Shito Ryu First Kata

[Malene Mederios]

Thetable contains a comparison of karate styles. Some of the distinguishing features are listed, such as lineage, general form of stances, the balance of hard and soft techniques, and the number and names of kata forms.

The four major karate styles developed in Japan, especially in Okinawa are Shorin-ryu, Wado-ryu, Shito-ryu, and Goju-ryu; many other styles of Karate are derived from these four.[1] The first three of these styles find their origins in the Shorin-Ryu style from Shuri, Okinawa, while Goju-ryu finds its origins in Naha. Shuri karate is rather different from Naha karate, drawing on different predecessor influences. Shito-ryu can be regarded as a blend of Shuri and Naha traditions as its kata incorporate both Shuri and Naha kata.[2]

Some later styles of karate have been derived from blending techniques from the four main branches, while others have added techniques from other martial arts. For example Kyokushin, which is an extremely hard style derived from Shotokan and Gōjū-ryū, involves much more breaking and full contact, knockdown sparring as a main part of training.[3]

Heian Nidan is the first true kata (example of effective self-defence techniques) taught to students of Shimabukuro-Ha Shitō-Ryū karate-dō. It presents the beginning student with a significantly higher level of complexity than the kihon katachi ("fundamental patterns") learned previously. Unlike the kihon katachi, in which all blocks and strikes are performed in zenkutsu dachi, in Heian Nidan, techniques and movements are matched with stances as appropriate for their purpose, effectiveness, and proximity to the opponent, rather than solely for training purposes. Students are also challenged byHeian Nidan to move with greater speed, power, and stability.

The word Heian (平安) means "constant serenity," so a key objective of training in the five Heian kata is to develop a set of skills sufficient to provide the confidence and determination to prevail needed to face a potentially violent or other highly stressful situation with complete peace of mind.

Although the kihon katachi (Kihon Katachi Ichi and Kihon Katachi Ni) do contain some basic budō principles, they are primarily intended as training exercises in order to prepare students to learn actual kata. Kata, therefore, incorporate the need for both bunkai (step-by-step analysis) and ōyō (practical application).

The word bunkai (分解) literally means "disassemble and analyse." It is the same term Japanese sports officials use for the slow motion frame-by-frame analysis of the video of a contested referee's call, and it has a similar purpose and application in budō. It involves examining each technique in minute detail, as if frozen in time, to determine its potential uses and the factors that make it most effective.

In light of its adopted style and katas, Shito-Ryu Karate is commonly referred to as the blended style. There are two types of soft and hard martial arts, internal and external martial arts, in this new form of karate. Furthermore, the ancient Shuri-te style has an impact on powerful stances, while the Naha-te style has an impact on circular movements.

Shito-Ryu, like other karate styles, is thought to have originated on Okinawa, one of Japan's largest islands. In 1929, master Kenwa Mabuni established a shito-Ryu school in Osaka, Japan, after settling permanently there. However, schools were required to declare the teaching style they used due to government policies at the time. As a result of the blending techniques, Kenwa Mabuni named it Shito-Ryu after his master's initials.

Shito-Ryu, as a karate style, struggled to gain popularity due to its mixed Katas at the outset. However, Shito-Ryu Karate became popular in 1939, thanks to the founder's enormous efforts and hardwork. At the time, the Okinawa people referred to it as "first dance." It was the forerunner of modern Shito-Ryu, known as "Dai-Nihon Karate-Do Kai." There are a large number of people who practice the style and lend a hand in spreading it throughout Japan and around the world.

From 1888 to 1952, Kenwa Mabuni, a Karate student, founded this artistic and powerful style. From 1830 to 1915, he studied the first form, the Shuri-te style, with his master Anko Itosu. Later, from Kanryo Higashionna in 1852 until 1915, he studied the Naha-te style. He was taught by a variety of gurus who assisted him in learning advanced Naha-te styles as well as Nin-jitsu and Arakaki.

In Japanese, the word katas in any Karate style is referred to as "forms." In any type of martial art, these are the techniques that are used to produce muscle memory and mind-fullness, and they are incorporated into the training.

kata's I, II, and III letters refer to the number of attacks. Juni No Kata is also adapted from Taikyoku akats in order to develop the same basic movement pattern. In Goju-Ryu karate, however, these Katas are used with slight variations in stances and hand movement.

Inner peace and a state of mind that an individual is unaware of are referred to as the Pinan Kata. Pinan Shodan, on the other hand, is the first Pinan Kata that leads to Gyaku Tsuki. The contrite moves/energy are the most fundamental principle of Pinan Shodan. When a body shifts in one direction and the blocking energy is used, these principles come into play.

This is the second form or Kata in the Pinan series, and it helps you learn the fundamentals of oi Tsuki. In this Kata, we use the same hand as our leading foot to mark an enemy's attack. Furthermore, all of the pinan series' initial principles were derived from oi Tsuki.

Wankan is another Shito-Ryu karate kata. The word "Wankan" is also known as Okan, which means "emperor's crown." This Kata has a short history, but it is said that it originated in the Tomari-te school and is now used in a variety of Karate styles.

Shito-Ryu Karate is a powerful and effective self-defense technique. The combination of forehead moves gives you the confidence to use them in a real fight situation to protect yourself from any damaging attack. When you're empty-handed, all of the katas and stances were created to provide you with weapons.

Finally, shito-ryu karate is one of the most popular karate forms to learn. However, you'll need some commitment and a focused mind to achieve your goals. Even if you're new to Karate, the style has a few basic stances and techniques to master. We've also gone over some of the most basic katas to make it easier for you to make your decision.

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We perform this kata at Sandan in my lineage, although I couldn't tell you why. I know many lineages place the kata at different points, but I haven't done enough research to find out why or if this is important.

At any rate, I enjoy this form, and I hope you do to. There are some great grappling skills involved and it holds a lot of interesting techniques/tactics.

As a side note, if you are interested, Mabuni Kenwa wrote a book about Seipai. It has been translated by Mario McKenna, and you can find a link to the book through his website Kowakan.

Yamabushi, I don't think there is a great deal of logic used in determining whereabouts a particular kata should come in the syllabus. Seipai is clearly a fairly advanced kata but it seems to appear anywhere between 1st kyu and 3rd dan. Thanks for the book recommendation - I've already got it though!

Rick, thanks for the recommendation, Ikigai always writes good articles so I'll check it out.

Felicia, I'll think of you next time I'm practising Seipai - perhaps we'll be doing it at the same time!

James, I've just booked myself onto my first tai chi seminar in January, I fancied trying something a bit more internal.

Charles, actually I hadn't really thought about it like that - food for thought though.

Marie, nice to hear from you again and glad you're still training (I wondered what had happened to you). When do you do your shodan grading?

Thanks for the reply hope you enjoy the tia chi. I have found it very good as a way to really connect body and mind. The Tia chi linked with Wing Chun has given me a true understanding of the 'Hard and Soft' I still practice Karate with my 7 year old once a week (just got my green belt 'again re-my blog lol) I find my kata is much improved by the practice of chinese arts, I still enjoy the karate with my son though I find more and more that I am there mainly for him. The Chinese arts have really opened my eyes to a whole philosophy and new way of moving and become my path as I head into my 50s.

The Kiai also works to unified breath with movement. Essential to training in all Budo Arts, correct breathing relaxes body and mind, with a partner in Kata training it will also help to maintain a shared rhythm and pace.

For some beginning students Kiai can help lower inhibitions. If they can get over making noise and perhaps feeling a bit foolish doing so, they can better able to receive the correct instruction. I have often seen a turning point in students, when they accept Kiai as a necessary part of training. It can do wonders for training and perhaps has further reaching repercussions. Hopefully helping build self confidence.

The Kiai is also very useful as a way to focus your attention on the moment, your partner and all of what you are doing. The Kiai in Katori Shinto Ryu is accompanied by taking the line of attack, adding greatly to the precision of technique.

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