Fukyugata
("Promotional Kata"):
Fukyugata I was created by Master Shoshin Nagamine in 1940 and Fukyugata II by the Master of Goju-Ryu, Chojun Miyagi. These two introductory kata were originally requested to be created by a special committee of all the Okinawan Karate-Do Association organized and summoned by the governor of Okinawa at that time, Mr. Gen Hayakawa. The reason for the inception of these two introductory kata was to allow beginners and school children to approach Karate practice in the most lenient way possible.
Pinan:
("Peace")
Pinan I through V were created by Yasatsune "Anko" Itosu in 1907 and were intended to be practiced by high school students as an integral part of the regular curriculum. When Ginchin Funakoshi introduced karate to mainland Japan he modified the Pinan katas and renamed them "Heian" in Japanese. Additionally the Shotokan system he founded changed Pinan I to Heian II and Pinan II to Heian I.
There is some discussion whether Itosu Sensei developed the Pinans from the more sophisticated "Black Belt" katas or if they were developed from a mysterious kata known as "Chanan". We may never know the full truth
Naihanchi:
("Horse Riding Kata")
The Naihanchi katas are adaptations of the Chinese Shaolin form Naifuanchin. They were modified by Ankho Itosu, who was also the originator of the Pinan (Heinan katas). The Naihanchi katas were traditionally the first katas a student would learn. They are charachterized by powerful lower body movements and all movements are conducted left and right in a straight line from the starting position. In the Shotokan system these katas are known as the Tekki katas. When the Pinan katas were introduced in 1907 they replaced the Naihanchi katas as introductory katas. When the Fukyugata's were introduced they replaced the Pinans. Students now learn the Fukyugatas, then the Pinans, then the Niahanchis before moving on the to "black belt" or fighting katas.
Anaku:
("Ten Gods")
The first of the so called "Black-Belt katas". Originally a Chinese form, it was brought from the island of Formosa (later the country of Taiwan). It is characterized by strong power movements. Most movements are performed in the zenkutsu-dachi stance.
Wankan (Okan):
("King's Crown")
The composer of this kata is unknown as well, but it has been practiced for a long time primarily in the village of Tomari on Okinawa. This kata combines elegant but powerful movements in both attack and defense sequences.
Rohai:
Another kata created by an unknown master. It too was practiced predominatly in Tomari village. The characteristic of this kata is the one-foot stances where the other foot is drawn to deliver a quick snap-kick. It is not as long as some of the other katas (27 movements) but has a powerful, graceful flow to it.
Wanshu:
It is believed that this kata was brought to Okinawa in 1683 by a Chinese envoy named Wanshu; 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 (kakushi-zuki).
Passai:
The composer of this kata is also unknown. The characteristic of this kata is the execution of knife-hand techniques. This kata was the favorite of Sensei Kyan.
Gojushiho:
(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 resemblance of a drunken man's movements.
Chinto:
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.
Kunsaku
This kata was adopted and developed by Okinawan Karate men after it was brought to Okinawa in 1761 by a Chinese Martial Artist named Kusanku. This kata is the most magnificent and advanced kata of all Matsubayashi Ryu Karate. It is also the longest and most difficult kata, requiring painstaking practice for more than a decade for mastery.
In addition to the 18 kata, 7 yakusoku (promise) kumite forms are practiced. These forms were heavily influenced by Choki Motobu.
Matsubayashi-Ryu Kata Video Clips:
MPEG video clips of all Matsubayashi-Ryu katas can be found at The home of the Copenhagen Shorin-Ryu (WMKA) Karate Dojo They are large files but EXTREMELY well done.
Matsubayashi-Ryu Katas on Video:
Soke Takayoshi Nagamine is currently in production with Tsunami Videos and producing a series of videos that include the katas listed above. Tsunami videos can be located at http://www.dragon-tsunami.org/Tsunami/home.htm
Kyoshi Eihachi Ota has produced a series of Matsubayashi-Ryu videos. They can be located at http://www.shorin-ryu.com/skkastore.html
Additionally Kyoshi Robert Scaglione has produced a series of videos that reflect the Shorin-Ryu Karate U.S.A. unique approach to the Matsubayshi-Ryu katas. These can be found at http://www.todayvideo.com/kata.htm
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Last updated on 14 April 2005
