Meaning of the name 28 steps Moves: 64

Nipaipo

Classification Shorei-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Medium

Nipaipo is a high-level Kata with very demanding techniques and, at times, extremely fast combinations. The Kata was brought to Okinawa by Go Kenki and entered Shito-ryu via Kenwa Mabuni. Nipaipo places high demands on coordination and balance. It includes powerful attacks on vital points using Nukite and Ippon-Ken, as well as throwing and locking techniques. Nipaipo has very fine techniques, and evasive maneuvers are often practiced by "turning" the body away. This requires sophisticated body control. As with many ancient Kata, the technical peculiarities are not overtly apparent, but are essential for the correct execution of the Kata. Especially the turns, which involve a throwing technique, require very precise work of the hips and especially the ankles. Learning this correctly, however, requires a precise knowledge of the Kata's bunkai. Nipaipo contains almost exclusively techniques of a high degree of difficulty with many special details in the area of biomechanics. This makes Nipaipo one of the most difficult Kata in karate. Unfortunately, it is often learned only superficially. It seems as if the goal of gaining a deep understanding of the principles of a Kata is no longer as strong as it once was in Okinawa.

Meaning of the name Moves: 33

Hakkaku

Classification Shorei-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Advanced

In terms of concept, structure and execution of the techniques, Hakkaku is very similar to Haufa, Hakutsuru and especially Hakucho. The first half of the Kata is very calm, flowing and very elegant at a fairly slow tempo. At the end, however, techniques are executed at such a speed that no details are visible. Hakkaku thus symbolises almost perfectly the crane wading through shallow water in search of food. This is also fitting because the Kata only goes straight forward, over a distance of around 6 metres. In competitions, it would therefore end directly in front of the referee's chair and with the last technique (Soe-Uke in Neko-Ashi-Dachi) you could touch his nose. The origin of the Kata is unknown. Its similarity to a version of Hakucho could mean that Hakkaku developed from it. It is also possible that it originated from the Matsumura school, in which several White Crane Kata were practiced. Although Hakkaku clearly belongs to the White Crane style (Bay he Quan), also known as Hakutsuru-Ken (Crane Fist), it is not identical to the Hakutsuru Kata. The first half of a version of the Paiho Kata demonstrated by Sakumoto is very similar to Hakkaku. The fact that Teruo Hayashi, the founder of Hayashi ha Shito Ryu, studied Ryuei Ryu could mean that Hakkaku is the first part of a version of Paiho. Or that the Paiho demonstrated by Sakumoto was further developed from Hakkaku.

Meaning of the name Onehundred Birds Moves: 30

Hakucho

Classification Shorei-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Advanced

This Hakucho is so similar to the Hakkaku Kata that it could also be called Hakkaku Sho. However, it lacks the variety of Hakkaku and the dynamism of Haufa. It is a rather calm Kata without any particular technical demands, placing great emphasis on elegance and breathing. Although the Kata does not present any particular difficulties and could potentially be a very good Kata for learning the Crane School, its techniques are by no means as calm and harmless as the Kata itself appears.

Meaning of the name Moves: 39

Hakufa

Classification Shorei-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Advanced

The Hakufa Kata originates directly from China and was brought to Okinawa by Chojun Miyagi. It is still a component of Okinawan Goju- ryu today. The beginning of the Kata is reminiscent of the Tensho Kata. Hakufa also practices circular open-hand techniques, as well as various washide (crane's beak) techniques. This special fist form of washide is a key feature of this Kata. In the second part of the Kata, washide/koken is practiced ten times in different ways. Hakufa is a very interesting Kata. Many of its techniques are performed slowly and very smoothly, which gives the Kata a particularly sublime character.

Meaning of the name White Crane Moves: 114

Hakutsuru

Classification Shorei-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Advanced

Hakutsuru is considered the most mysterious and arguably the most important of all Okinawan Kata. It was kept secret well into the 20th century and passed on to only a few students. There are now many Kata with the name Hakutsuru. The Kata Hakkaku and Haufa are sometimes also considered Hakutsuru. However, both Hakkaku and Haufa are completely different Kata and only have a certain technical similarity to the old Hakutsuru. However, there are probably different interpretations of the original Kata Hakutsuru, which was known in both Shorei (Naha-te) and Shorin (Shuri-te & Tomari-te). Higashionna is said to have known it, as was Matsumura. It is certain that a form of Hakutsuru was known in Kunemura, a settlement of Chinese envoys. This version is called Hakutsuru no Kunemura and is arguably one of the longest known Kata. It contains many techniques that can be found in various Kata, from Gankaku to Nipaipo and Patsai. Her techniques possess an elegance and mysticism that is difficult to describe, and are nowhere near as straightforward and mechanical as those found in today's Kata. Hakutsuru is fascinating because of the nature of her movements, which imitate the crane and, despite their strangeness, still appear natural. A great deal could be written and discussed about Hakutsuru, but this wouldn't do the Kata justice. It's kind of like music. It's better to listen to and enjoy it than to talk about it.

Meaning of the name 8 Directions Moves: 64

Happoren

Classification Shorei-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Advanced

Happoren is a peculiar Kata. It is rather short and, in concept and principle, seems to be a mixture of Sanchin and Tensho. However, this is not intended as speculation about a possible relationship between these three Kata! Rather, Happoren appears to be a Kata that focuses on the opposites of tension and relaxation. It uses isometric muscle tension and breathing techniques that are atypical for crane Kata. However, it is by no means certain whether this is authentic. Kata are still subject to development and are rarely passed on in their original form in every detail. There are different versions of Happoren but also the shorter ones easily requires more than two minutes. This is primarily due to the concentration on breathing and the associated slowness of the techniques. Most techniques can be practiced fast or slowly to very slowly. Despite this, or perhaps because of this, Happoren is a difficult Kata. However, practicing Happoren has a very positive effect on health, as all of the techniques are also good gymnastic exercises, especially for the joints. An alternative name for Happoren is Paipuren/Papuren. Happoren is one of the Kata that can make the chi palpable in the hands!

Meaning of the name Moves: 35

Haufa

Classification Shorei-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Advanced

Haufa is a relatively short Kata. It begins similarly to Hakkaku and Hakutsuru. However, its focus is much more on the techniques Kakiwake Uke, Kuri Uke, and especially Haito-Uchi. This technique is performed three times with one hand and five times with both hands. The biomechanics of correct shoulder use are of fundamental importance. Haufa is very elegant, with the body moving slowly and calmly, while the arm techniques, sudden and unexpected, demonstrate an immensely fast pace. Although the Kata, viewed superficially, appears undemanding and contains only a few techniques, its technical applicability is quite extensive. In addition, the techniques possess very high striking power due to their biomechanics. In general, the ancient White Crane techniques are very dangerous in real-life practice. Although almost all striking and thrusting techniques are performed with open hands, their effectiveness and impact are rated higher than with closed-fist techniques.

Meaning of the name Moves: 31

Shinpa

Classification Shorei-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Advanced

The origin of this Kata is unknown. However, according to Kenei Mabuni, it is of Chinese origin. Due to the techniques it contains, such as Kuri Uke and Koken, it may originate from the White Crane style. The Kata is very short, and Kuri Uke in Sanchin Dachi followed by Gyaku Zuki is performed repeatedly. The technical variety is rather limited, but the Kata is nevertheless interesting and surprisingly difficult to learn. The turns after executing Mae Geri, in particular, require special hip movement. The Kata is primarily known in the Shito-ryu schools and is rarely practiced there, even so.