Meaning of the name 54 Steps (big) Moves: 72

Gojushiho Dai

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Advanced

The Gojushiho Dai described here uses Shihon Nukite in Zenkutsu Dachi and is almost identical to the Gojushiho practiced in Sito-ryu. Since in all previous cases where a Dai and Sho variant was developed for a Kata, the Dai form bears the closest resemblance to the originally practiced form, this also supports Master Hirokazu Kanazawa's belief that this is indeed Gojushiho Dai. Apart from rumors, it is unknown why the names were swapped. Since Hirokazu Kanazawa studied Shotokan under the watchful eye of Gichin Funakoshi, his opinion, published in his two Kata books , is of great value. Since the Kata originally comes from the Aragaki school, where it was called Useishi, it would actually be more closely associated with Naha-te. However, since its Kihon has been adapted to Shuri-te, this would technically no longer be correct. Superficially, it is not very difficult to learn the Kata, but it takes a long time to develop the right dynamics in their techniques. For more details, see: Shito Ryu Gojushiho

Meaning of the name 54 Steps (small) Moves: 73

Gojushiho Sho

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Advanced

The Gojushiho Sho described here uses Ippon Nukite in Neko Ashi Dachi and was also called Hotaku (woodpecker tapping) by Master Gichin Funakoshi. Indeed, with the Ippon Nukite techniques, one can imagine a woodpecker striking a tree with its beak. Although visually almost identical to Gojushih Dai, the Enbusen depicted is very different due to the use of Neko Ashi Dachi. It is also the only Shotokan Kata in which Washide is practiced. For more details, see: Shito Ryu Gojushiho Rumors: In the 1980s, there was a rumor that the names of the Kata had been swapped after an athlete used the wrong name during a competition. To avoid disqualification, Shotokan officials confirmed the veracity and maintained the name swap. The source of the rumor is unknown, so it should be viewed with caution. However, each style has the right to its own interpretation of karate, which includes the choice of Kata, its modification, and the assignment of names. More on the topic of names: siehe Gojushiho Dai

Meaning of the name Half moon Moves: 44

Hangetsu

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Advanced

Hangetsu corresponds to the Seishan from Shuri-te, which, however, bears only a certain resemblance to the Seisun from Naha-te, which leads to confusion. In Hangetsu, only the middle section, with the turns while standing on one leg, was changed. However, in Shotokan, it is the only Kata with a distinctive breathing technique, reminiscent of the breathing technique of the Naha-te Kata. The name Hangetsu refers to the special stance (Hangetsu Dachi / Crescent Stance) taught in the Kata. It is a very powerful stance capable of breaking balance. Due to its special properties, Hangetsu can be considered one of the most valuable Kata in Shotokan. For more details, see: Seishan

Meaning of the name Cleaning the Mirror Moves: 37

Meikyo

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Medium

The Kata Meikyo is often referred to as the Shotokan version of Rohai. The very similar initial movement of the two Kata is considered to be the basis for this. Otherwise, Meikyo bears no resemblance to Rohai. What is certain is that Yasutsune Itosu, as a student of Matsumura, learned his Rohai. From this, Itosu developed the Rohai Shodan, which is considerably shorter than the original. He also developed Rohai Nidan and Rohai Sandan. In contrast to the Naifanchin Kata, which was divided into three parts, Itosu created two completely new Rohai Kata here that are hardly comparable to Rohai and Rohai Shodan. If you look at the characteristics of the three Itosu Kata Rohai Shodan, Nidan, and Sandan, you will find all the techniques and concepts of the Kata Meikyo. Therefore, I would argue that these three Rohai Kata are closely related to the Meikyo Kata, and that Meikyo is a kind of summary. However, Meikyo lacks the Sagi Ashi Dachi technique so typical of Rohai. Furthermore, Meikyo contains a special jumping technique with Sankaku Tobi. This jump uses a special torque, making it possible to actually jump in a slight arc. This also allows for the use of a very effective throwing technique at the end of the jump. Ultimately, it is unknown who created the Kata Meikyo. However, it is very likely that it was developed in Shotokan, based on contacts with the Shito-ryu school of Kenwa Mabuni and the associated knowledge of Itosu's three Rohai versions. Yoshitaka Funakoshi, therefore, could be considered a candidate for the development of the Meikyo. For more details, see: Rohai Shodan Rohai Nidan Rohai Sandan Note: There is no evidence that the Kata Meikyo Nidan and Meikyo Sandan, which emerged in the 1990s, are historical Kata, especially since Meikyo itself cannot fulfill this claim. There is evidence that Nidan and Sandan can be traced back to Tetsuhiko Asai. I met Asai personally in 2002, and had a very interesting conversation with him over dinner.

Meaning of the name 24 steps Moves: 38

Nijushiho

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Advanced

Nijushiho developed from Niseishi and entered Shotokan through its connection to Kenwa Mabuni. The only changes were the stances and the type of lateral attacks with Tate Empi. For example, the Yori Ashi movement in Kiba Dachi is missing from the original. Foot techniques are also performed with Mae Geri. The use of Yoko-geri, however, dates back to Tetsuhiko Asai. According to Shotokan masters, the Kata should be performed without pause. There is no stopping; the techniques flow into one another, like a baton being passed from one runner to another. One could also say it is like flowing water. For more details, see: Niseishi

Meaning of the name Calm power Moves: 42

Sochin

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Advanced

Shotokan Sochin is a new Kata developed by Yoshitaka Funakoshi and bears no resemblance to the Aragaki School's Sochin. It is therefore considered a new, independent Kata. Sochin teaches a powerful fighting style with aggressive, forward-facing techniques. The execution of Nihon zuki in Fudo Dachi involves very difficult hip movement. The Kata also requires good balance, especially during turns, especially the Yoko Geri, which is performed while turning. It also places considerable demands on the leg muscles.

Meaning of the name Clouds storm Moves: 58

Unsu

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Advanced

Unsu was significantly modified in Shotokan. Many techniques and combinations were redesigned. For example, the Ushiro Geri was replaced with a forward-executed Mawashi Geri. Many technical refinements were exchanged for more straightforward techniques. Furthermore, the kata was somewhat shortened. The dynamics were also changed, favoring a greater use of force. At higher levels, however, the kata should be performed with a similar fluidity to Nijushiho. For more details, see: Shito Ryu Unshu

Meaning of the name Kings Crown Moves: 28

Wankan

Classification Shorin-Ryu

Style Shotokan

Level Medium

The Wankan originated from the Matsukaze Kata. However, it is considerably shorter, and some technical combinations have been replaced with entirely new ones. At least it's still clearly recognizable that the Kata originated from Matsukaze. However, the changes are so extensive that one could even call it a new Kata. And although the Kata is very short, it contains a fairly complex fighting system. Some of its techniques, such as the Ashi Barai at the beginning of the Kata, are only practiced in a sketchy way. For more details, see: Matsukaze