Kata Application Evaluation Checklist: Principles

To evaluate a potential kata application, check the items that apply.

1. More than one proper interpretation exists.



2. Every technique should be able to immediately end the fight.



3. Strike to disrupt; disrupt to strike.



4. Nerve strikes are "extra credit".



5. Work with the adrenaline rush, not against it.



6. Techniques must work at full speed and power.



7. Application must work on an "unwilling" partner.



8. Understand why it works.



9. Deception is not real.



10. If you are not there, you cannot get hit.



11. Cross the T to escape.



12. Stances aren't just for kata.



13. Don't forget to breathe.



14. Use both hands.



15. A lock or hold is not a primary fighting technique.
    

Use this checklist to decide if a kata is golden or possibly sub-optimal. A sub-optimal evaluation might indicate that you have not been taught the "real" kata. See also the other two parts of this Checklist; Rules and Other Considerations.

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From The Way of Kata: A Comprehensive Guide for Deciphering Martial Applications by Lawrence A. Kane and Kris Wilder (2005).

Kata Application Evaluation Checklist: Rules

To evaluate a potential kata application, check the items that apply.

1. Do not be deceived by the embusen rule.


2. Advancing techniques simply attack, while retreating techniques imply defense.


3. There is only one enemy at a time.


4. Every movement in kata has martial meaning/significance.


5. A hand returning to chamber usually has something in it.


6. Utilize the shortest distance to your opponent.


7. Control an opponent's head and you control the opponent.


8. There is no "block".


9. Kata demonstrate the proper angles.


10. Touching your own body in kata indicates touching your opponent.


11. Contour the body—strike hard to soft and soft to hard.


12. There is no pause.


Use this checklist to decide if a kata is golden or possibly sub-optimal. A sub-optimal evaluation might indicate that you have not been taught the "real" kata. See also the other two parts of this Checklist; Principles and Other Considerations.

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From The Way of Kata: A Comprehensive Guide for Deciphering Martial Applications by Lawrence A. Kane and Kris Wilder (2005).

Kata Application Evaluation Checklist: Other Considerations

To evaluate a potential kata application, check the items that apply.

1. Consistent with style's strategy.



2. Built on natural physiological reaction.


Use this checklist to decide if a kata is golden or possibly sub-optimal. A sub-optimal evaluation might indicate that you have not been taught the "real" kata. See also the other two parts of this Checklist; Principles and Rules.

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From The Way of Kata: A Comprehensive Guide for Deciphering Martial Applications by Lawrence A. Kane and Kris Wilder (2005).

On Kata - Learn to Move

Excerpt from Rory Miller's Meditations on Violence: A comparison of Martial Arts Training & Real World Violence, 2008.

To me, it looks like kata is all about hands, shoulders, and hips working together simultaneously with a drop in center of gravity (COG). This is one of the most potent systems of power generation. This is a potent system regardless of whether the action is interpreted as a strike, a lock, or a throw.

The more possibilities you see in anything, the more options you have. Since the actions can be interpreted effectively in so many ways, kata may be more powerful as a training tool if you see none of those (or all of them) than if you decide it is just one of them. As long as the hips, hands, shoulders, and COG work together, there is no difference anyway. Karateka get in their own way when they try to dig into the "deeper secrets" of their movement. Learn to move. Kata is excellent for that. Then reproduce or experience the dynamics of actual conflict and you will see how much really valid technique there is in the old forms.

"Kata is to be done in an air of distrust."—Shuzaku Shitama, 16th dai-shihan of Sosuishitsu-ryu

Sanchin Kata

Sanchin literally translates to the three conflicts (traditional Chinese medicine): mind, body, and spirit (breath/Chi). Sanchin Kata teaches us how to unite the three conflicts into one indestructible karateka. We learn to reduce the conflicts and harmonize the mind, spirit and body.

Sanchin is an isokenetic exercise, it uses dynamic tension and ibuki breath as in Seiuchin Kata. The training reminds me of my Jujitsu practice of hitting my rock and pounding the body after cultivating the Qi. There is a lot of stuff going on in the kata that requires the study of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and guidance of a knowledgeable sensei.
(Remind me to get back to the Bubishi.)

Prof. Jenkin's Martial Arts Dictionary tells us that the Japanese word sansen, three conflicts, is pronounced "sanchin" in Okinawa and that sansen dachi is the hourglass stance (pronounced "sanchin dachi" in Okinawa.) Does the hourglass (saam chien) stance get its name from the old Chinese quan or is Saam Chien (Sanchin) named after the stance?

The following links are not recommendations, just things I found that are at least somewhat informative. The information about Traditional Chinese Medicine in some of these links is not at all accurate (writers are not TCM practitioners.)

• Sanchin - the three conflicts. Blog post by someone who actually practices the kata and studied with a teacher who understood the kata. Good information about how to train using Sanchin Kata.


• Sanchin from a western medical perspective (can not vouch for this article at this time).


• Sanchin kata, three conflicts and three Jewel (part 1)
• Sanchin kata, three conflicts and three Jewel (part 2)


• Shihan John Lehner's email on Sanchin Kata.


• Sanchin Kata history from a Goju Ryu perspective.


• The Five Principles of Sanchin (Author IMHO has a western view point, doesn't get it.)

Naihanchi Kata - Details

The Japanese Martial Arts Character Dictionary by Prof. Thomas R. Jenkins says that "naihanchin" is the Okinawan word for the Japanese word "naihansen", fighting on a levee.

Other Japanese words that seem applicable based on their kanji are:

• Naihan—on a levee
• Nai—inside (first kanji in naihansen)
  

Seiuchin Kata-Details

Seiuchin Kata details taught by Kyoshi Dave Joslin tonight and at the Black Belt Extravaganza on Saturday.

This kata is of Goju Ryu origin founded by Master Miyagi. The film The Karate Kid (1984) used Chinto Kata, also of Gojo Ryu, and honored the school by naming the Pat Morita character "Mr. Miyagi". Master Tatsuo Shimabuku learned these two kata from Chōjun Miyagi personally.

Look before catching and moving.

Ibuki breath is very important, exhaling 90% and closing with Hup! [In Wansu Kata the Hup! follows the final kia as part of the double shuto strike.] Complete the microcosmic orbit with the tongue. Although not said, closing the bottom of the circle is probably just as important, it comes naturally with the preceding kia.

Archer moves are done with dynamic tension. The rear forearm is parallel to the ground at forehead level with hand open/grab thumb down; back of forward hand is against arm close the the elbow. Simultaneously, exhale 90% of the air, keeping rear elbow at 90° lower the elbow to the side at 45°, forward hand comes down to short rib level palm down then to the side for a shuto to uki's short ribs. Hold with a Hup as described above.

The jumping spin into a one legged stance before catching an placing the foot down. By being on balance after the covering spin, heart/diaphragm/groin covered, one is able to move in any direction as appropriate (as opposed to always falling back to the right:) The raised leg is chambered like it is with Shoba Kon Ate; the chambering provides the momentum for the spin.

Kusanku Kata

Kusanku was a Chinese emissary who lived in Nakashima-Yukaku, Okinawa. Master Sakugawa studied with Kusanku for six years before he created this kata in order to codify Kusanku's teachings. After their first encounter on the bridge it is said that Kusanku commented that Sakugawa need to learn the why of martial arts, not only the how.

Here is an old film (1960's) of Master Tatsuo Shimabuku performing the kata.

Ikkyu Rank Requirements

Two months after reaching Nikyu yo is eligible to test on the first third of Kusanku Kata for white Stripe. The third-way point of Kusanku is: Just after 2nd kneeling-Seisan stance/middle area block. Where you stand up and punch.

Two months after receiving white stripe yo is eligible to test on the second third of Kusanku Kata for green stripe. The second third of Kusanku is: After 2nd jumping crescent/back kick. Where you stand up and punch twice.

Two months after receiving green stripe yo is eligible to test for Ikkyu. Performing Kusanku Kata with proficiency. This is an official rank which is denoted by a additional red stripe. When a karate-ka reaches the rank of Ikkyu, yo is a 3rd degree brown belt and wears three red stripes on their obi.

Chinto Kata

Chinto Kata
Background
Chinto with pictures
overview
The principle is pivot.

Wansu Kata

Joslin's East West Karate—Wansu Kata Facts

What is Wansu Kata known for? The "Big Drop"
What technique do you get for the first time in Wansu Kata? The "Cross-body" punch
What is the new stance you learn in Wansu? Zen Kutsu Dachi
From which village in Okinawa did Wansu come from? Tomari
What is the principle of Wansu Kata? Changing distances
What does Isshinryu mean? One Heart Way
From whom did Master Shimabuku learn Wansu Kata? Chotoku Kyan
Which instructor taught Master Shimabuku Ippon kumite? Master Chokki Motobu

Shotokan practicioners call the Wansu Kata Empi which relates to the flight of the swallow. Master Funakoshi was probably reminded of the up and down movement of swallows in flight in the movement if the kata.

The kata comes from the Shorin-Ryu system and is named for a Chinese attaché. The attaché, some sources say, was shipwrecked while others say he was sent by the government about 1863 to Tomari, near Shuri. Master Wansu was known as the birdman and the Wansu art became known as Tomari Te (forerunners of Shorin-Ryu). Wansu is known as the dumping form and is also known for the hidden punch in the kata and for strong arm punches.

Bushi Matsumura taught the Kata to Choki Motobu and Chotoku Kyan, masters of Shimabuku.

—Isshin-Ryu Karate: The One Heart - One Mind Method
by Master Allen Wheeler

• Dojo cohort at home.
• Promotion demo at dojo.
  

Naihanchi Kata detail

Tonight Mr. Oliver showed me the last few moves in Naihanchi Kata.

I was having trouble with the one leg balance when the stacked fists are moved to the other hip. Turns out it should not be a one leg balance at all but a quick foot lift to counter a foot sweep. The weight is 90-10 when the foot it lifted and it is put back down well before you fall over.

Green Belt 2nd stripe

Kyoshi Dave Joslin tested me for the second/last stripe on the Green Belt tonight. Green Belt we learn Naihanchi Kata.

It took me several months to train myself to point the toes, plantar flexion, when I lift me knee for a kick. I had to unlearn what Prof. Tom Ryan showed me, lift the toes first for a faster lift. Tonight Kyoshi reminded me that in Naihanchi Kata we lift the toe and then scrap the foot on the ground as it is pulled in and away from Uki's sweep.

Naihanchi Kata

This kata is of Shuri-te (Shorinryu) origin, the third kata taught at our dojo. The name means Iron Horse. Alternate meanings of the name are surreptitious steps, sideways fighting, and horse riding straddle stance.

The kata has 67 moves, against 4-8 attackers from the front and sides. Naihanchi Kata is easily recognized by the fact that all movements are on the lateral line, staying on a straight track as if against the edge of a cliff or wall. It takes 35 seconds to execute.

Here is an old film (1966) of Master Tatsuo Shimabuku performing the kata, 1966.

Joslin's East West Karate—Naihanchi Kata Facts

What is the nickname for the Naihanchi Stance? Iron Horse Stance
What type of attacker are we defending against? Chinese Martial Artist
What is this kata known for? Lateral movement
What part of the body is being developed? Lower body
In the Naihanchi stance the toes are pointed inward (pigeon-toed), how many degrees? Ten
Traditionally where might you be defending yourself? Rice paddy, foot-bridge or with back against the wall

Seiuchin Kata

This kata is of Goju Ryu origin, Master Miyagi, the second kata taught at our dojo. The name means War Kata. It may also be translated as the storm within the calm or the lull in the storm.

The kata has 126 moves, against 6 attackers but contains no kicks. It takes 55 seconds to execute.

The kata begins slowly with power and ibuki breathing from a horse stance. The floor pattern is a Y for the most part. After the intense opening the kata explodes into a full power fast kata.

Here is an old film (1966) of Master Tatsuo Shimabuku performing the kata.

Joslin Kata Contest

The Joslin's East/West Karate In-house 2007 Kata Tournament was held today in the Auburn dojo.

I entered in the adult male beginner/intermediate class.

Good afternoon. My name is Jaya Carl. With your permission I will demonstrate Seisan Kata.

Since I have not been taught the full kata I stopped after 12 of the 13 attackers. By the end of the month I will learn the complete kata.

It is interesting how some students resemble their teacher. The better Granite Bay students definitely train with Sensei Bennati. Sensei Bennati has picked up some his Sensei's mannerisms and public speaking style.

Seisan Kata

This kata is of Shorin Ryu origin. The name means thirteen Seisan Kata is the first kata taught at our dojo.

The kata has over 125 moves, against 13 attackers, and includes 25? punches. (Check facts with Mr. Oliver.) It takes 60 seconds to execute.

It is one of the original kata from the ancient Pangia-Noon style. Its name is derived from Master Seshan. The kata teaches the student how to fight several opponents directly in front of him and how to turn and face opponents coming from different directions. The kata teaches a vertical punch with the thumb on top, instead of the twist punch. It emphasizes the "Seisan Stance" (SHO ZENKUTSU DACHI) of fighting.

Seisan kata is named after master Seisan, a great master from the Pangai Noon Style of Kung Fu. He lived in Okinawa from 1588 to 1600. This was just before the Japanese invasion. He was sent to Okinawa by a Chinese king to teach Chinese boxing. The kata was further developed by the Shorin Ryu system. Some authorities say this is the oldest of all katas. Master Seisan was considered the 8th wonder of the world because of his unusual power and ability.

Master Funakoshi Gichen named the kata Hangetsu (半月) (Japanese: "Half Moon") and adopted it for the Shotokan Style. The name probably came from the sweeping steps. Master Angi Uezu said that the word Seisan means thirteen as if you were defending against thirteen attackers when performing the kata. Seisan is one of the most complete katas and it teaches the basics of Isshinryu Karate. This kata takes years to master.

Here is an old poor quality film (1966) of Master Tatsuo Shimabuku performing the kata.

Joslin's East West Karate—Seisan Kata Facts

• How old is Seisan Kata? Over 400 years old.


• What does Seisan mean? Thirteen


• How many blocks in Seisan Kata? Twenty-four


• What is the weight distribution in Seisan stance? 50/50


• How many kiai in Seisan Kata? Two


• Why is the thumb on top of the Isshinryu fist? Strengthens the wrist


• How many moves are in Seisan Kata? Over 125


• What story does Seisan Kata tell? Breaking focus


• Name the three main benefits of Seisan Kata? Breathing, rapid technique, Seisan stance


• Seisan Kata originally came from which type of karate? Shorinryu

References

• VerticalFist.com


• Sensei Mario Ambris


• wikipedia, historical speculations


• Sensei Brian Winkelman
  
  

Kata in Karate Practice

I am reading the book The Weaponless Warriors; An Informal History of Okinawan Karate by Richard Kim. It is a collection of short articles on the historical figures of Okinawan Karate.

Itosu Yasutsune
To quote the book, page 58, "Today, Itosu is remembered mainly through his kata. His concentration during his teaching years centered around fulfillment of each person's individual physique. He realized that each person had to develop his body to the highest possible perfection, for himself and for his purpose. To put the body under complete control of the mind was necessary before any other type of development could take place. Itosu knew that kata was best for this."

Karate is a way of life, a means to achieve complete security and fearlessness.

Kyan Chotoku
Kyan practiced the seisan for two years to perfect it. Seisan was the first kata taught by Okinawan masters prior to 1903. Today still clings to this tradition including Tatsuo Shimabukuro's lineage (whom studied under Kyan). The incessant drill and pedantic attention to detail required for mastery of a kata made a profound impression on him.

Men three times younger than you can not move you at all, "What is it?"

Develop your tanden. Drop your mind there and operate all your actions from there. Practice your kata until your kata moves from your tanden. When you become the kata, you have achieved the secret.