strong, unshakeable, determined.
騎 = Ki. Counter for equestrians (for riders).
騎射 = Kisha. Shooting on horseback, mounted archery, equestrian archery.
Tekki Shodan 鉄騎初段
Tekki Nidan 鉄騎二段
Tekki Sandan 鉄騎三段
Tenchi 天地
Released in 1974. Creator: Yagi Meitoku. This kata is practiced in Meibukan Gōjū-ryū.
天地 = Tenchi, ametsuchi. Heaven and earth, the universe, nature, realm, world.
天 = Ten, ama, ame. Heavens, sky.
地 = Chi, tsuchi. Earth, ground, land, soil, place, territory.
Ten’i Happō 転位八方
Eight-sided Transfer. This kata practiced in the Tōon-ryū.
転位八方 = Teni happo. Transposition to All Sides.
転位 = Ten’i. Transposition, dislocation, rearrangement.
八方 = Happō. All Sides. The four cardinal directions.
Ten-i no Kata 天位の型
Earliest reference 1953. Creator: Shukumine Seiken. This kata is practiced in Genseiryū.
天位の型 = Teni no kata. Form of the Imperial Throne.
天位 = Teni. Imperial throne.
の = No. Of. Indicates possessive.
型 = Kata. A standard form of movements, postures, etc. in martial arts.
Tenkan 天巻
Creator: Kojō Kahō. This splendid kata is the first of six kata unique to Kojō-ryū, these kata were inspired by the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac, with kamae named after each of its animals and corresponding counter-attacks attributed to each of the postures. Tenkan incorporates the postures of the rat, ox, tiger, and hare. Additionally, this astounding kata contains many open-hand blocks, spear-hand attacks, various attacks with the elbow, several front kicks, hidden joint locks combining immobilization and takedowns, and noteworthy are the punches to an immobilized attacker. This kata is practiced in Kojō-ryū.
天巻 = Tenkan. Heaven Volume (of book).
天 = Ten, ama, ame. Sky, heaven.
巻 = Kan. Volume (of book).
Ten no Kata 天之型
Earliest reference 1939. Creator: Funakoshi Gichin & Gigo. Ten no kata consists of two complementary parts, front (omote) and back (ura). These kata are practiced by the Shoto-kai. Ten no Kata Omote is for individual training. Ten no Kata Ura is used for partner training.
天之型 = Ten no kata. Form of the Heavens. The Kata of the Universe.
天 = Ten, ama, ame. Heavens, sky, imperial.
之 = No. Of. Indicates possessive.
型 = Kata, gata. A standard form of movements in martial arts.
表 = Omote. Surface, front, or exterior.
裏 = Ura. Undersurface, opposite, or reverse side. Hidden from view.
Ten no Kata Omote 天之型表 Visible Form of the Heavens.
Ten no Kata Ura 天之型裏 Hidden Form of the Heavens.
Tenryū no Kon 天竜の棍
This is a Bōjutsu kobudō kata.
天竜の棍 = Tenryū no kon. Heavenly Dragon’s Staff. Staff of the heavenly dragon.
天竜 = Tenryū. Heavenly Dragon. Deva and naga.
の = No. Of. Indicates possessive.
棍 = Kon. Staff. Okinawan: Kun.
Tenshin 転身
This is a kata practiced in Chito-ryū.
転身 = Tenshin. Revolving Body. Shifting Body.
転 = Ten, kururi. Revolve, turn around, change.
身 = Shin, mi. Body, oneself, one’s position.
Tenshō テンショウ 轉掌・転掌
Earliest reference 1933. Creator: Miyagi Chōjun. Miyagi sensei first writes about Tenshō in his 1933 Karate-do Gaisetsu. This astounding kata was created by Miyagi sensei with inspiration from the six open hand techniques called Rokkishu illustrated within the Bubishi. In his outline Karate-dō Gaisetsu, Miyagi sensei states, “Sanchin, Tenshō, and Naifanchi are the fundamental Kata.” Tenshō combines dynamic breathing with sequenced open-hand techniques. According to Gōjū-ryū tradition, Miyagi sensei introduced Tenshō to be a companion kata for Sanchin. “Among the karate formal exercises, none is more important than Tenshō.” – Oyama Masutatsu.
轉掌 = Tenshō. Shifting Palms.
転掌 = Tenshō. Revolving Palms.
轉 = Ten, korogaru. Shift, move, turn.
転 = Ten, kururi. Revolve, turn around, change.
掌 = Shō. Palm (of one’s hand).
Teruya no Kon 照屋の棍 See Sakugawa no Kon.
Earliest reference 1938. This is a Bōjutsu kobudō kata. Teruya was Sakugawa Kanga’s original family name before it was changed to Sakugawa.
照屋の棍 = Teruya no kon. Teruya’s Staff. The Staff or the Teruya Family.
照屋 = Teruya. The legendary master of Okinawa Dī, Sakugawa Kanga’s original family name.
の = No. Of. Indicates possessive.
棍 = Kun. Okinawan: Staff. Japanese: Kon.
Tokumine no Kon・Tukunmī nu Kun 徳嶺の棍（トゥクンミーヌクン）
This is a Bōjutsu kobudō kata. Creator: Tokumine Pechin Seifu.
徳嶺の棍 = Tokumine no kon. Tokumine Pēchin’s Staff. The staff of Tokumine Pēchin.
徳嶺 = Tokumine. Tokumine Pēchin was a famous Okinawan karate and kobudō master.
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
棍 = Kun. Okinawan: Staff. Japanese: Kon.
Tonsū トンスー
Earliest reference 1911. A kata listed in Tomikawa Seiboku’s Ryukyu Shimpo article Teachers School Karate Meeting, 1911. It is not written in kanji, thus, it is nearly impossible to understand its meaning.
Tsuken Bo・Chikin Bo 津堅棒・チキンボー
Earliest reference 1938. This is a Bōjutsu kobudō kata. According to Maezato Taira Shinken, there were already three versions of this kata by 1938. Tsuken Uēkata Seisoku was a famous Bōjutsu practitioner from Shuri’s Tōbaru Village.
Tsuki no Kata 突きの型
Creator: Tada Seigo. This is a Seigokan Goju-ryū kata, Kihon Tsuki no Kata.
This kata has also been adopted into the Kyokushin-kaikan style.
突きの型 = Tsuki no kata. Punching Form. Form of Thrusts.
突き = Tsuki. Thrust, the term used for punches in Karate.
の = No. Of. Indicates possessive.
型 = Kata, gata. A standard form of movements, postures, etc. in martial arts.
Below are some popular punching methods.
刻み突き = Kizami tsuki. Lead jab.
逆突き = Gyaku tsuki. Reverse punch. Straight.
鉤突き・角突き = Kagi tsuki, Kaku tsuki. Hook punch. Square punch.
回し突き = Mawashi tsuki. Roundhouse punch.
巴突き = Tomoe tsuki = Circle punch. U punch.
裏突き = Ura tsuki. Close punch. Uppercut. Hidden punch.
並行突き = Heikō tsuki. Parallel punch.
弓突き = Yumi tsuki. Bow punch.
振り突き = Furi tsuki. Swing punch.
横突き = Yoko tsuki. Side punch.
鋏突き = Hasami tsuki. Scissors punch.
立て突き = Tate tsuki. Vertical fist punch.
左右突き = Sayu tsuki. Double punch to left and right.
合わせ突き = Awase tsuki. U punch.
隠し突き = Kakushi tsuki. Hidden punch. Secret punch.
山突き = Yama tsuki. Mountain punch.
流し突き = Nagashi tsuki. Flowing punch.
割り受け突き = Wari uke tsuki. Split block punch.
直突き = Choku tsuki. Straight punch. Used by Jin in Tekken.
追い突き = Oi tsuki. Lunge punch. Pursuing punch. Used by Jin in Tekken.
心中突き = Shinchū tsuki. Soul thrust. Used by Kazuya in Tekken.
風神拳 = Fūjinken. Wind God Fist. Used by Kazuya in Tekken.
鎖骨割り = Sakotsu wari. Collarbone splitter. Used by Ryu in Street Fighter.
鳩尾砕き = Mizōchi kudaki. Solar plexus breaker. Used by Ryu in Street FIghter.
Ufuchiku no Sai・Ufuchiku nu Sai 大筑の釵（ウフチクヌサイ）
This is a Saijutsu kobudō kata.
大筑の釵 = Ufuchiku no sai. Ufuchiku’s Sai. Sai of Ufuchiku.
大筑 = Ufuchiku. Constable. Kinjō Ufuchiku Sanra was a famous Okinawan kobudō master born in 1834, admired for his saijutsu..
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
釵 = Sai. Okinawan: A metal pronged kobudō weapon.
Ufugusuku nu Kun・Oshiro no Kon 大城の棍
Creator: Ōshiro Chōjō. This is a Bōjutsu kobudō kata. Ōshiro is the Japanese pronunciation of the original Okinawan name Ufugusuku.
大城の棍 = Ufugusuku no kon. Ufugusuku’s Staff. Staff of Ōshiro.
大城朝恕 = Ōshiro Chōjō was a famous Okinawan kobudō master who was born in 1887, called Ufugusuku in Okinawa.
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
棍 = Kun. Okinawan: Staff. Japanese: Kon.
Ufukun ウフクン
Ufukun is Motobu-ryū’s version of Kōsōkun-Dai. This kata is practiced in Motobu-ryū.
ウフ = Ufu. This is the Okinawan pronunciation for great, or big. 大 = Dai in Japanese.
クン = Kun. An abbreviation for Kushanku, like the kun in Koshokun.
Ufutun Bo 大屯棒
This is a Bōjutsu kobudō kata. This kata was introduced by Maeshiro Shusei, who was the most senior student of Matayoshi Shinpo. There still exists very old footage of this kata being performed by Shiroma Taise.
大屯棒 = Ufutun bō. Militia Bō. Village militia Bō.
大 = Ufu. This is the Okinawan pronunciation for great, or big.
屯 = Ton, tamura. Japanese: Barracks, police station, camp, a literal ton.
屯 = Tún. Chinese: To station soldiers, to store up, village.
棒 = Bō. Staff, pole, rod.
Uke no Kata 受けの型
Creator: Tada Seigo. This kata is practiced in Seigokan Gōjū-ryū.
受けの型 = Uke no kata. Form of Defense.
受け = Uke. To block, to receive, defend.
の = No. Of. Indicates possessive.
型 = Kata, gata. A standard form of movements, postures, etc. in martial arts.
Below are some popular methods of defense.
下段払い受け = Gedan barai uke. Downward sweeping block.
上げ受け = Age uke. Rising block.
外受け = Soto uke. Outside block.
内受け = Uchi uke. Inside block.
手刀受け = Shutō uke. Sword-hand block. Knife-hand block.
回し受け・虎の口 = Mawashi uke. Tora no guchi. Circular block (Tiger’s mouth)
割り受け = Wari uke. Split block. Dividing block.
十字受け = Jūji uke. X-block.
合掌受け = Gasshō uke. Prayer block.
巻き手受け = Makite uke. Winding block. Rolling hand block.
押さえ受け = Osae uke. Pressing Block. Restraining Block.
掛け受け = Kake uke. Hooking block. Suspending Block.
交差受け = Kōsa uke. Crossing block.
外し受け = Hazushi uke. Removing block.
足刀押さえ受け = Sokutō osae uke. Stopping block. Foot-blade pinning block.
膝受け = Hiza uke. Knee block. Knee shield.
肘受け = Hiji uke. Elbow block. Elbow defense.
三日月受け = Mikatsuki uke. Crescent-moon block.
探手受 = Sagurite uke. Searching-hand block.
支え受け = Sasae uke. Supporting block.
鋏受け = Hasami uke. Scissors block.
双手受け = Morote uke. Two-handed block. Pair block.
足底押さえ受け = Sokutei osae uke. Oblique kick block. Bottom of the foot pressing block.
受け流し = Ukenagashi. Parrying block. Parrying defense.
わ受け = Wa uke. Circle block.
諸手上段弾き受け = Morote jodan hajiki uke. Both-hands snapping block.
髷取り払い受け= Magetori barai uke. Topknot grasp defense. Sweeping block against topknot seizing.
Unuibu ウヌイブー
Earliest reference 1934. A kata listed in Morinobu Itoman’s Tōdi Jutsu no Kenkyu, 1934.
Unsū・Unshū ウンスー・ウンシュウ 雲手
The earliest reference to Unsu is 1914, to Shotokan Unsu is 1956. Creator: Arakaki Seisho. Arakaki Seisho created this fascinating form. Some Shōrin-ryū styles, namely Kyudōkan, practice Aragaki Unsu, and it is unlike the Shitō-ryū and Shotokan interpretations. Shotokan Unsu was adapted from Mabuni’s Kenwa’s Unshu. In 1945, Funakoshi Gichin sensei personally took Obata Isao, and Nakayama Masatoshi to visit his dear friend Mabuni sensei so they could formalize a unified method of karate. During this time, they further researched many kata with Mabuni sensei and Sakagami Ryusho. The result of that visit is thought to be the modern Shotokan version of Unsu. Funakoshi sensei was well aware of Aragaki Seisho’s original Unsu from at least 1922 since it’s on his recommended kata list from his book Tōdi: Ryūkyū Kenpo.
雲手 = Unsu, unshū. Cloud Hands.
雲 = Un, kumo. Cloud.
手 = Shu, su, te. Hand. Means, trick, move, technique.
From deep in the cloud’s
Billows
Thunder comes
– Issa (Written in 1792)
Urashi nu Kun・Urasoe no Kon 浦添の棍（ウラシーヌクン）
This is a Bōjutsu kobudō kata.
浦添の棍 = Urasoe no kon. The staff of Urashi/Urasoe. The staff made famous around Urasoe.
浦添 = Urasoe, Urashii. Urasoe or Urashii is a city located in Okinawa Prefecture.
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
棍 = Kun. Okinawan: Staff. Japanese: Kon.
Useishi ウーセーシー・五十四・五十四歩 See Gojūshiho.
Wanchin ワンチン
Created by Shimabukuro Zenryō in 1962. This kata is practiced in Shōrin-ryū Seibukan. This kata’s name represents the combined characters for Wansu and Chinto.
ワンスウ = Wansū
チントウ = Chintō
ワン + チン = ワンチン Wanchin
Wandau・Wandō ワンダウ・ワンドウ
Earliest reference 1911. A kata listed in Tomikawa Seiboku’s Ryukyu Shimpo article Teachers School Karate Meeting, 1911. It is not written in kanji, thus, it is nearly impossible to understand its meaning. However, some optional kanji are shown below.
王 = Wan. King. This is an Okinawan pronunciation of the Chinese word wáng.
道 = Dō, Dao. Way, path, course. Buddhist teachings. Taoism.
Wandaun ワンダウン 腕打雲
腕打雲 = Wandaun. Cloud of Arm Strikes.
腕 = Wàn. Chinese: Wrist. Wan. Japanese: Arm, skill.
打 = Dǎ. Chinese: Japanese: Da, uchi, utsu. To beat, to strike, to hit, to break, to fight.
雲 = Yún. Chinese: Cloud. Japanese: Un, kumo.
Wankan ワンカン・ワンクワン 王冠・腕貫
Earliest reference 1922 as Wankuwan. This kata originates from the Tomari region in Okinawa. It is practiced in Matsubayashi-ryu, Kingai-ryū, Shitō-ryū, Gohakukai, among others. This kata contains a variety of evasive body shifting, closed fist punches, and open-hand blocks. Wankan is sometimes known as Matsukaze in some Shito-ryū traditions. The Shotokan kata with the same name was supposedly created by Funakoshi Gigo. The earliest reference to the Shotokan version is 1943.
王冠 = Wankan. Crown.
王 = Wan. King. This is the Okinawan pronunciation of the Chinese word wáng.
冠 = Kuwan. Cap, or Crown. This is the Okinawan pronunciation of the Chinese word guān.
冠 = Kan, kamuri, kanburi. Crown, best, peerless. This is the Japanese pronunciation.
腕貫 = Wankan. Piercing Arm.
腕 = Wàn. Chinese: Arm, wrist. Japanese: Ude, wan. Arm, skill.
貫 = Guàn. Chinese: To pierce through, to pass through.
Wanshū ワンシュウ 汪輯・汪楫・腕秀
Earliest reference 1911. This kata comes from the Tomari region of Okinawa. Wanshū became the popular Okinawan pronunciation for Wāng Jí, an envoy from China who was sent to The Ryūkyū Kingdom in 1683. He was an official contact between the Chinese and Ryūkyūan governments, and it is said that he was a skilled martial artist. Wāng Jí shared and exchanged some empty hand techniques with some officials. One of the rumored techniques was a spectacular throw where he then jumped on his downed opponent. Among the numerous techniques contained within Wanshū, rising punches, level changes, and openhand blocks, there is a spectacular throw sequence near the end of the kata. Furthermore, Wanshū is said to have been created to honor the story of the legendary envoy, Wāng Jí. According to Motobu Chōki in his book Okinawa Kenpo Tōdi Jutsu Kumite Hen, by 1879 there were already two versions of Wanshū that were only practiced in the Tomari region. Mabuni Kenwa’s version of Wanshū traces its lineage through Itosu Ankō. Interestingly, Funakoshi Gichin’s version was obtained when he was teaching at Tomari Elementary School. Funakoshi sensei does not mention whom he learned the kata from, however, Iha Kōtatsu was the head karate instructor while Funakoshi sensei was employed there, and Funakoshi sensei does mention training at the school after work. If Funakoshi sensei did train there, he would have absolutely trained with the renown Iha sensei.
汪輯 = Wāng Jí. An official Chinese government envoy who was on Okinawa in 1683.
汪輯 = Ōshū. He is known as Ōshū in modern Japanese.
汪 = Wāng. Surname, meaning vast, expansive, or deep.
輯 = Jí. A given name, meaning gather up or collect.
腕秀 = Refined Wrist. Preeminent Skill.
腕 = Wàn. Chinese: Wrist. 腕 = Wan. Japanese: Arm, or skill.
秀 = Xiù. Chinese: Refined, elegant, graceful. 秀 = Shū. Japanese: Preeminence, excel.
Wansū ワンスウ・ワンスー
Wansu was an older Ryūkyūan pronunciation for the title of 王子, or “prince.” Wansu may also be a variation of the pronunciation for Wāng Jí, usually called Wanshū on Okinawa. Wāng Jí demonstrated his art while in the Ryūkyū Kingdom in 1683, and the kata is named in honor of them. Some styles use the kata names Wanshū and Wansu interchangeably. In Shōrin-ryū Seibukan, Shimabukuro Zenryō learned this kata from Kyan Chotoku, who in turn, learned it from Maeda Pechin. Isshin-ryū, also traces its lineage through Kyan sensei, by way of Shimabuku Tatsuo. The kata practiced in the Gohakukai, however, traces its Wansu lineage through Tokashiki Iken, a student of Nakasone Seiyu, who learned the kata from Iha Kōtatsu. Wansu is practiced in Shōrin-ryū Seibukan, Isshin-ryū, and the Gohakukai.
王子（わんす）= Wansu. Prince. Wansu was an older Ryūkyūan pronunciation for the word prince.
Wansu Dai ワンスー（大）This kata is practiced by the Gohakukai.
Wansu Sho ワンスー（小）This kata is practiced by the Gohakukai.
Yaka no Sai・Yakā nu Sai 屋嘉阿の釵（ヤカーヌサイ）
This is a Saijutsu kobudō kata.
屋嘉阿の釵 = Yaka no Sai. Sai of the beach-house.
屋嘉阿 = Yakā. Yakā is the Okinawan word for ocean-view or beachfront house.
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
釵 = Sai. Okinawan: A metal pronged kobudō method of self protection.
Yantsu・Yansu・Ansan 安三 ヤンツー・ヤンスー・アンサン
Earliest reference late 1970’s. Creator: Possibly Kuniba Shōgō. This elegant kata was originally called Ansan by Motobu-ha/Kuniba-ha ryū. Later, it would be adopted by the Kyokushinkai where it is now known as Yantsu or Yansu. This kata is practiced by Motobu-ha/Kuniba-ha Shitō-ryū, and also by the Kyokushinkai. Fascinating modern pop culture reference, Jin Kazama can be seen performing Yantsu during the introductory Embu from the fighting game Tekken 4.
安三 = Yantsu, Ansan, Yansu. Content or Calm Three.
安 = An, yasu. Relax, quiet, rested, content, peaceful.
三 = San, mi. Three.
Yaraguwa nu Tonfa 屋良小のトンファー（ヤラーグァーヌトンファー）
This is a Tonfajutsu kobudō kata.
屋良小のトンファー = Yaraguwa no Tonfa. Yaraguwa’s Tonfa.
屋良 = Yaraguwa. The legendary master of Okinawa Dī, Chatan Yara was sometimes called Yaraguwa.
小（グァ）= Guwa. Okinawan: Small.
の = Nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
トンファー = Tonfa. Okinawan: A baton like kobudō method of self protection.
トゥイファー = Tuifa. Okinawan. This is the original pronunciation for tonfa.
Yonegawa no Kon・Yuniga nu Kun 米川の棍（ユニガーヌクン）
Earliest reference 1938. Creator: Chinen Masanrah. This is a Bōjutsu kobudō kata.
米川の棍 = Yonigawa no kon. Yonegawa’s Staff. Staff of Yuniga
米川 = Yonegawa, Yuniga. This is a neighborhood in Shuri, Okinawa.
の = No, nu. Of. Indicates possessive.
棍 = Kun. Okinawan: Staff. Japanese: Kon.
© Alan Michael Godshaw
18 responses to “Kata Dictionary”
[…] Kata Dictionary Styles Karateka Bibliography […]
A fascinating and informative resource you’ve created here, thanks. Could you please publish your sources?
Why thank you very much. All of my sources are in my bibliography section.
Thank you very much for this resource! I have, however, two questions which could be of interest: you mention the Tsuken Bo form 津堅棒, and Tsuken 津堅 is the name of a small island to the east of Okinawa. Does Tsuken Bo perhaps mean Tsuken Island Staff?
You also mention Sunakake no Kon, a.k.a. Tsuken Sunakake no Kon 津堅砂掛の棍, suggesting Tsuken Sunakake is the personal name of an Okinawan Bojutsu master. However, as I mentioned above, Tsuken is the name of an island, and “sunakake” 砂掛 is the name of a staff technique. In his book Bo: Karate Weapon of Self-Defense, Fumio Demura mentions a technique called Sukuiage Sunakake, which I think is written 掬上砂掛, and which he translates as Sweeping (see pages 96-97).
Sukuiage 掬い上げ means “scoop up”, “dip up”; suna 砂 means “sand”; and kake 掛け means “splash”, “sprinkle”, but also “attack”. Demura explains that “The early Bojutsu fighter used this technique to blind and distract his adversary. As the Bo rotated, he would sweep the lower end of the staff forward, down along the ground, then swiftly upward, scooping sand and dirt into the face and eyes of his opponent.” (p. 96) This technique was perhaps originally intended for the Eku エーク , i.e. the Okinawan oar.
So Sukuiage Sunakake means something like “Scooped Up Sand Splash / Attack” and Tsuken Sunakake no Kon means perhaps Tsuken Island Sand Splashing Staff. Does this make sense?
Thank you very much! Please look for other mistakes. I am very grateful for your knowledge. I will research more the Tsuken Island connection before I change this, as most researchers have given Tsuken Uēkata Seisoku credit for introducing this kata, and he was from Shuri. In any case, I could still be wrong, so thank you very much for your help.
You’re welcome! I found a video on Ryukyu Kobudo with the Tsuken Sunakake no Kon, which has a commentary which says something like: “Kata for the Eku, developed by the fishermen of Ryukyu. It has a technique in which the enemy is sprinkled with sand, as well as many other attacks. It is a practical weapon with massive destructive power.” The island of Tsuken is not mentioned, however.
Don’t quote me on this, because my Japanese is very poor, and the English translation on the video is horrible. I study Classical Chinese so that’s why I can read the Kanji, but that’s not always reliable when reading Japanese.
This is very interesting thank you for going to the trouble of where is all this and publishing it.
Thank you for enjoying it!
Well. Now am I ready to join your group. Is 74 1/2 young enough? This is serious stuff?
Of course! Thank you so much for being here. 74 1/2 is JUST PERFECT! Please enjoy
Overall awesome research .. period
Thank you for your kind words! Hope you are doing well.
superb.Thank for your imformations.Very good job.
Thank you so much!
Muy importante información.
Completa y aclaratoria.
Gracias
Merci cher Alan pour ce bijou culturel portant sur le ” kata ” de différents styles … C’en est vraiment un ouvrage de référence … Merci encore une fois : confraternellement vôtre : ” shihan ” Mohammed Zegraoui ( du Maroc ) .
I am exceedingly grateful to those who worked and produced this wonderful material.
excellent work!thank you very much!