K   A   T   A   S
 

 Traditional Isshin-Ryu Empty Hand Katas 
(Click on the kata name for a video of Master Shimabuku running the kata)

1. Seisan – a beginning kata of unknown origin, the Shorin-Ryu Seisan kata teaches excellent basic stances.  Master Shimabuku was one of those few masters who continued to teach Seisan as a beginning form.  Most others taught this kata to black belts only.
2. Seiuchin – It is slightly more advanced than Seisan, and was developed by Master Chojun Miyagi.  The name means “calmness in the eye of the storm.”  It contains no kicks and serves as a prime example of Goju-Ryu.  The Seiuchin stance is also referred to as the “horse stance.”
3. Naihanchi – The major contribution of this Shorin-Ryu kata lies in the training and building up of the lower body (waist and legs).  The Naihanchi stance is also known as the “iron-horse stance” because the feet are planted to the ground, making this one of the most important katas in Isshin-Ryu.
4. Wansu – According to legend, this kata was brought to Okinawa in 1683 by Wansu, a Chinese envoy, and later refined by Okinawan karate masters.  This Shorin-Ryu kata is known for its hidden punch, but in Isshin-Ryu it is sometimes known as the “dumping form” because of the throw it contains.
5. Chinto – Although the history of this kata is vague, legend maintains that it was brought to Okinawa by Chinto, a shipwrecked Chinese sailor.  It provides training against opponents on a narrow path, and comes from Shorin-Ryu having been a favorite of Master Kyan Chotoku.
6. Kusanku – A Chinese karate master, Kusanku, brought this kata to Okinawa in 1761.  It trains one to fight at night and also comes from Shorin-Ryu.
7. Sunsu – This kata was created by Master Shimabuku, and is names after him.  Sunsu (meaning strong man) was his nickname.  The kata provides some of the most advanced training received from any kata, and incorporates what Master Shimabuku considered some of the best combative moves know.
8. Sanchin – Although this kata was taken from Goju-Ryu, its principle is the basis of all martial arts.  It is a meditative exercise designed to train one in muscle and breathe control and thereby enhance the mind-body relationship.  Undoubtedly, it is the most difficult kata to master requiring many years of diligent practice.

 Traditional Isshin-Ryu Weapon Katas
(Click on the kata name for a video of Master Shimabuku running the kata)

1. Kusanku Sai
2. Chatan Yara No Sai
3. Tokomine No Kon
4. Urasai No Kon Bo
5. Shi Shi No Kon No Dai
6. Bo-Bo Kumite
7. Bo-Sai Kumite
8. Kyan no Sai

 Non-Traditional Isshin-Ryu Weapon Katas

1. Nunchuck
2. Kama
3. Sword

In summation, katas are designed to provide combative training and to aid the student in the development of a harmonious mind-body relationship (mind and body acting as “one”).  In studying katas, the student should progress through three stages:

1. Learn the moves of each kata with interpretations of each move
2. Determine the proper breathing in each kata
3. Include “sanchin” in the performance of each

Progression through the three stages requires many hours of training.  The hours of repetitious movement should eventually enhance combative skill and become moving mediation rather than mere exercise.