Isshinryu Karate

Kata Overview

H-Pattern Kata

H-Pattern is not a "real" Isshinryu kata per se. It is an elementary kata that demonstrates various elements of katas.

Seisan Kata

This is the first kata of the Isshinryu system, which originated from Shorin-Ryu. It emphasizes a straight forward stance, mae geri, and rapid techniques. It is named after a Chinese artist, Seisan, who lived on an Okinawan island during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Seisan was considered "the eighth wonder of the world" because of his unusual power and ability. Seisan kata can be traced back as far as Soshu Matsumara in the nineteenth century, who was the instructor of Yasutune Itosu and Chotoku Kyan. Chotoku Kyan taught Tatsuo Shimabuku. Shimabuku taught the vertical punch with the thumb on top in this kata instead of using a twist punch. His reasons were 1, it was faster, 2, it could be retracted easily without elbow breaks, and 3, it was stronger.

Seiuchin Kata

Seiuchin dache: A strong stance with feet shoulder width apart and feet at 45-degree angles. This kata uses reinforced blocks and punches; it is a breathing kata; it has six attackers. It is named after a Chinese artist, Seiuchin, who lived during the fifteenth and sixteenth centures. Legends say that Seiuchin was so powerful that he could pierce the side of a cow with the tips of his fingers and penetrate into the body enough that he could pull meat out from inside with his powerful hands. Historical data indicates that Kanryo Higashionna, who had gone to China and studied karate, is the person responsible for the contribution of this kata to Isshinryu. Kanryo Higashionna was Chojun Myagi's instructor. Tatsuo Shimabuku learned tho kata directly from Chojun Myagi and gives credit to him for the profound influence of the Goju-Ryu system into Isshinryu.

Wansu Kata

This kata is from Shorin-Ryu and is named after Master Wansu. This kata emphasizes use of left and right arm punches; for this reason, it is called the Strong Arm Form. It is also called the 'dumping kata' because of the throws it uses. Tatsuo Shimabuku later referred to the kata as the Dragon Boy or Dumping Form. The kata was brought into Okinawa in 1683 by a Chinese man named Wansu. It was then reformed and developed later by karateka around the Tomari village. (NAGAMINE Shoshin, The Essence of Okinawan Karate-do, pg 187). The kata was composed in 1695, and is also known as Ansu, Unsu, and Unshu.

Nai Hanchi Kata

This kata is from Shorin-Ryu, and is designed for fighting against a wall or narrow bridge. It is also called the Missing Enemy Form. It uses the Iron Horse stance and fake kicks to mimic leg sweeps. The most important and significant distinction of nai hanchi kata is the training of the lower part of the body through slow and steady sideward movements with maximum strength. This kata is also known to the Shuri and Tomari Schools (NAGAMINE Shoshin, The Essence of Karate-do, pg 148). The kata is well over 170 years old (editor's note: the year is 2001 at the time of this writing) and dates back ot the era of Tode Sakugawa. This kata was the favorite of Yasutune Itosu.