NIKYU 2ND KYU KATA: FORMS

NiKYU KATA

The Kata requirements for Nikyu are Seisan, Pinan Godan, and Ananku.

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These Kata are not very long but contain dynamic and complex movements using two hands for blocking, kicking and punching simultaneously, balancing on one leg while kicking or sweeping, and utilizing both tense and relaxed movements in conjunction with one another.

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Mastery of these kata are among the final steps to attaining Black Belt.

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Seisan Kata

Translated to mean 13 Battles, this Kata contains about 46 techniques and represents fighting off 13 opponents utilizing the 4 cardinal directions.

Tension and correct breathing are key focus points in this kata, and heavy use of the Sanchin stance is seen.

Seisan Kata is one of the oldest kata in recorded existence and many styles utilize this kata in their syllabus.

Seisan History is traced back to Peichan Takahara circa 1688-1760 in Okinawa. Peichan created this kata from movements he learned from Chinese traders doing business on the island. He then taught Sakugawa, in combination with Kung Fu teacher Kusanku. His student Matsumura Sokon is ultimately responsible for the origin of Shotokan, Shitoryu, Shorin Ryu and Isshinryu versions of Seisan.

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Pinan Godan Kata

Anko Itosu created the Pinan / Heian Kata that we know today. He learned from Sokon Matsumura, the disciple of Pechin Takahara. The Pinan Kata were created for RyuKyu Kingdom To-te High School Program students as building blocks for later Original and Older Karate Forms that may have been too difficult to learn.

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The five pinan kata originate from two older Chinese forms called kusanku and Chiang nan. Anko Itosu is credited for creating Shorin Ryu, and his student Choki Motobu for the Shito Ryu we practice today.

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Ananku Kata

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Ananku Kata is a Shuri Te kata that comes from Sakugawa in Okinawa 1733-1815. Sakugawa is know as the teacher of Sokon Matsumura. This is one of the oldest remaining kata predating the styles we now see in Karate.