Meaning of the name Light from the South Moves: 56

Ananko

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Medium

The Ananko Kata was introduced to Shuri-te by Chotoku Kyan. It is said that he learned the Kata in Taiwan and brought it to Okinawa. Thus, at least on Okinawa, it is not an ancient Kata like Kushanku or Patsai. At least two versions exist, one of them considerably longer and more versatile. Some passages are reminiscent of Gojushiho. Ananko is practiced in various schools of Shorin-ryu and Shito-ryu. There are speculations about the origin of this Kata. One is said to have been developed by Kyan himself. Another is attributed to the Chinese martial arts expert Anan, to whom the Ryuei-ryu Kata Anan is also attributed. This is extremely unlikely, however, since Anan and Annako are not only different Kata, but the principles, concepts, and techniques used also differ. Furthermore, the name of the Kata Anan actually refers to a city in China. More interesting, however, is that the longer version of Ananko includes a grappling technique that is identical to a Seipai technique. Another technique in which Soto Uke is struck into the open hand can be found in the Kata Empi. Furthermore, Ananko contains very beautiful combinations that are applied with a lot of pressure.

Meaning of the name Breackthrough the Fortress Moves: 51

Bassai Dai

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu / Shotokan

Level Medium

Bassai Dai is a work by Yasutsune Itosu. He developed it based on the Patsai of Tomari-te (Tomari Bassai). Only the beginning of the Kata with the combination Yoko Uke / Gyaku Yoko Uke (note: in Shotokan, Yoko Uke is called Uchi Uke and Gyaku Yoko Uke is called Soto Uke) distinguishes Bassai Dai from the original form. All other techniques have been slightly modified. This Bassai Dai is a Kata that also contains some soft and slow elements. It is therefore highly dynamic and harmonious and, especially at the end, very elegant. In Shotokan, however, the soft elements were removed. In Shito-ryu, the Kata represents Shuri-te and, along with Seienchin, is mandatory for the master level of Shodan. Bassai Dai is one of the most widely practiced Kata in Okinawa. It is practiced in many schools but is also subject to many changes. Bassai Dai teaches a fighting style characterized by very sudden, penetrating actions. Short moments of calm are followed by extremely explosive techniques. Many of these aim to break and destroy bones and joints. The nature of the Kata is offensive, and even the throwing techniques it contains have a joint-destructive effect. The meaning of the name “breaking through the fortress” can be understood as meaning that each technique is performed in a way that is suitable to overcome any “obstacle”.

Meaning of the name Breackthrough the Fortress Moves: 34

Bassai Sho

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu / Shotokan

Level Medium

Bassai Sho is also a work by Yasutsune Itosu, but it doesn't nearly achieve the prominence of Bassai Dai. The smaller version of Bassai (sho means small) is shorter and contains techniques for fighting in close proximity to the opponent. Many techniques target the joints of the arms and legs. It also contains some very dynamic throwing techniques. Although it is certainly a high-level Kata, it is rarely practiced. Neither in Shotokan nor in Shito-ryu has it achieved the same level of importance as its big sister, Bassai Dai.

Meaning of the name Breackthrough the Fortress Moves: 58

Matsumura Bassai

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Advanced

Matsumura Bassai is considered the most highly developed form of Patsai/Bassai in Okinawa. Sokon Matsumura was one of the most important masters of Shuri-te and a teacher of Anko Azato, the teacher of Gichin Funakoshi. Yasutsune Itosu was also a student of Matsumura. Sokon Matsumura was also an instructor of the bodyguard of the kings of Okinawa. It is said that he developed the two Heian Kata (Shodan and Nidan) and possibly also the first two Naifanchin (Shodan and Nidan). He was also a master of Kobudo and developed the Matsumura no Kon, a Kata for the staff (Bo). However, his most famous version of Patsai is very demanding, and some techniques require truly perfect execution to achieve their full effect. When used correctly, these techniques are extremely effective. The Kata also contains very fast combinations and very dynamic techniques. Some grappling and lever techniques possess very high pulling power, as the entire body weight is used. And this is a key characteristic of the Kata, as the effect of the technique is created by the way it is executed and the use of body weight. Muscle strength is less important, which is why the Kata sometimes appears somewhat powerless. This is a superficial impression, but one whose inaccuracy is quickly recognized in the bunkai.

Meaning of the name Breackthrough the Fortress Moves: 55

Tomari Bassai

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Advanced

It is believed that this Kata came to Okinawa before Kushanku. Its original name is Patsai. It is definitely a very old Kata. In fact, some of Patsai's techniques suggest a relationship to Kushanku. Unfortunately, it is not certain whether these techniques were not added later. Similar to Kushanku and, to a lesser extent, Rohai, Patsai has been adopted by many masters and has often been modified. The Patsai form of Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu by Chotoku Kyan comes from the Tomari line and is also known as Tomari Bassai or Oyadomari Bassai. It is considered the oldest version and, like all Tomari Kata, the version that deviates least from the Chinese original. The first part of the Kata uses many open hand techniques that are executed at very high speed. Overall, the Kata is more dynamic than the later versions Bassai Dai and Sho. The meaning of the name, with storming the fortress or breaking through the fortress, describes the character of the Kata. The techniques should be performed in a way that tolerates no contradiction and breaks down every obstacle.

Meaning of the name Seldom hand Moves: 38

Chinte

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu / Shotokan

Level Medium

If one can even speak of "good" and "bad" Kata, then Chinte is an "bad" Kata. Almost all techniques are intended to inflict serious, sometimes irreparable injuries on the opponent. Anyone who trains Chinte with knowledge of the bunkai also learns the idea of uncompromising destruction of the opponent. However, this is not openly apparent when the Kata is executed. Here it sometimes even seems harmless. The three jumps that are performed at the end in the Shotokan version can be interpreted as a bunkai, but here the idea of returning the Kata to its starting point could also have been the main reason. None of the old Kata was "constructed" in such a way that it always returns to the starting point. Only in Shotokan does the basic rule apply that a Kata ends at the same point where it starts. However, the three jumps, if performed correctly, also teach a special form of Yori Ashi.

Meaning of the name Fighting to the East Moves: 52

Chinto

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu / Shotokan

Level Advanced

Old stories tell of Sokon Matsumura meeting a Chinese sailor who was shipwrecked off Okinawa. It is said that Matsumura was commissioned by the king to investigate rumors about this Chinese sailor, search for him, and capture him. A fight is even said to have broken out, but in this case, it likely ended in a friendship. Finally, it is certain that Matsumura learned the Kata Chinto from this very Chinese sailor. Because of the big differences between Chinto and Tomari Chinto, the question arises as to whether Matsumura really only learned one Kata. There is also supposed to be a third variant. According to Hirokazu Kanazawa, there are three versions. All three are characterized by the straight Enbusen, although each version has its own direction. In Chinto (Gankaku) it goes straight forward, in Tomari Chinto it is 45 degrees diagonally, and the third version is supposed to go sideways. The Kata Chinto very specifically trains the sense of balance. This includes techniques that are performed standing on one leg, but also difficult turns. A special feature of the Kata is Zanshin. The concentration of attention on the opponent is practiced here in a form that involves a purely mental overcoming of the opponent. Either to prevent an attack, or with the aim of weakening their concentration in order to then launch a surprise attack.

Meaning of the name Fighting to the East Moves: 55

Tomari Chint0

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Advanced

This version of Chinto, whose enbusen runs diagonally and bears little resemblance to the Chinto of the Itsou school, was adopted by Chotoku Kyu in his Shorin Ryu school. The Tomari Chinto appears more "Chinese," so it could be an unaltered version. The similarity to the White Crane style is also clearly evident here. Tomari Chinto is an extremely dynamic Kata. Its technical combinations are very harmonious and appropriate to the body. The combative implementation of the Kata is very effective, and many techniques are capable of causing permanent damage.

Meaning of the name Music of the temple Moves: 51

Jion

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu / Shotokan

Level Medium

The Kata Jion, Ji’in and Jitte show a very clear relationship. In any case, they appear to come from the same school. Some suspect that Ji’in and Jitte are simply versions of the Kata Jion. In fact, one could assume that Itosu developed the versions Ji’in and Jitte based on the Kata Jion. This contradicts this, as all three Kata are attributed to Tomari-te. The technique at the beginning and end of the Kata is reminiscent of the traditional greeting of Chinese masters, but is a real fighting technique. The traditional Jion is very similar to the Shotokan version, but ends well before the starting point. It is believed that Jion originated in a Shaolin temple. The name Jion is also translated as love and grace of the Buddha. When performed correctly, the Kata shows dignity and grace (here perhaps in the sense of regret). The length of the Kata and the depth of the stances suggest that it was an important Kata for learning basic techniques and physical strengthening. It, and thus also Ji’in and Jitte, probably originates from the Tiger style of Shaolin.

Meaning of the name Ground of the temple Moves: 39

Ji’in

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu / Shotokan

Level Medium

Ji'in is more similar to Jion than Jitte and is also longer than Jitte. However, Ji'in contains pronounced footwork with difficult turns. In this area it is actually the most difficult of the three Kata. There are also the most versions of Ji'in. It is even interpreted and performed differently in the Shotokan schools. The biggest differences can be found in Ji'in as practiced by Hirokazu Kanazawa. In Ji'in, lateral dodging and dodging by turning over the back are practiced. The name is translated as floor of the temple, which could be a reference to the importance of footwork. Ji'in is the only one of the three Kata that ends at least very close to the starting point. What is very interesting in this context is that if all three Kata are practiced one after the other, you reach the starting point again. Hardly any of the "old" Kata end where they began. Many old masters and schools practiced outdoors, where there were no spatial restrictions. However, if these three Kata originate from the Shaolin Temple and were practiced by groups in the temple courtyard, one might assume that they were originally a single Kata that was only broken down into three parts on Okinawa.

Meaning of the name Ten hands Moves: 29

Jitte

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu / Shotokan

Level Medium

Jitte is the shortest of the three Kata, but difficult to execute. It was significantly modified in Shotokan and interpreted as a Kata against the bo. In fact, karate is fundamentally also intended for fighting armed opponents. However, no Kata was developed solely for practicing fighting with a weapon. The true speed of the techniques in combat is not visible in the Kata. Jitte offers a good example of how the speed at which a technique in a Kata is executed should be chosen so that an optimal learning effect is achieved. The biggest mistake when practicing a Kata is to attach more importance to speed than to perfection. Furthermore, each technique has its own optimal speed, which is particularly crucial for locking and throwing techniques. "What is fast in combat is slow in training." (Wisdom of an old master from Wu Dang). This could be seen as meaning that you should always train at the speed at which you learn best. The different speeds of techniques in a Kata should therefore also be viewed from this perspective. Because every technique in a Kata has its meaning. The meaning of the name Jitte (Ten Hands) is unclear and subject to many interpretations. The Kata is supposed to develop a strength that allows one to fight against ten men. Others attribute the name to the Japanese Jitte (a weapon similar to the sai). Perhaps the name also indicates that Jitte achieves such physical strength and dynamism, especially in the core muscles, that ten hands are needed to hold the master of this Kata.