Kata

Kata (型 or 形) are the detailed choreographed patterns of movements. The basic goal of kata is to preserve and transmit proven techniques and to practice self-defence. By practicing in a repetitive manner the learner develops the ability to execute, techniques and movements in a natural, reflex-like manner.

Goju-Ryu Kata

Sanchin – “3 Battles” or “3 Conflicts”

Emphasises the coordination of the body and mind through the control of muscle tension combined with controlled breathing.

Gekisai Dai-Ichi – “to destroy” or “attack and destroy”

Chojun Miyagi Sensei made this kata of basic techniques in 1940 to enable the average person to become stronger.

Gekisai Dai-Ni – “to destroy” or “attack and destroy”

This kata is basically the same as gekisai dai-ichi but it introduces open hand techniques and neko ashi movement.

Saifa – to destroy and defeat

Saifa kata is made up mostly of circularly applied striking techniques with the use of whip like motions along with some escape techniques.

Seiyunchin – Attack, Conquer and suppress also referred to as “to control and pull into battle”

This kata develops the strength of the hips and legs in combination of with a variety of hand techniques.

Shisochin – “to destroy in four directions” or “fight in four directions”

This kata emphasises open hand techniques coordinated with controlled hip movements.

Sanseru – 36 Hands

This kata develops the use of low kicks and double hand techniques.

Sepai – 18 Hands

Sepai kata is made up of a variety of unusual hand, foot and body movement techniques.

Kururunfa – holding on long and striking suddenly

This kata also develops the use of open hand techniques and specially hip/hand coordination.

Sesan – 13 Hands

This is an asthetic kata epitomising the ideal of Goju-Ryu by using a number of hard and soft techniques.

Suparunpei – 108 Hands

This kata, Goju-Ryu’s longest, utilises a large number of techniques along with breath control and contains the greatest variety of application and depth of meaning.