Library › 6. Kata
Kata compendium of Gōjū-Ryū Meibukan. The kata differ in level of difficulty, number of movements, and the techniques and training aspects underlying them.
A general distinction is made between Heishu and Kaishu kata: kata of the closed hand (Hei-Shu 閉手) and of the open hand (Kai-Shu 開手). The kanji 手 for hand in the sense of “Te”, as also found in karate 空手, differs etymologically from “Shu”. “Shu” refers to the manner in which something is done.
Heishu: In this closed form, an even tension is generated throughout the whole body. The joints lock firmly into place. Breathing is essential and accompanies the movements deliberately. This form is called isokinetic (iso = equal, kinetic = movement). It is particularly well suited to building correct posture, correct breathing and strength in a controlled way. The kata Tenshō and Sanchin belong to this form and make up the Tanren (= forging) kata. Through their fixed form they are the foundation – the blueprint – for the way all other movements are to be performed, whatever they may be.
Kaishu: In the open form, the tension is set at the end point (Kime point) of the movement. Breathing dictates the movement. The kata are also understood as body training, as a sequence of calisthenic exercises.
The kata are graded into Fukyu/Kihon (beginner level/basics), Tanren (forging) and Koryū (traditional kata). Gōjū-Ryū counts as Naha-Te. In the Meibukan, Geki Sai Ichi and Geki Sai Ni are the Fukyu kata. In addition, the Meibuken comprise five further kata, developed by the founder of the Meibukan (Meitoku Yagi) between 1976 and 1991.
At Ōkami, one kata from Shuri-Te and one from Tomari-Te are also taught, to preserve part of the other Okinawan roots. More on this in the history section.
Kata list according to the Ōkami curriculum
In the Ōkami curriculum, the kata are organised as follows:
- Fukyu kata
- Geki Sai Ichi (撃砕第一)
- Geki Sai Ni (撃砕第二)
- Tanren kata
- Sanchin (三戦)
- Tenshō (転掌)
- Koryū kata
- Saifa (砕破)
- Shisochin (pronounced Sochin)
- Sanseiryu (三十六)
- Seienchin
- Sesan (十三)
- Sepai (十八)
- Kururunfa (久留頓破)
- Suparinpei (壱百零八)
- Naihanchi (Naihanshi) Shodan* (Shuri-Te)
- Passai* (Tomari-Te)
- Meibuken kata
- Tenchi (天地)
- Seiryu (青竜)
- Shujakku (朱雀)
- Byakko (白虎)
- Genbu (玄武)
* Naihanchi and Passai come from Shōrin-Ryū, not from Shorei-Ryū.
Spellings according to the IMGKA (Meibukan). Common alternatives: Shisochin (Shi So Chin), Sanseiryu (San Sei Ryu, Sanseru), Seienchin (Seiyunchin, Seiunchin), Sesan (Seisan), Sepai (Seipai), Suparinpei (Suparinpe), Shujakku (Shuyakku, Suzaku), Genbu (Gembu).