SEISAN KATA

1st Kata in Isshinryu.
Meaning: Sei meaning 10 and San meaning 3. Seisan means 13.

Prior to 1903, Seisan was usually taught as the first kata in most Isshin-Ryu schools. There is a fierce, bold, yet controlled strengthand aggressiveness to this kata. Most movements are done in 3's, emphasis on the right side twice and left side once. The footwork is semi-circular and is used to break the balance of an opponent's attack and reach his centerline. It has circular, soft blocking, as well as hard blocking techniques. There are joint locking in-close techniques, as well as long range, and even retreating techniques.
 

SEIUCHIN KATA

2nd kata in Isshinryu.
Meaning: March far quietly

Legends reveal that Seiuchin Kata is named after a famous Chinese martial artist. The Okinawan master Kanryo Highashionna is said to be responsible for developing Seiuchin Kata after training in Chinese Kempo. The Isshin-Ryu version is derived from Goju-ryu. It is known as "The War Kata".

 

NAIHANCHI KATA

3rd Kata in Isshinryu.
Meaning: Sideways fighting, Surreptitious steps

The composer of Nai hanchi Kata is unknown. It is believed to have come directly form China to Okinawa. Most movements are performed in a lateral direction. This kata emphasizes a concentration of strength to the inner thighs in order to develop a more powerful stance. The Isshin-Ryu version of Nai Hanchi Kata is derived from
Shorinryu.
n-Ryu.

WANSU KATA

4th kata in Isshinryu
Meaning: Flying swallow

Wansu Kata was named after the famous Chinese envoy, Wang Ji (pronounced Wansu in Okinawan) who was sent to the Tomari region of Okinawa in 1683 where he taught "Shaolin White Crane Fist" boxing. Wang Ji taught the importance of blocking and countering while using evasive foot maneuvers. This kata is called "the dumping kata" because of the throwing techniques used in it. The Isshin-Ryu version is derived from Shorin-ryu which absorbed it from Tomari-Te.
 

CHINTO KATA

5th kata in Isshinryu.
Meaning: Fighting to the east (fighting to where the sun comes up). Crane standing on a rock

Chinto Kata is named after the Chinese sailor and martial artist who was shipwrecked on Okinawa. He taught Sokon Matsumura the art of Chinese Kempo. Matsumura devised the Chinto Kata and passed it down to Chotoku Kyan. Chinto Kata teaches stability and balance, countering while grappling, and grappling and throwing. It is designed for fighting on uneven terrain like a stairway, a hill, or a boat. The Isshin-Ryu version of Chinto Kata is derived from Shorin-ryu.
 

KUSANKU KATA

6th Kata in Isshinryu
Meaning: To view the sky

Ku san ku Kata was named after a Chinese military attache' and public official named Kong Su Kung (pronounced Ku san Ku in Okinawan) who was sent to Okinawa in 1750 where he taught Chinese Kempo to "Tode" Sakugawa and Sokon "Bushi" Matsumura. This kata was passed down by Master Matsumura to Chotoku Kyan. Ku san ku Kata teaches change of body position and the ability to adapt to changing situations spontaneously. The techniques of fighting in the dark, jumping, and leaping are emphasized. The Isshin-Ryu version is derived from Shorin-Ryu.
 

SUN SU LKATA

7th kata in Isshinryu.
Meaning: Strong man, Iron man, or Stone man

Sunsu Kata was created by Okinawan Karate master Tatsuo Shimabuku. He combined many of the techniques found in other Okinawan katas. Sunsu was Master Shimabuku's nickname. It means "Strong man".
 

SANCHIN KATA

8th Kata in Isshinryu.
Meaning: Three battles,Three points

Sanchin Kata was created by Goju-Ryu karate master Chojun Miyagi. It is a respiratory and isotonic kata which incorporates muscular contraction in the absence of resistance. The Isshin-ryu version of this kata is derived from Goju-Ryu.
 

TOKOMENI NO KUN

Tokomeni No Kun is the first Bo kata and the first weapon kata taught to the Isshinryu student. This kata teaches basic Bo techniques, how to deflect, parry, and strike with a Bo. Generally before the student learns this Bo kata the student is taught basic Bo techniques until the person feels comfortable with the Bo.
 

URASHI BO

This kata came directly from Taira, and was modified by either Shimabuku or Taira. This kata is called Urasoe no Kon in Taira's syllabus, and can be found in Inoue's series. Urasoe is the standard Japanese pronunciation of the name whereas Urashi is the old Okinawan pronunciation. According to Nakamoto (1983) Taira supposedly learned this kata from Mabuni Kenwa (1889-1952), founder of Shitoryu, which went on to become one of the "big four" styles of modern Japanese karate do. Mabuni gained most of his influence from the likes of Itosu Anko (1831-1916), Higaonna Kanryo (1852-1915), Aragaki Seisho (1840-1920), etc.

By sheer coincidence, Mabuni's karate, like that of Shimabuku, is a unique blend of the various kata traditions that were formerly practiced in and around the three main "karate areas" i.e. the Shuri, Tomari, and Naha districts.
 

AGENA NUNCHAKU

The nunchaku is a weapon made from a horse bridle strap and a tool that was used to pound grain or rice. In the Matayoshi system, the most common types of nunchaku have octagonal (hakkakukei) or round (maru-gata) wooden handles of equal length connected by a length of rope or chain. A vine (kanda) can also be used as a longer connector, in order to bind an opponent's head and hands together in an "Okinawan Handcuff." Matayoshi Kobudo instruction includes nunchaku with one handle half the length of the other, both handles half the normal size, three-sectioned and four-sectioned. The han-kei nunchaku, with the circumference of the handles halved, is designed for easier carrying and concealment, as both handles fit together smoothly.
 

EKU KATA

The eku (boat oar) was a popular item in Okinawan fishing villages, and has a unique feature in allowing the defender to fling sand in an attacker's face by holding the eku straight up with the paddle end down, and kicking the bottom out in a swift, forward and upward motion.
 

HAMAHIGA NO TUIFA

Hamahiga No Tuifa is the final kata in Isshinryu. This kata uses the Tonfa to deflect Bo, Sai, and sword techniques.
 

KUSANKU SAI

Kusanku Sai is the first Sai kata taught in Isshinryu. Kusanku Sai uses the basic techniques and form used in Kusanku but the karate ka uses Sais. This Sai kata is generally the same as Kusanku, but to make it unique Shimabuku added extra movements at the end of the kata. Some Isshinryu practitioners use three Sais in this kata because of the throw, others use two and simulate the throw.