Fukyugata Ichi -
Created by Grand Master Shoshin Nagamine (Founder of Matsubayashi Ryu) in 1940's.
Fukyugata Ni -
Created by Meitoku Yagi (Goju Ryu) with the influence of Gekisai Kata of Goju Ryu.
Phinan Shodan /Nidan/Sandan/Yondan/Godan -
Created by Great Master Anko Itosu. He created this Kata Series at the age of 77, for
the purpose of introducing Karate to Okinawa High Schools. It is believed
that these five Kata were created with the influence of an ancient lost Kata called
'Channen' And it can be seen that the Kusanku Kata also influenced these Katas.
Some people believe these five Kata shows the each of five wheels or the basic elements
that is in Miyamoto Musashi's book -Go Rin Sho-. (Earth, Water, Fire, Air & Space)
In Japan these katas are called as Heian.
Naihanchi Shodan /Nidan/Sandan -
This is one of the core Katas in Shuri Te and the Tanren katas. The creator of these Katas is unknown. But it is believed Bushi, Sokon Matsumura learnt these Katas from the Chinese sailor named Ason. Some people say these three katas were one long Kata, and it was broken in to three by Master Choki Motobu or by Master Anko Itosu. But some believe the second and third Katas were created by Motobu or by Itosu. This Kata is practiced in Naihanchi Dachi in Kyudokan. This has side movements with applications for short distance fighting. Naihanchi Katas are famous for developing power and generating power inside to outside. Master Motobu is very much influenced in this Katas. Japanese name for these Kata is Tekki. In Okinawa it is said -Shorin Ryu starts and ends with Naihanchi-(Naihanchi wa hajimaru.Naihanchi wa owaru. And it is believed one must practice this kata for over ten thousand times to understand the kata and it will develop an enormous power.
Jion -
The creator is unknown. But it was believed this has come from a Buddhist temple called Jion ji in China. And we can see very much similarities between Jion, Jiin and Jitte. Therefore, some think these three were broken form the same Kata. Kyudokan version of Jion is different from the Jion we see in Shotokan and many Japanese styles. It is said Mtsumura brought this kata.
Jitte -
Creator is unknown. The meaning of Jitte is Ten Hands. This Kata has its applications (Bunkai), against the staff (Bo). Some believe this is a Kata that was practiced with a staff, against the weapon called jitte (Sai like weapon). Another belief on this Kata is, this was originated in Shaolin Temple in Honan, China.(We must know that Master Chatan Yara lived in Shaolin Temple in Honan for about 20 years). This Kata was introduced to Shorin Ryu by Master Shinpan Gusukuma (Shiroma).
Passai -
The meaning of this is -Escape from the Fortress-. It's believed that this comes from Tomari Style. There are many versions like Passai Sho, Passai Dai, Matsumura Passai, Oyadomati Passai. Matsumura, Itosu and Oyadomari made an influence in these Katas. Passai Kata may be descended from exercise routines in China known as Ba Ji Ch'uan. There are supposedly two forms: Ba Ji Xiao and Ba Ji Da. Passai katas were also called as Patsai or Bassai.
Unsu -
This can be translated as -Cloud Hands-. The kata is said to be like the lightning or thunderstorm This is a very beautiful Kata in Shorin Ryu.Kyudokan practice a special traditional version of Unsu differ to Shotokan Unsu.
Kushanku -
The Kata has originally come from Master Sakugawa -Father of Karate-. But many masters changed this Kata on their experience and choice.The Chinese sailor and martial art expert Kusanku (Kung Syang Chung, Ko Sokun) taught this Kata to the Great Master Sakugawa. This kata is a very advanced kata in Shorin system. Master Nagamine said it has taken more than 10 years of continuous training of this kata to gain expertise in this kata. There are many versions of Kusanku Kata created by Itosu Anko, Chatan Yara and many other masters. (Kushanku Sho, Kushanku Dai, Higa no Kushanku, Chibana Kushanku, Shiho Kushanku, Kuniyoshi Kushanku, Yara no Kushanku) We practice Kushanku Sho, Kushanku Dai and Higa No Kushanku -a Kata created by Hanshi Oscar Higa in honor of Master Yuchoku Higa and Yintatsu Higa-. Kushanku is called as Kosokun and Kanku also.
Chinti -
Small Kata. This can be translated as -Amazing or mysterious hands-.Actually this Kata has mysterious, hidden, secret, deadly hand techniques. This is a Kata popular among female Karatekas more than male Karatekas. This is said to be developed by an Okinawa folk dance.
Seisan -
This kata has Chinese influence. Seisan literally means "13".The meaning of 13 is not clear. May be 13 attacks and blocks, 13 kinds of power, against 13 opponents, defenses for 13 kinds of attacks, 13 ways of developing internal Energy . Japanese name for Seisan is -Hangetsu- (Half Moon). Yuchoku Higa Sensei learnt this kata from Jinan Shinzato Sensei of Goju Ryu and added to Kyudokan syllabus.
Chinto -
It s believed Sokon Matsumura has learnt this Kata by Chinese pirate called Chinto. This kata has lot of Crane Stance (Tsuru Ashi Dachi). And the meaning of this can be explained as -Sinking the head-. Some say it comes from a Chinese Temple.
Sochin -
A beautiful Kata in Shorin Ryu. It probably should be interpreted as something more like "Energetic Calm." The creator is unknown. But some believe it was influenced by Master Houhan Soken. We practice a version of Sochin called Aracanochiwa in Kyudokan. The combination of slow movements and in a moment it turns to a quick movement is special in this kata.
Gojushiho -
Literally means 54 steps. It's believed that this kata was originated in Shaolin Temples.They called this kata as 'Ueseishi' or 'Hotaku'- in Japanese Mainland. This has the techniques similar to a woodpecker. A long kata in Shorin Systems.
