Kata is a term used in martial arts which refers to a structured routine consisting of different techniques and stances. It’s a methodology that uses repeated and consistent practice, teaching us how to perform movements by creating habits, allowing us to move without conscious thought.
Whilst we learn fundamental techniques in solo form often during linework, there is an argument that we only need to learn kata, as everything we need to learn as fundamentals is in kata, both basic and advanced techniques, all stances and body movements in flowing compositions.
All the kata taught in WadÅ-RyÅ« has been handed down over the ages, often by simple demonstration from teacher to student.
The katas that we learn and practise at Red Eagle Martial Arts are:
Juniors’ ‘Kitsu’ Syllabus
Pinan Nidan - A Click to view video - Pinan Nidan A
B Click to view video - Pinan Nidan B
Pinan Shodan - A Click to view video - Pinan Shodan A
- B Click to view video - Pinan Shodan B
Pinan Sandan - A Click to view video - Pinan Sandan A
Pinan Yodan - A Click to view video - Pinan Yodan A
B Click to view video - Pinan Yodan B
Pinan Godan - A Click to view video - Pinan Godan A
B Click to view video - Pinan Godan B
Adults Syllabus
Pinan Nidan Click to view video - Pinan Nidan
Pinan Shodan Click to view video - Pinan Shodan
Pinan Sandan Click to view video - Pinan Sandan
Pinan Yodan Click to view video - Pinan Yodan
Pinan Godan Click to view video - Pinan Godan
Kushanku Click to view video - Kushanku
Naihanchi Click to view video - Naihanchi
Seishan Click to view video - Seishan
Chinto Click to view video - Chinto
Passai Click to view video - Passai
Wanshu
Rohai
Jitte
Jion
Neishishi
What do the kata names mean and where did they originate from?
Pinan katas |
Pinan (Okinawan word) translates into ‘peaceful’ |
The Pinan kata were adapted by Anko Itosu from older kata such as Kusanku and Channan into forms suitable for teaching karate to young students when karate was introduced to mainland Japan in the early 1900’s. |
Kushanku |
Roughly translates into ‘sky viewing’ or ‘viewing the sky’ |
This kata is the longest we learn with 52 moves. It was originally brought to Okinawa in 1762 by a Chinese envoy named Kushanku (pronounced Kosokun in Japan). |
Naihanchi |
Translates loosely into ‘sideways fighting’ |
A kata like no other! This involves straddle stance, or Naihanchi Dachi, and takes place in a straight line. A short, but very complex kata. |
Chinto |
A literal translation is 'Fighting to the East' |
Created by Sokon “Bushi” Matsumura (1809—1902) who learnt new methods from a shipwrecked Chinese sailor and martial artist |
Seishan |
Means “thirteen hands”. |
Said to be the oldest kata of them all. It was introduced by Sokon Matsumura, who learnt it whilst studying in China. The first part of the kata is done slowly under tension, with the second part at normal speed. |
Passai |
Means “to thrust asunder” |
This kata is believed to have originated in China. Passai – sometimes pronounced “Bassai” is one of the longer kata’s we practise. Passai includes a variety of stances and techniques, in various directions, making it challenging (and interesting) to learn. |
Wanshu |
Roughly translated to ‘flying swallow’ |
Wanshu was a Chinese envoy who went to Okinawa in the 1600s. Whilst there, he taught a small group Shaolin White Crane Kempo. I believe Wanshu movements require you to understand Tai sabaki, otherwise they look and feel weak in motion. |
Rohai |
Translates as “vision of a white heron” |
Rohai has large flowing arm movements, that are said to resemble the movement of a heron’s wings. The typical version of Rohai practiced in Wado-Ryu is derived from Rohai Shodan, created by Anko Itosu. |
Neiseishi |
Means "twenty-four steps" |
Neiseishi was created by Aragaki. With the exception of the Pinan kata series, Neiseishi is the only kata in Wado-Ryu of Okinawan origin, the remainder originated from China. This kata moves in the points of a triangle, so very different to the others we practise. |
Jion |
Means "Temple sounds" |
Believed to be developed at a temple called ‘Jion’ in China, hence the name. Jion is a long kata, it follows similar directions to the Pinan kata series, also performs techniques in the combinations of 3 and on both sides. |
Jitte |
Translates to "Ten hands" |
Often spoken of as if mastered the kata will provide you with the power of 5 men. Believed to be have been developed by Chinese monks. One of the few kata’s that does not have any kicks or high leg movements in it. |