| Seisan: |
The First
Kata taught in Isshinryu. Seisan was taught to Master Shimabuku by
Chotoku Kyan. Seisan emphasizes doing techniques in sequences of
three.
|
| Seiuchin: |
The
"Warriors Kata." Seiuchin comes from the Goju-ryu style
and was Taught to Shimabuku by Chojun Miyagi. Seiuchin highlights
strong stances and emphasizes correct breathing techniques. This
kata also teaches a student the principles of fighting at 45 degree
angles. There are no kicks in Seiuchin.
|
| Naihanchi: |
Naihanchi
emphasizes the techniques used when fighting with your back to a
wall. Chojun Miyagi was quotes as saying that all of a karate-ka
needed to know about fighting could be found within the moves of Naihanchi
kata. This kata emphasizes close movements, elbow strikes and being
able to avoid incoming leg techniques.
|
| Wansu: |
Also
called the Dumping form. Wansu is the first isshinryu kata to
utilize a throwing maneuver.
|
| Chinto: |
Chinto
kata is done entirely on a 45 degree angle. This is the first kata
that utilzes a jumping kick.
|
| Kusanku: |
This kata
teaches techniques that are used in low light or no light
situations. This kata highlights circular movements as well as
feeling techniques used to locate ones target. This kata is
performed in a variety of directions and has two jumping techniques.
|
| Sanchin: |
"Three Wars." Sanchin is the signature kata of the
Goju-ryu style. Strong stances and breathing techniques are the
heart and soul of this form. While there are few moves to be
learned, the mastery of this kata takes a life time.
|
| Sunsu: |
Unique to
Isshinryu, Sunsu was created by Master Shimabuku using moves from the
other Isshinryu katas as well as some of his own favorite fighting
techniques. Sunsu is the last kata a student has to master before
testing for Black Belt.
|
| Tokumine No Kun: |
The
first Bo kata taught in Isshinryu. Tokumine teaches basic bo
movements fighting to each sides as well as front to back.
|
| Kyan No Sai: |
This kata
is not officially a part of this Isshinryu system, though Master Shimabuku
often taught it to his students. This kata is only taught in the
adult class to rising blue belts.
|
| Kusanku Sai: |
This
kata is also unique to the Isshinryu system. This kata is almost
identical to the open handed version with the addition of the weapon
itself.
|
| Urashi Bo: |
One of the
many forms taught to Shimabuku by the weapons master Taira Shinken.
This bo emphasizes down strikes and techniques for fighting from the right
side.
|
| Chatan Yara No Sai: |
This
kata emphasizes techniques used to combat an adversary using a
Bo.
|
| Hamahiga No Tuifa: |
Hamahiga is the only kata utilizing the Tuifa (or Tonfa in mainland
japanese.) A very impressive kata that requires much practice to
master.
|
| Shishi No Ku No Dai: |
The final Bo kata taught in the isshinryu style, this kata is the longest
that a student of our style will learn. This kata teaches techniques
not used in the first two bo katas and teaches a student how to fight at
various heights and angles. |
