Kata List   Taikyoku Kata (created for beginners) Jodan,   Chudan,   Gedan,   JoChuGedan,   Kake Uke,   Mawashi Uke            Geki Sai Dai IchiGeki Sai Dai Ni "To Attack and Destroy" The Geki Sai Kata were formulated by Chojun Miyagi Sensei in 1940 as a form of physical exercise for high school boys and to help popularize Goju-Ryu among the public of Okinawa.  In 1948, after WWII, Miyagi Sensei began to teach the Geki Sai Kata in depth as a regular part of Goju-Ryu in his own dojo.  Until this time, Sanchin was the first Kata taught in Goju-Ryu.  Sanchin Kata is physically and mentally a demanding Kata and requires a great deal of time and patience to learn and perform properly.  The Geki Sai Kata however are easier to learn and perform, and contain dynamic techniques which are more attractive to young people.  These Kata contain the same kanji  found in Saifa.  This would suggest that even though these Kata were designed primarily as a form of exercise, Miyagi Sensei included his understanding of combat as part of their makeup.          Saifa "To Smash and Tear to Pieces" Saifa is the first of the classical combative Kata taught in Goju-Ryu.  Goju-Ryu's Kata origins come from the martial arts taught in the Fuzhou area of southern China, largely Crane and Xingyi/Baqua as well as other internal and external martial arts.  Kanryo Higaonna Sensei was taught this Kata, along with the other Kata of Goju-Ryu, while he studied in China from 1863-1881 under the direction of RuRuKo ( Xie Zhong Xiang in Chinese) and others.  These Kata and martial strategies would become the basis of the the quanfa of Higaonna Sensei, which later Miyagi Sensei would call Goju-Ryu.  From an understanding of the grappling and strking techniques of this Kata, Saifa can be interpreted to mean grabbing and tearing of tissue in close-quartered combat.         Sanchin "Three Battles or Conflicts" Sanchin translates as "3 Battles" or "3 Conflicts".  This has many meanings.  First it refers to the struggle to control the body under physical fatigue.  With fatigue the mind begins to lose focus and thus the spirit begins to diminsh as well.  Therefore Sanchin develops discipline, determination, focus, perserverance and other mental attributes.   The Chinese refer to this as Shen (spirit), Shin (mind) and Li (body).  Another possible interpretation refers to the "Three Burners" of the body as decribed in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).  One of two "heishu " Kata of Goju-Ryu, Sanchin is probably the most misunderstood Kata in all of Karate.  In contrast, it is probably the single most valuable training exercise in Goju-Ryu.  Like the other Kata of Goju-Ryu, Sanchin ( Samm Chien in Chinese) can be found in several Chinese arts, particulary the southern styles including four styles of Crane Boxing, Dragon Boxing, Tiger Boxing, Lion Boxing, Dog or Ground Boxing and Monk Fist.  Sanchin has such aspects as deep, diaphramatic breathing found in many internal arts as well as external attributes like mechanical alignment and muscular strength. Because many martial artists have little or no understanding of the true history and nature of the Chinese arts from which Okinawan Goju-Ryu has its roots, Sanchin has become little more than an isometric form performed with dangerous tension and improper breathing techniques.  The original Sanchin that Higaonna Sensei learned from RuRuKo (1852-1930) was performed with open hands and with less emphasis on muscle contraction and "energetic" breathing.   With the changes brought about by Emperor Meiji (Meiji Restoration Period 1888-1912), Higaonna Sensei changed the open hands to closed fists as the martial meaning was no longer emphasized.  Later Miyagi Sensei would again alter the Kata in pattern alone.          Seiyunchin  "Control, Suppress and Pull" The name Seiunchin implies the use of techniques to off balance, throw and grapple.  It is this understanding that imparts the original intentions of the Kata of Naha-te before the sport alignment of modern Karate.  Seiyunchin contains close-quartered striking, sweeps, take-downs and throws.  Though the Kata itself is void of kicks, many practitioners make the grave mistake by missing the opportunity to apply any leg technique.  Though almost invisible to the untrained eye, the subtleness of "ashi barai" and "suri ashi" can represent footsweeps, parries and traps.         Shisochin "Four Gates" or "Four Directions of Conflict" Shisochin translates as "Four Gates" or "Four Directions of Conflict".  To leave it at that discounts a truer understanding.  The third kanji  is the same found in Sanchin and Seiyunchin, which translates as "battle" or "conflict".  This lends to a deeper definition of its meaning.  The idea of four directions can come from the performance of the four shotei in four directions.  It can also represent the four elements represented in Chinese medicine (Acupuncture is one) of Wood, Fire, Metal and Water with man representing Earth.  Since this was the science and culture of that period in China when Higaonna and Miyagi both studied in Fuzhou, it would be a great oversight to discount this aspect as a very probable explanation of the Kata's name and martial intent.         Sanseru  "36 Hands" Sanseru is unique as Miyagi Sensei studied this Kata under a direct student of RuRuKo during his studies in Fuzhou, China beginning in 1916.  Sanseru, from its numerical designation, would seem to have its roots in Buddhism.  This is not to infer that there is a religious connection or implication with this Kata or Karate, but simply that Buddhism was a part of the culture of the people of that time.  It should also be noted that numbers had a very important role in the language of the more ancient Chinese before the invention of kanji. A more realistic explanation of this and the other numerically named Kata is that they refer to a systematic method and understanding of certain groupings of vital acupressure points.  It is this science that the martial arts was based upon and developed.  Feng Yiquan, who lived during the Ming Dynasty (1522-67) developed this particular method of using variations of "36" forbidden points to defeat his opponents.  Other disciples of Feng created other quans expanding the number to 72 and ultimately 108.  Sanseru is found in the following styles of Chinese Boxing: Crane, Tiger, and Dog        Sepai "18 Hands" The reference to "18" in naming this Kata has a couple of interpretations.  Like Sanseru, there is suggested a connection to Buddhist philosophy.  Another insinuates "18 guards for the King".  The most apparent and most meaningful in the naimg of Sepai is again from the martial arts develpoment and the use of attacking pressure points.  18 is one half of 36 suggesting that perhaps an alternative set of attacks and defenses of preferred techniques and strategies from the original Sanseru 36. Sepai is found in Monk Boxing.           Kururunfa  "Holding Ground"  Kururunfa epitomizes the ideals of Go-"hard and Ju-"soft".   Stance transitions are quick and explosive while the hands techniques are employed using "muchimi" or a heavy, sticky movement.  As in the other kata of Goju-Ryu, it is quite evident that grappling and close-quartered fighting is the favored fighting style.  The same kanji is found in Saifa. Again, this would suggest a strong empahsis on grappling. Where most other styles' Kata concentrate on "block/punch", it is obvious from the unique techniques that this is not the case with Goju-Ryu.        Seisan  "13 Hands" Seisan, Sanseru and Sepai all share the kanji .   This may well be a Chinese dialect of the Okinawan term "te" or "fighting hand", referring to life-protection techniques.  To better understand these Kata requires a more defined understanding of the language and culture of the people from which these Kata originated.  Seisan is believed to be the oldest of all Okinawan Goju-Ryu Kata.  There is a version of Seisan practiced in the Shorin schools, but in comparison, the Goju-Ryu version is longer and much more complex.   Seisan is practiced in the following styles of Chinese Boxing: Dragon, Lion and Monk Fist          Suparinpei (Pechurin)  "108 hands" Suparinpei is the most advanced Kata in Goju-Ryu.  It contains the greatest number of techniques and variations.  Suparinpei is deceptive in that it appears simple in execution but when combined with transitions and changing tempos, it is only surpassed by Sanchin in technical difficulty and understanding. Once again, the number "108" is suggested to have origins in Buddhism and can represent the "108 sins of man". On the Chinese New Year, temple bells are rung 108 times to "drive away the evils of man". It is believed these named associations with Buddhism is based upon the lack of factual knowledge of the true nature of these quan.  Secondly, with the cutural changes that took place in China during and after the Boxing Rebellion (1900) and the fall of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), little emphasis was placed on learning such complex arts. Most who learned the fighting arts after this time, did so as a means of exercise, recreation or artistic performance.  In additon, the wide-spread use of firearms reduced the need and effectiveness for hand-to-hand combat as a means to civil defense.  Suparinpei is found in the following styles of Chinese Boxing: Dragon, Tiger and Monk Fist.        Tensho "Turning Palms" The second "heishu" kata in Goju-Ryu, Tensho is derived from the Chinese form "Rokkishu".  Unlike Sanchin, which is almost identical to its Chinese counterpart, Tensho is uniquely Okinawan.  From his understanding of the Kata of Goju-Ryu and the "nature of man", Miyagi Sensei developed Tensho to further complete his Goju-Ryu where Sanchin left off.  Tensho has many of the same principles of Sanchin but goes further to include more intricate concepts of the techniques of Goju-Ryu.  These concepts expressly come alive in kakie , which in advanced training, breathes life into the bunkai of the Kata of Goju-Ryu.  The term "heishu" translates as "closed".  As with every aspect of Okinawan Karate, there is more than one definition.  First, "heishu" can refer to muscle contraction and "ibuki" style breathing unique to Sanchin and Tensho.   econdly, it can imply the restriction and specific direction of energies within the energy pathways of the body, both superficial and deep.  The other 10 Kata are referred to as "kaishu" or "open", as they are free of constant muscle contraction and breathing is "normal".

Adult Grades (18+ yrs old)

Masters Grades

If there is a 10th Dan in the system then they are the only one to wear the red belt.

Senior Ranks and Official Titles

Shihan or Master is the formal title of 5th Dan and above, sometimes this title is awarded to a 4th Dan.

 Shidoin is an instructors rank in the capacity of an assistant to the chief instructor. Jokyo is delegated

to the 4th Dan instructors who are not of the Shihan Rank. Sempai is an official title for all senior students,

directed mainly at Black Belts below the rank of Sensei.

Goju Ryu Seiwakai Grading requirements

10 kyu

From the Beginning grades the student will learn to perform the following techniques

Japanese

English

Movements

Japanese

English

Yakusoku Kumite

Partner Training

Japanese

English

Repeat for both sides 6 then change

9 kyu

Basics

Japanese

English

Movements

Kihon Undo Wazza Ichi

Japanese

English

Yakusoku Kumite

Partner Training with Movement

Japanese

English

Repeat for both sides 6 then change

Kata

8 kyu

Basics

Japanese

English

Movements

Japanese

English

Yakusoku Kumite

Partner Training Movement

Repeat for both sides 6 then change

Kata

7 kyu

Movements

Kihon Undo Wazza Ichi

Kihon Undo Wazza Ni

Yakusoku Kumite

Partner Training Movement 1

Tagai Uke Jodan Bunkai

Repeat back to start same Chudan and Shiko Dachi Gedan

Kata

Kumite (Shia) Sport Karate Ippon Kumite (Must have own gloves by this time)

6 kyu

Movements

Kihon Undo Wazza Ni

Kata

Kumite (Shia) Sport Karate Ippon Kumite (Must have own gloves by this time)

Sports Karate Yakusoku Kumite

5 kyu

Movements

Kihon Undo Wazza

Kata

Gekisai Kata Bunkai

Kumite (Shia) Sport Karate Ippon Kumite & (Contact) Jyu Kumite

4 kyu

1) SANCHIN SEQUENCES:

1.   From neko-ashi moving front leg to sanchin dachi Jodan uke chudan gyaku tsuki then forward

             to neko-ashi. Moving backwards step out with the back foot and repeat combination.

2.   From neko-ashi move front foot to Sanchin dachi and perform gyaku tsuki mae geri (with rear leg)

             and forward to neko ashi. Going backwards step back with back foot into sanchin dachi

             and repeat combination.

3.    From neko-shi move front foot into Sanchin dachi and perform yoko uke shita barai

            (double block—chudan and gedan) and after morote tsuki (double vertical punch) and

            forward to neko-ashi. Backwards move rear foot into  sanchin and perform the combination

            and mae geri with front foot and then step back to neko-ashi.

4.   From neko-ashi mae geri with front foot mawashi chudan with rear foot and forward

            to neko-ashi. Going backwards mae geri with front foot and step back—mawashi-geri with

            front foot and step down in the front. ( in the basics without neko-ashi this is performed

            from sanchin dachi).

Kata

Gekisai Kata Bunkai

Saifa Kata Bunkai

Kumite (3 Rounds)

3 kyu

2) ZENKUTSU SEQUENCES:

a) From neko-ashi move front foot to zenkutsu dachi and perform chudan yoko uke and jodan gyaku

tsuki combination and step forward to neko-ashi. Going backwards step back with back foot into

zenkutsu dachi and perform the same combination and back again to neko-ashi.

b) From neko-shi mae geri with rear foot and then continue forward into zenkutsu dachi and perform

jun tsuki( oi tsuki) chudan-then slide back foot up to neko-ashi, Going backwards first mae geri with

front foot stepping backwards to zenkutsu dachi and then slide front foot back to neko-ashi.

c) From neko-ashi move front foot to zenkutsu dachi then front arm hiji-ate and gyaku-tsuki chudan

and step forward to neko-ashi. Moving backwards step back with back foot into zenkutsu dachi

and perform the combination then back to neko-ashi.

d) From neko-ashi mae geri with rear foot and step forward to zenkutsu dachi then front arm

hiji-ate ura uchi harai uke and gyaku-tsuki then sliding up to neko-ashi. Moving backwards mae geri

with front foot and step back into zenkutsu-dachi hiji-ate with front arm then ura uchi harai uke

gyaku-tsuki and slide front leg back to neko-ashi.

e) From neko-ashi sokuto geri with front foot step down and gyaku-tsuki and step forward to neko-ashi.

Moving backwards sokuto geri with front leg step backwards with same foot and gyaku-tsuki

and slide front foot back to neko-ashi.

f) From neko-ashi sokuto geri with rear foot and step into zenkutsu-dachi perform gyaku-tsuki and

slide back foot up to neko-ashi. Moving backwards sokuto geri with front leg step backwards

with same foot and gyaku-tsuki and slide front foot back to neko-ashi.

Saifa Kata Bunkai

Kata

Jyu Kumite ( 5 Rounds)

2 kyu

SHIKODACHI SEQUENCES:

1. From neko-ashi move front foot 45 degrees to shiko dachi performing harai otoshi uke and

chudan gyaku-tsuki and step forward to neko-ashi. Moving backwards step out 45 degrees

with the rear foot and perform the same combination and step back into neko-ashi.

2. From neko-ashi step forward with front foot into 90 degree (Straight line) shiko dachi

and perform tetsui uchi ura uchi and after step forward to neko-ashi. Moving backwards step

back with rear foot into 90 degree shiko dachi performing the same combination. Make

sure when you perform ura uchi the other hand is blocking otoshi uke and ending covering

the solar plexus.

3. From neko-ashi move front foot into 45 degree shiko dachi and perform mawashi (side)

hiji-ate ura uchi harai uke gyaku-tsuki combination and step forward into neko-ashi. Moving

backwards step back with rear foot into 45 degrees shiko dachi performing same

combination with front arm ending with gyaku-tsuki and step back into neko-ashi.

4. From neko-ashi use front foot to perform kansetsu-geri at 45 degrees and step down

with front foot into 45 degree shiko dachi and perform age-tsuki ura uchi harai uke with front

arm and then gyaku-tsuki and step forward into neko-ashi. Moving backwards perform

45 degree kansetsu-geri with front foot and then step back with the front foot into

45 degree shiko dachi and perform the same combination and then slide front foot

back into neko-ashi.

 Kata

Saiyunchin Kata Bunkai

Jyu Kumite ( 5 Rounds)

1 kyu

1. From neko-ashi front foot moves (twists) into kokutsu dachi front arm performs harai uke then

twist waist and perform gyaku tsuki followed by Mae geri with rear foot and step down to

neko-ashi. After 4/5 forward combinations step across with the front foot and turn to face

opposite direction. Repeat another 4/5 combinations back to the starting point and then

turn stepping across with the front foot—into neko-ashi facing the front.

2. From neko-ashi perform kanestsu geri with front foot and step down then sokuto geri with

rear foot and place it in front. Moving backwards kansetsu geri with front foot and step

back then front foot sokuto geri and place it down in front.

3. From neko ash slide forward with front foot bring up the rear foot (yori ashi movement)

chudan or jodan mawashi geri with front foot then place the foot down into 45 degree

shiko dachi perform harai uke gyaku tsuki at the same time twisting the hips and body

into zenkutsu dachi and then twist back to shiko dachi making “kamai” with the front

hand then step forward to neko-ashi. Perform 4/5 of the combinations and then turn

and 4/5 combinations back to the starting position. Step across with the front foot and

turn to face the front.

4. From neko-ashi perform kin geri mawashi with the front foot. Place the foot down in front then

mae geri with rear foot and place this foot in front. Going backwards perform kin geri mawashi

with the front foot and step back then perform mae geri with the front foot and place it down in front.

Kata

Kata Bunkai Saiyunchin, Saifa and Tensho

Jyu Kumite (5 Rounds)

Testing

9^th Kyu Basics Block, Punch, Kick

Stance Movement with stance

8^th Kyu Basics Block, Punch, Kick, Back fist strikes

Stance Movement with Stance

Kata Tagai Uke Jodan

7^th Kyu Basics Block, Punch, Kick, all Uchi, all Ate, and Zuki

Stance Movement with Stance 1-7 Hundo waza

Kata Tagai Uke Jodan (no mistakes)

6^th Kyu Basics Block, Punch, Kick, all strikes, Mawashi Uki

Stance Movement with Stance

Movement 1-11 Hundo waza

Kata Gekisai Ichi (no mistakes)

5^th Kyu Basics Block, Punch, Kick, all strikes, Mawashi Uki

Stance Movement with Stance

Movement 1-15 Hundo waza

Kata Gekisai Ni

Kumite Competition

4^th Kyu Basics all Basics

Stance Movement with Stance

Movement 1-15 Hundo waza

Kata Gekisai Ichi or Ni

Kumite Competition

3^rd Kyu Stance Movement with Stance

Movement 1-15 Hundo waza

Kata Saifa and Sanchin

Kumite Goju-Ryu Jyu Kumite

2^nd Kyu Movement 1-15 Hundo waza

Kata Saifa, Sanchin, Seiyunchin

Kumite Goju-Ryu Jyu Kumite

1st Kyu Movement 1-15 Hundo waza

Kata Saifa, Sanchin, Seiyunchin

Kumite Goju-Ryu Jyu Kumite

1) Note: for 3^rd, 2^nd and 1^st kyu examination a minimum of a random 8 of the above should be performed.

For black belt testing up to 3^rd DAN, may require all kihon to be shown.

2) KATA:

a) 1^st DAN Sanchin, Gekisai 1 or 2 and Saifa

b) 2^nd DAN Sanchin, Tensho and Seiyunchin

c) 3^rd DAN Sanchin, Tensho and Sanseiru

d) 4^th DAN (no kihon) Sanchin, Tensho and Shisochin

e) 5^th DAN “ Sanchin, Tensho and Sepai

f) 6^th DAN Sanchin, Tensho and Seisan

g) 7^th DAN Sanchin, Tensho and Kuraunfa

h) 8^th DAN Sanchin, Tensho and Supaumpai

Note:

1) All those joining SEIWAKAI from another style or another Goju-ryu organisation must demonstrate

all the basics and also all kata to the level for which they are being tested. This can be at a weekend

seminar—not all in the test.

2) Random bunkai will be selected from any kata up to the required DAN level. The examinee must

be able to demonstrate and explain these bunkai.

KUMITE:

All testing from 3^rd Kyu to 5^th Dan requires 3 rounds of Goju-Ryu Jyu Kumite. (not Sports Kumite).

The examinees are expected to show a good level of both blocking and countering as well as

attacking techniques. If blocking is not adequate the examinee will be unsuccessful.