Meaning of the name Vision of a White Crane Moves: 45

Matsumora Rohai

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Medium

The Rohai Kata is equally well-known in the Matsumora (Tomari) and Matsumura (Shuri) schools. It originates from the White Crane style, but is less dynamic and combative than Chinto, and not as "foreign" and mysterious as Hakutsuru, Hakkaku, or Haufa. The Kata exudes elegance and dignity, and it is very difficult to find the right balance between calm and dynamism. It contains Shuto-Barai in Sagi Ashi Dachi, a very elegant evasive movement followed by a devastating counterattack. Rohai is also very suitable for practicing balance. The Meikyo Kata is often referred to as the Shotokan version of Rohai. The basis for this is the initial movement, which is very similar in both Kata. In fact, Meikyo otherwise bears no similarity, either conceptually or technically, to the traditional Rohai.

Meaning of the name Vision of a White Crane Moves: 41

Matsumura Rohai

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Medium

The Masumura Rohai is essentially the same as the Matsumora Rohai. Both versions are almost identical, although the Matsumura school uses a somewhat more direct execution of the techniques, sometimes using different stances and with greater overall dynamics. Regarding the beginning of the Kata, there are two different versions, one of which contains an additional combination of three techniques. Therefore, the exact number of techniques and movements in traditional Kata cannot always be determined with certainty. Thus, Sokon Matsumura not only modified the Rohai in terms of sequence and number of techniques compared to the Rohai, but also increased the internal dynamics while maintaining the principles of the Crane School. In terms of character, the Rohai could be described as having the appearance of a sublime, superior crane, whereas the Matsumura Rohai is seen as an extremely agile and determined crane.

Meaning of the name Vision of a White Crane 1 Moves: 21

Rohai Shodan

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Medium

Yasutsune Itosu created the Rohai Shodan version based on the Rohai Kata. Also known as Itosu no Rohai Shodan, this Rohai form is similar to the Matsumura Rohai at the beginning. However, it subsequently follows a purely lateral enbusen and also shows significant differences in the techniques used. The Ashi Barai techniques it contains are complex and require precise body movement with targeted shifting of body weight. The Kata is extremely short, yet interesting, varied, and not without elegance in its execution.

Meaning of the name Vision of a White Crane 2 Moves: 51

Rohai Nidan

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Medium

Unlike the usual Rohai Kata, the Rohai Nidan does not contain any of the distinctive features of the ancient Rohai. Techniques performed while standing on one leg are completely absent. The Kata is significantly longer than Rohai, or Rohai Shodan, and Rohai Sandan. Some techniques, such as Shuto Uke in Kosa Dachi, are performed repeatedly and in a total of four directions. Analyzing this part of the Kata, one ultimately recognizes a mirror-image concept. In fact, the Rohai Nidan Kata is the foundation Kata for the development of Meikyo.

Meaning of the name Vision of a White Crane 3 Moves: 40

Rohai Sandan

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Medium

Rohai Sandan also does not use typical techniques of the old Rohai. It is shorter than Rohai Nidan, but significantly longer than Rohai Shodan. It is also not very widely practiced. However, the Sukui Uke technique was incorporated into the development of the Shotokan Kata Meikyo. Rohai Sandan contains techniques that can also be found in Kosokun Sho. It is now open to speculation whether Itosu first developed Rohai Sandan or Kosokun Sho. Some techniques utilize the centrifugal force of the shoulder joint and are reminiscent of the Kata Chinte. Furthermore, the beginning of the Kata follows a similar concept to the beginning of the Matsumura Rohai and is very dynamic.

Meaning of the name Thirteen Moves: 56

Seishan

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Medium

Seishan is primarily practiced and passed down in the school of Sokon Matsumura. Hangetsu was developed in Shotokan based on this Kata. Only the beginning is reminiscent of the Naha-te/Goju Ryu (Shorei- Ryu) Kata Seisan. The main body of the Kata follows the concept and technical combinations of Aragaki Seisan. Therefore, it is difficult to imagine that Seishan is merely a version of the Goju Ryu Seisan. Rather, it appears as an independent Kata.

Meaning of the name Name of a chinese Master Moves: 32

Wanshu

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Medium

It is believed that this Kata came to Okinawa in the 16th century via a Chinese master named Wang Ji. Two very different versions of Wanshu exist. The form known as Tomari Wanshu bears the greatest resemblance to the Shotokan Kata Empi. The initial movement of Wanshu, however, is identical to that of Chinte. And like Chinte, Wanshu is a unique Kata, representing a distinctive feature of the Shorin-ryu Kata concept. This could mean that Wanshu and Chinte are actually very old Kata, possibly even belonging to the same school. Wanshu teaches techniques of close combat and hidden fists, unusual in Shorin-ryu. Both versions include throwing techniques and attacks to the opponent's lower body (groin, knee). The footwork is complicated, unusual, and very difficult to master.

Meaning of the name Name of a chinese Master Moves: 40

Tomari Wanshu

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shito Ryu

Level Medium

Tomari Wanshu is very different from Wanshu. So much so, in fact, that one could say they are two different Kata. The beginning of Tomari Wanshu is almost identical to the opening movement of the Jion Kata. There is no connection to Chinte, as there is with Wanshu. Empi was developed from Tomari Wanshu in Shotokan. Both Kata are still very similar. Tomari Wanshu teaches very effective close combat techniques that include many throws. Age zuki also includes a special, hidden form of tsuki. Some passages of the Kata also bear strong resemblance to other ancient Kata such as Patsai and Rohai.