Meaning of the name Name of a city in China Moves: 76

Anan

Classification Shorei-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Advanced

The Kata Anan bears the name of a Chinese city. Kenri Nakaima, the founder of Ryuei Ryu, lived in China for an extended period and studied martial arts there. In addition to the Kata Anan, Heiku, Ohan, Pachu, Paiho, and Paiku, he also learned comprehensive Kobudo, which remains a central component of Ryuei Ryu today. A special feature of the aforementioned Kata is that all techniques are repeated no more than twice. This can sometimes make the Kata seem shorter than they actually are. This is especially true of Anan, which, with 76 movements, is similar in length to Unshu or Gojushiho, but appears considerably shorter. Anan is a very versatile Kata. It is extremely demanding and utilizes many open hand techniques. Even more so than Paiku and Heiku, it contains quite unusual footwork that is difficult to learn. In Kata competitions, however, many no longer use these special features, which represents a significant simplification of the Kata. However, when correctly executed, Anan is a Kata of the highest technical level. Proper use of the hips, especially during the difficult turns, is of utmost importance. One-armed techniques, which block and counter in one movement, are also practiced. This is clearly evident in the combination of Otoshi Empi, Empi, Yoko Empi, and Shuto Uchi. However, the individual techniques are combined into a single, very fast movement.

Meaning of the name Black Tiger Moves: 65

Heiku

Classification Shorei-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Advanced

The Kata Heiku represents the techniques of the Black Tiger and is very similar to the Kata Paiku. However, it is much more versatile and not quite as powerful and dynamic. However, it contains many hidden and sometimes confusing techniques. It also includes more locking and throwing techniques than Paiku. Its techniques are overall more complex, but also more fluid. It begins like Paiku, but Nihon zuki is not performed exclusively with Chudan, but with Jodan and Gedan. The Kata requires a good sense of balance and is of a somewhat higher technical difficulty than Paiku, although this is not overtly apparent. The techniques at the end with Kote Uke and Tate Empi in combination with Yori Ashi in particular require a high degree of coordination. The Kizami Mae Geri techniques, in which the weight must not be shifted to the back leg, are particularly difficult. And these specialties, which utilize physics such as gravity and centrifugal force for karate techniques, make Heiku a very demanding and high- grade Kata of the same level as Anan, Unshu, Gojushiho or Chinto.

Meaning of the name Swirl a ball Moves: 48

Pachu

Classification Shorei-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Advanced

Pachu is an extremely fast and dynamic Kata with very difficult combinations. It teaches, in particular, lateral evasive maneuvers, which also involve "moving into" the opponent. Particular attention is also paid to the "simultaneity" of defense and counterattack. This is clearly evident in this Kata with the examples of Osae Uke and Nukite, as well as the combination of Jodan Uke and Mae Geri. In some respects, it shows similarities to Heiku and Paiku, but is considerably shorter. Pachu most likely originates from the Tiger School. Its name means "to spin a ball." And indeed, it contains many techniques that are performed from a turn or are combined with a turn. But it also contains very direct and dangerous techniques. Pachu is the shortest of the four Kata; it contains only a few slow techniques or powerful individual techniques. Her character is characterized by speed combined with surprising combinations, which also involve very rapid changes in attack plane. Thus, techniques with low and high stances are executed in rapid succession.

Meaning of the name Moves: 62

Paiho

Classification Shorei-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Advanced

Paiho is a typical White Crane Kata, and its first part is very similar to Hakkaku, Hakucho, Haufa, and some versions of Hakutsuru. After beginning the Kata with Soe Uke, Morote Kuri Uke, and Nukite are repeated three times. A combination with Ko Uke is performed twice sideways, and Ko Uchi is performed three times forwards. Halfway through the Kata, the turn and the complete repetition of the first half follow. This concept is not found in any other known Kata and indicates that the Kata has a more fundamental character. Therefore, like Haufa, it is well suited for beginning students of the White Crane school. It is a very rare Kata in Ruyei Ryu, as Ruyei Ryu otherwise almost exclusively favors Kata from the Tiger School. However, Paiho also contains a technique found in Seisan, and Seisan, in turn, can be assigned to the Tiger School. Since the Crane and Tiger techniques significantly shape Okinawan karate, it is possible that influences from the other animal styles can also be found in specific Kata. At least two versions of Paiho exist, which are very different from each other. The version not described here is identical to Hakkaku in its first part.

Meaning of the name White Tiger Moves: 66

Paiku

Classification Shorei-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Advanced

The Kata Paiku represents the techniques of the white tiger. It is a very strong, power-focused Kata and places great demands on the thigh muscles. Its techniques are executed with great strength and fighting spirit. The character of the Kata displays a cold, furious determination. Slow techniques are suddenly followed by incredibly dynamic techniques executed with all possible power and speed. The combination of Kote Uke, Tate Empi, Morote Osae Uke, and Morote Ippon Ken zuki is particularly demanding. This combination is executed so quickly that individual movements, such as zukami (grabbing) after Kote Uke or Morote Osae Uke, are no longer visible. Ippon Ken techniques are also a specialty of this Kata. Another specialty is the Age Uke performed while kneeling, followed by simultaneous Age Uke and Mae Geri, which again demands the thigh muscles. Furthermore, Paiku is the only Kata of the old school in which a high Yoko Geri is performed.