Kata & Bunkai

Gekisai Dai Ichi - Literally translated as 'to destroy' it is a power Kata designed to help you combine and create power and speed for your punches, kicks, blocks and moving.

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Bunkai: Watch here

Gekisai Dai Ni - This Kata introduces and develops Tora guchi (tiger mouth block) and Neko ashi dachi (Cat stance) which is a common feature of higher level Kata. It also introduces open hand techniques. This Kata has since been refined to feature the Kiai point on the reverse punches.

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Bunkai: Watch here

Saifa - translates to 'smash and break' or 'pound and pulverise'. Its characteristics of heavy back first and circular swinging movements give meaning to its name. It is a short Kata, but one with numerous sequences that require precise timing to execute correctly.

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Bunkai: Watch here

Seiyunchin - means to 'grasp and unbalance'. Along with its signature low Shiko dachi stances, Seiyunchin Kata features a lot of Hazushi Waza (escaping techniques) with most attacks being from wrist grabs or behind.

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Bunkai: Watch here

Shisochin means to 'attack in four directions' or 'four directional fight'. There is no Shiko Dachi in this Kata as in the previous one, but it requires a lot of co-ordination between the hips, arms and legs to perform it correctly. In his later years, this was Chojun Sensei's  favourite Kata.

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Bunkai: Watch here

Sanseru means '36 hands or movements' it requires lots of explosive and speedy movements and introduces Kansetsu Geri (joint kick) to the Goju-ryu Kata system. It features defences against multiple attacks.

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Bunkai  - Watch here

Seipai translates as '18 hands or movements'. Like Seiyinchin a majority of the movements and defences are from grabs and holds, requiring fast escaping techniques. A lot of balance and co-ordination between the hips and body is required to perform this Kata correctly.

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Bunkai  - Watch here

Kururunfa (to destroy with ancient mantis techniques). Taught to Kanryo Higaonna by Ryoryu Ko from China. Its origins are unknown. 

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Bunkai  - Watch here

Seisan (thirteen hands). The basic form of this kata contains 8 defensive and 5 attacking techniques. Thirteen is also a number representing good luck and prosperity in Chinese numerology. Sesan is thought to be one of the oldest kata. 

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Suparunpei (108 hands). 6x6x3, combining the elements represented in the meanings of Sanseru and Sepai. 108 also has special significance in buddhist beliefs from where the kata originated. 

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