Kata

Many books refer to kata as a fixed sequence of fighting movements performed against an imaginary opponent. While technically correct, this explanation is misleading; it misses the essence. Actually, kata is a training methodology aimed at teaching an effective proven fighting strategy.

Thus, kata training is staged. You first learn the sequence and then train to perfect movements, correct breathing and the way tension and relaxation are balanced. You then start learning the kata basic applications. They are fixed prearranged fighting sequences that apply the movement of the kata. Next, the kata principles are applied in rendori or free-fighting.

In actuality, these stages are further refined. In addition, training is circular, i.e., kata performing then application training then rendori and back to kata performing etc.

Goju-Ryu is unique in that there are additional traditional supplement exercises and equipment used with the intention of perfecting the kata. They include chi-shi (stone lever weight), nigiri game (gripping jars), makiwara (striking post) and others.

For example, it is typical to see a Goju-Ryu training that moves from repeating a kata movement to chi-shi training and back to kata movements to chi-shi training until the movement is perfected. Another example is the “mystical” concept of grounding made very concrete and realized through walking with the nigiri game (gripping jars).

Goju-Ryu has twelve kata. They are divided into “open-hand” kata and “closed-hand” kata. “Closed” here means that muscles are kept tensed throughout the kata performance. The “closed-hand” kata are Sanchin and Tensho (Rotating Palms). Both Sanchin and Tensho can be categorized as a form of Taoist mediation or chi-kung techniques. Sanchin has two variations, Higaonna Kanyro Sanchin, and the version developed by Miyagi Sensei.

Miyagi Sensei developed this kata from his research in Fuzhou, southern China during the period 1917 to 1921. It is also known as Rokkishu. The “open-handed” kata are listed below with a short explanation of each. This is also the order in which the “open-hand” kata are learned today.

Traditionally, a person would begin his training with Sanchin and learn one “open-hand” kata chosen by his teacher that would fit his body structure and character. All of the “open-hand” kata originated in China with the exception of Gekisai Dai Ichi and Gekisai Dai Ni which were devised by Miyagi Sensei.

The Kata exhibit different fighting methods and are all based on the movements of the white crane and the tiger. In particular, the last 3 kata contrast and combine go (hard) and ju (soft). These kata also contain the true fighting techniques of goju.