WHAT IS KATA?

When a student begins to show proficiency with the 15 upper and 15 lower body lsshinryu basics, They are then ready to begin learning the first lsshinryu kata called Seisan.

Kata's are an elaborate series of prearranged movements developed by the Masters many years ago depicting various types of defensive and offensive techniques used against an array of imaginary attackers. Kata's are an excellent conditioning exercise, and through their study, one truly begins to understand and appreciate the devastating power and beauty of the lsshinryu karate system.

Kata is the heart of karate and a system without kata cannot be called karate. Kata teaches a student patience, perfection, discipline and control. Which are all needed to meet the demanding effort lsshinryu requires from all it’s practitioners who should always strive for excellence.

With his deep wisdom, Master Shimabuku has said there are four stages to every kata and that a karateka should strive to go beyond all four stages. He further likened the mastery of a kata to the creating of a wooden sculpture.

The first stage of arakezuri (beginning) is when the student is taught the moves of a kata and is expected to remember the proper sequence. At this point, the kata is 30 percent and the karateka, who once feared the unknown, is now pointed in the proper direction. At this stage, the statue is simply a block of wood.

As a student advances through nakakezuri (middle), he is 50 percent of the way. The moves of the kata are presentable but lack the kime (focus) of perfection. The statue begins to take a shape, but the form is unrecognizable.

When hosokezuri (top) is achieved, the fine details of the kata are there. At 80 percent of the way, the student has achieved kime. No longer must he contemplate what moves come next.

The kata is now an instinct. The statue, once an unrecognizable shape, is finely detailed.

Shyagi (beyond the top) is the final stage in the student’s progress. All detail is complete both physically and mentally. The karateka has achieved an inner power (ki) and superb muscular control. This is 100 percent of the way. and the physical is now into the realm of spiritual. The statue is painted and polished and considered a work of art.  

Isshin-Ryu teaches eight hand Kata's, they are listed below 

SANCHIN

Origin- Gojuryu

Meaning- Three conflicts (Breathing, Physical, and Mental), or "Walking meditation", or "Three Battles"

Principles- Focus

SEISAN                Click here to see Master Shimabuku perform this Kata

Origin- Shorinryu

Meaning- Third breathing form

Principles- Firepower, Mobility, and Maneuverability

SEIUCHIN            Click here to see Master Shimabuku perform this Kata

Origin- Gojuryu

Meaning- Combination of breathing and full speed, or "The lull in the storm", or "The storm within the calm"

Principles- Stability

NAI HANCHI        Click here to see Master Shimabuku perform this Kata

Origin- Shorinryu

Meaning- Iron Horse, or "Fighting on home ground"

Principles- Combination of stable and mobile stance

WANSU                Click here to see Master Shimabuku perform this Kata

Origin- Shorinryu

Meaning- Dumping form

Principles-Knee lifts and 45° movement

 CHINTO            Click here to see Master Shimabuku perform this Kata

Origin- Shorinryu

Meaning- Named after Master Chinto, or "Fighting to the East"

Principles- Pivots

KUSANKU            Click here to see Master Shimabuku perform this Kata

Origin- Shorinryu

Meaning- Named after Master Kusanku

Principles- Deception

SUNSU                    Click here to see Master Shimabuku perform this Kata

Origin- Isshinryu

Meaning- Strong Man

Principles- Combination of all the principles

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