Shorinkan Kata

There are fourteen Kata of the Shorin-Ryu Shorinkan Karate-do system. Kata were devised a long time ago, each to develop certain special qualities. Each Kata has significant techniques that, when they are mastered, give special abilities in self-defense and concentration.

 

The Nihanchi Kata

There are three Nihanchi Kata. They are believed to have come from the Shaolin Temple in China. The Nihanchi kata are very powerful kata of the Shorin-Ryu system and concentrate on strong lateral movement. The kata are called Nihanchi Shodan, Nihanchi Nidan and Nihanchi Sandan.

 

The Pinan Kata

There are five Pinan Kata. The Kata were devised by a famous Okinawan man named Yatsutsune Itosu (1830-1915). The kata are Pinan Shodan, Pinan Nidan, Pinan Sandan, Pinan Yondan and Pinan Godan.

 

The Passai Kata

There are two Passi Kata. These Kata were passed down by the famous Chotoku Kyan (1870-1945). However they were developed long before his time. Passai Sho and Passai Dai are the two kata.

 

The Kusanku Kata

There are two Kusanku Kata. These were created by the Okinwan's after a demonstration by a Chinese envoy named Kusanku. The demonstration was given at Shuie Castle. Chotoku Kyan also passed down Kusanku Sho Kata to Okinawan students. Kusanku Dai Kata was passed down by Chosin Chibana (1887-1969).

 

Chinta Kata

Chinto kata was developed by the famous Bushi Matsumurra (1796-1882). Matusmurra was a legendary figure who was taught by the great Master Sakagawa.

 

Gojushiho Kata

Literally meaning fifty four steps, was formulated by the great Bushi Matsumurra.