Kata

The Kata of Matsubayashi-ryu

Kata (型) is the foundation of all karate styles. Kata is not intended as a literal representation of a pretend fight, but as a display of transition and flow from one movement to another, teaching the student proper form, and encouraging them to visualize different scenarios for the use of each technique known as bunkai (application). There are infinite bunkai in kata.
The pictures below feature Shōshin Nagamine, who founded our style in 1947.

The eighteen  kata of Matsubayashi-Ryu:

  • Fukyugata I – II 普及型
  • Pinan I – V 平安
  • Naihanchi I – III  ナイハンチ
  • Ananku  安南空
  • Wankan (a.k.a. Okan) 王冠
  • Rohai 鷺牌
  • Wanshu 腕秀
  • Passai  拔塞/パッサイ
  • Gojushiho  五十四歩
  • Chinto  岩鶴
  • Kusanku  クーサンクー

Here is a short description of the kata:

• Fukyugata 普及型 (“Promotional Kata”):

Fukyugata I was created by Osensei Shōshin Nagamine in 1941 and Fukyugata II by Chōjun Miyagi, the master of Gōjū-ryū. These two kata were originally asked to be created by a special committee of the Okinawan Karate-Do Association to make the introduction to karate practice easier for beginner student.

• Pinan  平安 (“Peace”)

Pinan I through V were created by Ankō Itosu in 1907 and were intended to be practiced by high school students as an integral part of the regular curriculum.

• Naihanchi  ナイハンチ (“Horse Riding Kata”)

The composer of Naihanchi Shodan through Sandan is unknown. These ancient kata were the introduction to Karate for beginners before the Fukyugata and Pinan kata were composed.

• Ananku 安南空 (Light from the South)

The composer of this kata is unknown. The characteristic of this kata is noted by the lunging stances (bow stance) for defensive and offensive movements.

• Wankan 王冠 (Okan) (“King’s Crown”):

The composer of this kata is unknown also, but it has a long history. The characteristics of this kata are its elegance combined with powerful movements of attack and defense.

• Rohai 鷺牌

The composer of this kata is also unknown, but it has a long history as well. The characteristic of this kata is the one-foot stances where the other foot is drawn to deliver a quick snap-kick.

• Wanshu  腕秀

It is believed that this kata was brought to Okinawa in 1683 by a Chinese envoy named Wang; but later, this kata was reformed and developed by Karate men of Tomari Village. The characteristic of this kata is the execution of hidden fist punches.

Passai 拔塞/パッサイ

The composer of this kata is also unknown. The characteristic of this kata is the execution of knife-hand techniques.

• Gojushiho 五十四歩 (literally “54 Steps”):

The composer of this kata is also unknown. Goju-Shi-Ho literally means 54 steps. The characteristics of this kata are the spear-hand thrust and the movements of a drunken man.

• Chinto  岩鶴

The composer of this kata is unknown. The characteristics of this kata are the execution of a flying kick, and every movement is composed in a diagonally straight line.

         

• Kusanku クーサンクー

This kata was adopted and developed after it was brought to Okinawa in 1761 by a Chinese Martial Artist named Kūsankū. This kata is the most advanced of Matsubayashi Ryu Karate.

In addition to the 18 kata, 7 yakusoku kumite forms (pre-arranged sparring) are practiced. These forms were heavily influenced by Chōki Motobu.