Isshinryu Kata's

There are eight empty hand kata's in the Isshinryu system. Seisan, Seiuchin, Naihanchin, Wansu, Chinto, Kusanku, Sunsu, Sanchin. The following are examples of stances performed in these kata's and their history.
More information can be found in the book,"Isshinryu Karate, The Ultimate Fighting Art".
By Master Harold Long and Mr. McGee.

Seisan Kata

Seisan means "thirteen hands". It can also be translated "half or crescent moon". It is of Chinese origin and can be traced back to the ancient Pangia-noon style. Bushi Matsumura is believed to have brought this kata to Okinawa from China. Prior to 1903, the Seisan kata was customarily taught both in Shuri and Naha, and in all its many variations is the oldest kata still being practiced on Okinawa. The kata teaches the student to fight sveral opponents directly in front of him and how to turn and face opponents coming from different diections. The kata also teaches a vertical punch with the thumb on top instead of the twist punch. It emphasizes the Seisan stance of fighting and introduces the T-Stance and the bird's foot stance.
*Isshinryu Karate, The Ultimate Fighting Art.
(Mr. Long and Mr. McGee)

Chinto Kata

There is a interesting legend that surrounds this kata. The story maintains that Chinto was a shipwrecked Chinese sailor who hid in caves during the day and at night would sneak into the villages and steal food for survival. After the Okinawans complained to the King, he sent his best samurai, Matsumura, to capture the thief. Upon tracking Chinto to a cave, a battle ensued in which Matsumura was soundly defeated. Returning later and befriending Chinto, Matsumura became a student and learned the fighting art. The Chinto form is believed to be acomplete style of karate oringinating in China. The kata provides training against opponents on a narrow path or hillside . It emphasizes techniques to be used against attackers on somewhat of a 45degree angle, and introduces the use of the cross block and jump kick. It was passed down from Shorin-Ryu having been a favorite of Master Chotoku Kyan.
*Isshinryu Karate, The Ultimate Fighting Art.
(Mr. Long and Mr. McGee)

Kusanku Kata

A Chinese katate Master, Kushanku, brought this kata to Okinawa in 1761. It trains one to fight at night and also comes from Shorin-Ryu. Kusanku means, "Look to the sky". This kata teaches body change and the ability to adapt to changing situations spontaneously.
*Isshinryu Karate, The Ultimate Fighting Art.
(Mr. Long and Mr. McGee)