Yudansha Kata - Black Belt
Following are the kata required for the different black belt levels. Brief histories following the name and meaning of the kata. Each kata has a very long history and the explanations given here are intended as an introduction to the form not the last word. No matter what system you study you will likely find kata here that you practice. Enjoy!
Shodan - 1st Degree Black Belt
Empi
Empi means "Flight of the Swallow". The original name of this form was Wansu or Wanshu. Wansu was the name of a Chinese martial arts master. The name was changed by Gichin Funakoshi when he brought the form to Japan because he felt Flight of the Swallow better described the forms extreme up and down movements.
Sanchin
Sanchin translates as "Three Conflicts" or "Three Battles". Though thre are many opinions on what those three battles may be, most accept that they are Mind, Body & Spirit. When one begins to live with those three in accord....mastery can take place. Sanchin is really a fairly simple kata with a basic embusen or performance line. Shindo Ryu practices the original version of this kata with the hands open. It is important to note that in Chinese White Crane Kung Fu, the Sanchin form is the first kata taught to a new student. Other systems like Goju Ryu practice the form with the fists closed. Either Kanryo Higashionna or Chojun Miyagi changed the hand form to gel with the principles of their system. Though a fundamental kata, Sanchin is an important part of any martial tradition.
Bassai Sho, Ni, San & Tomarai Bassai
Bassai means to "Penetrate a Fortress". Bassai sho was developed by Anko Itosu and based on the original "Dai" version, however the "SHO" version deals with an attacker wielding a Bo (staff). Bassai Sho can be translated to mean "To Penetrate a Small Fortress". Bassai Ni was also developed by Itosu and essentially follows the same principles of power although it displays them in a much more offensive way. Bassai San was created by Kiyoshi Uehara and though it too pays tribute to the original it is it's own form. Bassai San includes various spinning parries and grappling moves...a very nice advanced kata. Tomari Bassai is likely the original version of the kata. It is very similar to the "Dai" version prcacticed in most schools with one exception...the hands are open in a palm up spearhand (nukite). Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu practices this kata and calls it simply by its Okinawan name."Passai. Tomari can be translated to mean "Thunder" and therefore Tomari Bassai would mean "To
Penetrate a Thunder Fortress".
Seiunchin
Seiunchin has two translations that are equallt respectable. The first is "The Long Journey" and the second is "The Calm within the Storm". Seiunchin is a beautiful form utilizing very low Shiko Dachi stances and dynamic breathing and block/striking techniques. There is probably no other kata that better demonstrates traditional karate than seiunchin, sometimes called Seienchin. This kata found its roots in the Okinawan city of Naha.
Yantsu
Yantsu has a fairly vague history though it would seem to have origins in Naha, Okinawa. Yantsu Means "8th Light" and like so many Naha forms has numbers in its name. Thr form begins with a cross grabbing motion often referred to as a "Goju Break". The kata employs unique footwork, feints and parries and even some crane movements.
Kanku Dai & Sho
Kanku Dai was originally known as Kusanku. Funakoshi brought the form to Japan and renamed it Kanku,"To View The Sky", to describe the opening movement where the hands trace a inward arc and finally meet overhead and the karateka then peers through them at the sky. This is a long form and master Funakoshi changed some things fundamental to the kata like stances. In Shotokan fashion most of the Neko Dachi or cat stances were replaced with Kokutsu Dachi or Back stances and the front kicks replaced with side kicks. Kanku Sho was developed by Itosu. The performance line is similar but the techniques slightly altered. One of the trademark moves is a 180 degree jumping crescent kick. Both Kanku forms are long and difficult....and beautiful.
Nidan - 2nd Degree Black Belt
Rohai & Rohai Nidan
Rohai means "Vision of a Crane" and is a relatively short form but very unique. The karateka uses many one legged crane stances followed by powerful counter attacks. Rohai Nidan was created by Itosu and essentially borrows the original form but adds to it some additional deadly techniques like empi uchi or elbow strikes. There is also a Rohai Sandan kata.
Chinto
Chinto was believed to be a Chinese White Crane Kung Fu master that lived in Okinawa. It is also believed that he was a thief that struck under the darkness of night. He was so deceptive that he couldn't be caught. Therefore Chinto is sometimes referred to as the "Night Crane" kata. Chinto has at least three (3) distinct versions as practiced by the Shorin, Shindo and Shotokan Ryu. Shotokan practices the same kata but calls it "Gankaku". Gankaku means "Crane Standing on a Rock". This name well describes the kata. There are many one legged stances followed by front kicks or defensive turns and spins. The form ends with the karateka (practitioner) turning 270 degrees into a crane stance with the hands above the head followed by a front kick. This kata is wonderful to watch when performed properly adn when done so at competition, it usually garners high scores.
Kururunfa
Kururunfa tranlsates as "To Hold One's Ground" or "17 Hands". This is a powerful form that teaches among other things, infighting techniques. Kururunfa originated in Naha, Okinawa but was liely influenced by Chinese Kung Fu.
Tomari Bassai
**see Bassai Sho in Shodan category**
Shihokosokon
Shihokosokon means "Four Direction Kosokon". Kosokon is another way to Kusanku, a Chinese military envoy who lived in Okinawa. The main difference between Shihokosokon and Kusanku is that the form is performed sideways(as opposed to the regular Kusanku). This version was created by Itosu.
Sandan - 3rd Degree Black Belt
Sochin
Sochin has three popular translations they are: "To journey & Conquer", "Monks of Peace" and "The Grand Prize". Sochinis a strong form that employs what is sometimes called the Sochin Dachi but is more commonly referred to as Fudo Dachi or "Immovable Stance". Probably the most unique features of this kata are the numerous gyaku te waza or "Reverse hand techniques". There may be two versions of this kata. The most commonly practiced Sochin is the one likely developed in Japan by the Shotokan ryu. The other is more of a Ssnchin like kata with heavy Chinese influence. It is the second one that was practiced on Okinawa by Kenwa Mabuni. This version is sometimes referred to as Sochi.
Nisieshi
Nisieshi means "24 Steps". In Japan it is called "Nijushiho". These strong kata begin with a backwards pulling move into a back stance. The form also utilizes the Mawashi Uke or roundhouse block. Shorei Ryu practices a similar form that they call Nan Dan Sho.
Gopei Sho
Gopei Sho is a slightly controversial kata. Often referred to as the "Peacock or Dragon Form", Gopei Sho was alledgedly linked to a Chinese master names Tong Ji Hsing. Word has it that Robert Trias the late head of USKA traded Hsing boxing lessons for martial arts lessons and that this form was either taught to him by Hsing or based on Hsing's teachings. The question is, is this a traditional form or one made by Trias? Regardless it is a beautiful kata with many animal movements and could very well be of Chinese descent.
Seipai
One of the most difficult yet wonderful froms in all of karate is Seipai. Seipai means "18 Hands" and is often referred to as the "Dragon Kata". It opens with a unique Shuto (knifehand) technique. This kata is fairly long with many direction changes and grappling applications. Most often practiced by the Goju Ryu, Seipai is a treasure to the Shindo Ryu. Seipai originates in Naha, Okinawa and likely can find roots in China.
Ninjuho
Ninjuho means "To Endure Pain". There is very little history on this kata though it is believed to have been part of the Zen Shotokai system. The kata has movements that would link it to Naha like the the "Goju Break" at the beginning of the form. Great combinations and solid bunkai can be found in this form.
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