History of Shorin-Ryu Kata
Seisan
"Thirteen Fighting Postures" -- Sokon (Bushi)
Matsumura
This kata is from the Shuri village in
Okinawa. Some people believe that Bushi Matsumura brought
this kata back from China, but others say that the kata
may have been invented by his wife to defend oneself while
carrying a child on the back. This kata demonstrates fighting
from thirteen fighting positions. It can be traced back
to a version of Yongi style Tai Chi.
Ananaku
"Light from the South" -- Chotoku
Kyan
In this kata, Master Kyan demonstrates
fighting from the preferred angle of attack (45 degrees
forward) in a "get in and get out quickly" form.
Master Kyan may have learned some of the theory behind the
form in Taiwan, hence the name, "Light from the South."
Because he was small, many believe this kata was a favorite
because it was effective against bigger opponents.
Wonsu
The proper name of a Chinese attaché
to Okinawa.
Wonsu came to Okinawa in 1683. This kata
from the Tomari village demonstrates his favorite fighting
techniques. It was taught to Master Kyan by Pechin Maeda.
Passai
"To Breach a Fortress" -- Pechin
Oyadomari
Pechin Oyadomari of the Tomari village
taught this kata to Master Kyan. The "fortress"
is the opponent's fighting postures which are examined and
broken down in this kata. Passai, sometimes called Tomari
Passai has a lot of the white snake system influence with
its open hand techniques and fingertip strikes. There is
also a lot of trapping and sticky hands concepts practiced.
Gojushiho
"54"-- Sokon (Bushi)
Matsumura
From the Shuri village, this kata was
taught to Master Kyan by Bushi Matsumura. It is believed
to be one of the oldest and most advanced of the Okinawan
kata today. Some people call it the "drunken man's
kata" because some of the techniques appear awkward
and stumbling, but are really quite deliberate and are used
to lure an opponent into a false state of security. The
stagger-steps in Gojushiho are throwing techniques. This
kata demonstrates the Chinese leopard style of fighting.
