Goju-Ryu Katas

Katas are a sequence of pre-defined movements that include the attack and defence against one or more imaginary attackers. They are practised alone to perfect the movements and to learn how to move more efficiently. Many katas contain karate techniques that are not obvious to an onlooker (and sometimes not even to the student performing the kata). The practical application of the katas is called Bunkai. Katas and their applications are an integral part of the grading system. There are twelve katas in the Okinawan Goju-Ryu Kata List

GEKISAI-DAI-ICHI & GEKISAI-DAI-NI

Gekisai means "to destroy or demolish". These katas were created by Chojun Miyagi and are designed for beginners. They contain exaggerated movements and are relatively easy to learn.

Detailed instructions for these two katas are on the following pages.

SAIFA

Saifa means, "tearing" and is of Naha-te origin. It is also known as "Circle/Circular" kata

SEIYUNCHIN

Seiyunchin is said to "mean marching far quietly" or "pulling" and is also known as the "Earth" or "Dragon" kata. It is of Chinese origin.

SHISOCHIN

Shisochin means, "fighting four" and refers to fighting in four directions and is of Chinese origin having been taught to Kanryo Higoanna by Ryu Ryu Ku

SANSERU

Sanseru when written in Chinese characters is the number 36. It also focuses on fighting in all four directions.

SEPAI

Sepai is the number 18. It is of Chinese origin

KURURUNFA

Kururunfa is an advanced kata. It is also of Chinese origin.

SEISAN

Seisan means "thirteen hands". It contains eight defensive and five offensive moves.

SUPERINPEI

Superinpei is the number 108 and is said to refer to a warrior group of 108 men who, in the 1600's travelled the countryside righting wrongs - Robin Hood style

SANCHIN

Sanchin means "three battles" the three being the body, the mind and the spirit. Kanryo Higoanna brought it back from China.

TENSHO

Tensho means "flowing or changing hand". Tensho is also known as "Heavenly Palm". Chojun Miyagi created it. It is a combination of dynamic tension and deep breathing with soft flowing hand movements.

GoJu-Ryu Katas