Shorin-Ryu Kata
Compiled by Sensei Jeff Brooks and the Northampton
Karate Dojo
The training kata:
White Belt: Fukyugata Ichi, created by Shoshin Nagamine
Ro-Kyu (one green tip): Fukyugata Ni, created by Chojun Miyagi.
Go-Kyu (two green tips): Training exercise OyotanRen, and training kata San
Yon-Kyu (green belt): Pinan Shodan and Pinan Nidan, created by Anko Itosu
San-Kyu (brown tips): Pinan Sandan, Pinan Yondan, Pinan Godan, created by Anko Itosu
Ni-Kyu (brown belt): Naihanchi Shodan, created by Bushi Matsumura
Ik-kyu (black tips): Naihanchi Nidan and Naihanchi Sandan, by Bushi Matsumura
The traditional kata:
Wankan
Ananku
Wanshu
Rohai
Passai
Chinto
Gojushiho
Kusanku
These traditional kata of Shorin-Ryu can trace their origins back to the martial arts of China. Each one offers its own set of tactics and techniques. Each one presents a
unique approach to dealing with multiple opponents. Together they form a comprehensive system.
The most advanced practitioners select one of these advanced kata and use it for decades as the means to perfect their karate and themselves.
KARATE TERMINOLOGY
Anza...............................Crossed-legged seated posture
Arigato...........................Thank you
Atemi..............................Breaking
Bo...................................Long staff
Bunkai.............................Divide and analyze
Chishi..............................Strength stone
Chudan............................Middle
Dan..................................Black Belt rank
Dachi................................Stance
Do....................................Way
Dojo.................................School, way place
Dozo.................................Please
Eku...................................Oar
Fukyugata.........................Basic kata
Gedan...............................Lower
Geri...................................Kick
Gi......................................Uniform
Hajime...............................Begin
Hara..................................Center of the body
Hidari.................................Left
Hiji ate...............................Elbow strike
Hikite
..Returning hand
Jodan.................................Upper
Kama..................................Sickle
Kara...................................Empty
Karate.................................Empty hand
Kata....................................Form; a set of fighting moves against imaginary opponents
Ki........................................Energy
Kiai......................................Convergence of energy and spirit
Kime....................................Focused energy
Kosa dachi...........................Crossed leg stance
Kumite.................................Crossing hands; fighting practice
Kyotske................................Attention
Kyu......................................Rank below black belt
Maai.....................................Distance
Mae......................................Front
Matsubayashi Ryu.................Pine Forest style; Shorin Ryu
Mawashi................................Round
Mawatte................................Turn
Migi......................................Right
Naihanchi...............................Gripping the earth from within
Nunchuku..............................Grain flail
Obi........................................Belt
Onegaishimasu.......................Please teach me; I request
OyotanRen.............................Apply and refine; basic exercise
Pinan......................................Peaceful spirit
Ren Zoku...............................Flowing; without a count
Rei.........................................Bow; courtesy
Sai..........................................anti-sword weapon
Seiken....................................Fist
Seiza......................................Kneeling position
Sempai....................................Senior
Sensei......................................Teacher
Shihan.....................................Director
Shinden...................................Predecessors
Shinden ni rei..........................Bow to those who have come before us
Shotto matte...........................Wait a minute
Shuto.......................................Knife hand
Tanden.....................................Hara; center of vital energy
Tanden kumite..........................Fighting from the center; three point arm training
Tonfa........................................Mill handle
Uke...........................................Block
Uraken......................................Back fist
Waza.........................................Technique
Yakusoku Kumite......................Pre-arranged fighting
Yame.........................................Stop
Yoi............................................Ready
Yoko..........................................Side
Zenkutsu-dachi............................Front-leg-bent stance
Zuki...........................................Punch
COUNTING
Ichi............................One
Ni..............................Two
San............................Three
She (or Yon)..............Four
Go..............................Five
Ro (Roku)..................Six
She (Shichi)................Seven
Hachi..........................Eight
Ku...............................Nine
Jyu..............................Ten