Okinawan Goju Ryu Kata
Sanchin
3 Battles / conflicts
The name Sanchin or 3 battles refers to the conflict between mind, body and spirit during the practice of this kata.
There are two versions of Sanchin, Higaonna Kanyro Sanchin and the version developed by Miyagi Sensei.
https://youtu.be/9mkhBTJ36Mk?si=l1m5lkB22HeqrPd1
Gekisai Dai Ichi
To destroy introduction number one
This kata was created by Miyagi Sensei in 1940 out of his desire to popularise Goju Ryu within the high school system in Okinawa. It is interesting to note that this kata finishes with a step forwards. Japan was at war at the time of this katas creation and according to Higaonna Sensei's book The History of Karate-Do, Miyagi Sensei included the forward step as an analogy to the country moving forward.
https://youtu.be/YtcRO7zceIg?si=y-1-ZOJGGk0jfp9L
Gekisai Dai Ni
To destroy introduction number two
This kata was created at the same time as Gekisai Dai Ichi. It introduces open hand techniques and Neko Ashi movements, an important feature of many advanced Goju Ryu kata.
https://youtu.be/7ATBdHJcq-g?si=yBWr-uMJigQRu9aP
Saifa
To destroy by pounding / pulverising
Saifa utilises tai-sabaki (body shifting) and many escape techniques.
https://youtu.be/oKj5drvygec?si=FJLAgNiqXE_bFJ0j
Seiyunchin
Grasping, pulling, unbalancing
Seiyunchin is unusual in that it does not employ any kicking techniques. It contains several escape techniques.
https://youtu.be/_52ye5xADGA?si=x5s0AVJ9Ct7m9QMw
Shisochin
To destroy in four directions
This kata is said to have been the favourite of Miyagi Sensei in his later years. The kata employs joint locking and close quarter fighting techniques.
https://youtu.be/GyRyR3pd7FI?si=si-PkqBqwvtGDq1t
Sanseru
36 Hands or movements
Sanseru employs many entry, joint attacks and defences against kicking attacks.
https://youtu.be/tCrXO9MQJyk?si=vmNSjqc0y-vgDtdg
Sepai
18 Hands or movements
Sepai uses many movements that require co-ordination between the hips and hands. It contains many varied techniques.
https://youtu.be/rBvK4eSHReY?si=JIKdR6u4H2Slmgbv
Kururunfa
Holding on long and striking suddenly
Kururunfa employs a great deal of Neko Ashi movements and in-fighting techniques.
https://youtu.be/3HGX7L6VIcU?si=EtQd7MnYu_6oAp8U
Sesan
13 Hands or movements
Sesan contains many unusual techniques and demonstrates the difference between Go (Hard) and Ju (Soft) A different version is practised in Shotokan (Hangetsu) and in Wado Ryu (Seishan). Sesan was the favourite kata of Shinzato Jin'an Sensei.
https://youtu.be/jXNjK_HuV1Y?si=QBk4nHLS9M8GS1kZ
Suparimpei
108 Hands or movements
The most advanced and intricate kata of the Goju Ryu system. Sometimes known by an old name of Pitchurrin.
https://youtu.be/znVHgcPISKg?si=JXfrXE88SXJDdM-A
Tensho
Rotating palms
Miyagi Sensei developed this kata from his research in Fuzhou, southern China during the period 1917 to 1921.
It is also known as Rokkishu.