KATAs we practise

Pinan katas

Pinan (Okinawan word) translates into ‘peaceful’

The Pinan kata were adapted by Anko Itosu from older kata such as Kusanku and Channan into forms suitable for teaching karate to young students when karate was introduced to mainland Japan in the early 1900’s.

Kushanku

Roughly translates into ‘sky viewing’ or ‘viewing the sky’

This kata is the longest we learn with 52 moves.  It was originally brought to Okinawa in 1762 by a Chinese envoy named Kushanku (pronounced Kosokun in Japan). 

Naihanchi

Translates loosely into ‘sideways fighting’

A kata like no other!  This involves straddle stance, or Naihanchi Dachi, and takes place in a straight line.  A short, but very complex kata.

Chinto

A literal translation is 'Fighting to the East'

Created by Sokon “Bushi” Matsumura (1809—1902) who learnt new methods from a shipwrecked Chinese sailor and martial artist

Seishan

Means “thirteen hands”.

Said to be the oldest kata of them all. It was introduced by Sokon Matsumura, who learnt it whilst studying in China. The first part of the kata is done slowly under tension, with the second part at normal speed.

Passai

Means “to thrust asunder”

This kata is believed to have originated in China. Passai – sometimes pronounced “Bassai” is one of the longer kata’s we practise.  Passai includes a variety of stances and techniques, in various directions, making it challenging (and interesting) to learn.

Wanshu

Roughly translated to ‘flying swallow’

Wanshu was a Chinese envoy who went to Okinawa in the 1600s. Whilst there, he taught a small group Shaolin White Crane Kempo.  I believe Wanshu movements require you to understand Tai sabaki, otherwise they look and feel weak in motion.

Rohai

Translates as “vision of a white heron”

Rohai has large flowing arm movements, that are said to resemble the movement of a heron’s wings. The typical version of Rohai practiced in Wado-Ryu is derived from Rohai Shodan, created by Anko Itosu.

Neiseishi

Means "twenty-four steps"

Neiseishi was created by Aragaki. With the exception of the Pinan kata series, Neiseishi is the only kata in Wado-Ryu of Okinawan origin, the remainder originated from China.

This kata moves in the points of a triangle, so very different to the others we practise.

Jion

Means "Temple sounds"

Believed to be developed at a temple called ‘Jion’ in China, hence the name.

Jion is a long kata, it follows similar directions to the Pinan kata series, also performs techniques in the combinations of 3 and on both sides.

Jitte

Translates to "Ten hands"

Often spoken of as if mastered the kata will provide you with the power of 5 men.  Believed to be have been developed by Chinese monks.

One of the few kata’s that does not have any kicks or high leg movements in it.