Kata are the living text books of karate. Passed down, unchanged, from instructor to student through the ages, they are patterns of set movements that contain all the various movements and techniques found within the Goju Ryu style. Strikes, blocks, kicks, locks, throws, escape, evasion, all are contained within the various kata

To the beginner, learning kata might be likened to the learning of a dance routine. However, this is an incorrect approach and the student who continues to practice in this manner will only be scratching the surface and will never understand the true meaning. The various movements and directions are able to be learned in a short space of time. It is the meaning behind these various movements and their application that takes much longer. In days gone by it is said that new students to karate were made to practice nothing other that a single kata for many years before being accepted to train with a karate master. Even in modern Goju Ryu only six or seven kata are taught before the student achieves shodan (1st Dan Black Belt) and this will take at least five years

The study of the application of the various movements contained within the kata is where the kata really comes to life and the student will begin to understand the real meaning. Known as Bunkai, this usually involves working with a fellow student to practice the movements of a kata against a real attack. There are many different applications of each movement and they are not always as they seem. The student who has practiced kata for many years will begin to find themselves responding to attacks with techniques from the kata without even realising it

Much can be learned about the true meaning of karate by the repeated practice of kata

Some styles of karate have many different kata. In Goju Ryu karate there are 12

Sanchin

Sanchin means "Three battles". The underlying principle is the battle between soul, mind and body. Through hard training and steady practising the three of them should be united. Originally this kata was taught by Sensei Higa(s)hionna with open hands (as it is still practised in Uechi Ryu). Miyagi Sensei changed this to clenched fists. This is the first of the Katas or forms. Sanchin is the basis of Goju Ryu. This Kata serves to promote proper breathing, Kime (shime), focus and great power as well as tremendous resistance to body blows and strikes with continued practice
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Picture currently being updated

Gekisai Dai-Ichi & Ni

The translation of these Kanji reads "to demolish, to destroy". The Gekisai-Katas were first introduced into Goju-Ryu by Miyagi Sensei for giving starters in this martial art a first insight. They were developed around 1944. In this year the 2nd world war was raging on Okinawa, which also left traces in Gekisai Kata: In early versions the first Tzuki were carried out much higher than ones own jodan. This symbolises an (American) opponent, which is mush taller than the performer of the kata. The Gekisai Katas introduce the students to basic Goju-Ryu techniques of rapid execution, tension and relaxation between moves

 

Saifa

Saifa means "destroying strikes" or "to tear, to shred, to crush". Traditionally the 2nd kanji reads "ha" but was changed to "fa" due to Okinawa influence. The Bunkai of Saifa reveals several grappling techniques and very effective uke-waza (e.g. with strikes to the opponents elbow etc.) This Kata of Chinese origin and was brought to Okinawa by Kanryo Higaonna. Striking to the side and freeing techniques are emphasised in this kata. Strikes are circular with free movements in the wrist, elbow and shoulder joints to promote whip like speed and force
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Picture currently being updated

Seiyunchin

(Grab or pull in battle). This kata is characterised by breathing and slow movements with Muchimi (sticky hands). All movements are hand techniques with no kicks. This kata emphasises a strong and stable stance; therefore shiko dachi is heavily stressed. As its name implies there are several pulling and striking techniques

Shisochin

(Attack from 4 directions). Also of Chinese origin as taught to Kanryo Higaonna by Ryu Ryuku. A lot of escape and push movements are emphasised with hip movement. In addition to pushing techniques to distance your opponent, this kata contains close in techniques such as joint locks and strikes
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Picture currently being updated

Tensho

Tensho means, "Rotating palms". This breathing kata was developed by Miyagi sensei from the Rokkishu kata from Chinese white crane style. Rokkishu is the meaning for "6 Hands" and denotes the different hand positions in this kata. Tensho combines movement with softness. Similar to Sanchin, it is usually practised at the end of a training session. It is a combination of dynamic tension with deep breathing and soft flowing hand movements

 

Sanseru

(36 Hands). Rapid movements in defending close range attacks from 4 directions as in Shisochin. Several takedowns are implemented in this kata with emphasis on short-range kicks
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Picture currently being updated

Sepai

(Eighteen Hands). The attacks in Sepai are not always face to face, many are performed at 45* angles as well as attacks were you first sink down and then rise up into the attack. This kata contains many new combinations

 

Kururunfa

(Draw and suddenly destroy). This kata features Tai Sabaki (evasive manoeuvres) and very quick movements. This kata features very fast movements of the hands and feet and as such is very important in Goju-Ryu for its balance of go and ju techniques
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Picture currently being updated

Sesan

(Thirteen Hands). Apparently this kata was a favourite of Chojun Miyagi Sensei. This kata stresses close range fighting with short punches and low kicks with many changes in directions. It is characterised by combinations of techniques containing fast explosive movements balanced by slower heavy movements performed with muchimi

 

Suparinpei

(108 hands). Also called Pichurin. Suparinpei contains many open handed techniques performed in tandem providing many applications. This is the last and longest kata in the system with many changes from hard to soft

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