Origins & History Goju Kata - (Last updated 30/4/12 )

Kata or Quan (Chinese for Kata) History
In China over 1600 years ago kata was developed and practiced for the purpose of self-defence, whereas the Buddhist monks would practice kata for the purpose of strengthening the spirit as well as the body. Almost all of the Okinawan Goju kata were handed down from Higaonna Kanryo Sensei. Higaonna Sensei had studied and trained for many years under Ryu Ryuko Sensei in Fukien Province, China. The following kaishu kata were handed down by Higaonna Sensei from Ryu Ryuko Sensei: Sanchin, Saifa, Seiyunchin, Shisochin, Sanseru, Sepai, Kururunfa, Sesan, and Suparinpei. The original creators of these kata are unknown.

There are certain influences from Buddhism. I assume that they used numbers from Buddhist worldly desires (bonno) as names of kata, because in olden times, temples were the popular place to train for martial artists, who could be both regular citizens and monks.
One of the scriptures of Buddhism, “Hannya Shinkyo” describes “When the six aspects of kon ??? (eye???, ear???, nose???, tongue???, body??? and spirit???) touch the six aspects of jin ??? (color???, voice ???, smell???, taste???, touch???and justice???), the six kon create three worldly desires of good ???, bad ??? and peace???, and become eighteen worldly desires, which is Sepai. Then another three worldly desires; pain???, pleasure ???and abandonment ???touch the six kon to make another eighteen worldly desires, which added up to thirty-six (Sanseiru). These thirty-six worldly desires are related to the past, present and future, and then it becomes one hundred and eight (36 x 3), which is Suparinpei. (See our history for more details)

"*" Indicates the classic original 9 Okinawan Goju Kata passed down by Higaonna Kanryo.
(See link for more info on Goju katas at http://www.Goju-Ryu.info/ courtesy of Mr Russ Smith)

There are many systems that teach only one or two or at the most 5 of these beasts yet go by another name. Shou Shu is based on seven different fighting beasts:

1. Bear or Leopard (Xiong) - The Leopard form focuses on the agility as well as strength and is able to attack and withdraw quickly.
2. Tiger (Hu)- The Tiger form encompasses fast and slow movements to develop muscle and bone.
3. Mongoose (You)
4. White Crane (Ba He) - The Crane form develops the sinews, to hold the body together in perfect harmony. The movements of the crane focuses on balance and poise.
5. Praying Mantis (Tang) -
6. Cobra / Snake (Fu)- The Snake form harnesses the chi (energy) and its movements are circular and continuous.
7. Imperial Dragon (Long) - The Dragon form develops the mind, body and spirit. Practised slowly and with right intent, Dragon form focuses on the spiritual awareness.

Gekisai Ichi & Gekisai Ni (Soon 2010)
Chujun Miyagi created Fukyu Kata Ni. Miyagi adopted Fukyu Kata Ni as Gekisai Dai Ichi and went on to develop Gekisai Dai Ni with its Naha Te influence. The component kanji Geki means to fight, attack or strike whilst Sai means to smash or break. Gekisai translates as 'to Pulverize', though the kata is commonly transliterated as ' to Attack and Smash'. The name reflects the period in history when they were created i.e. WW2 and its inference was 'attack and smash the enemy', i.e. the American soldiers. The original upper punch taught was higher than head height, reflecting the height difference between the Okinawans and the Americans. In post war years many Goju schools have changed the opening punches to standard upper and middle punches.

Gekisai-ichi and Gekisai-ni use the same kanji for the first three characters of the name. The difference in the names of the kata are found only in that one is number one and the other is number two. These kata were developed before 1940 and their relative simplicity was to help spread goju to the public. 1st year of karate.

Nihunchin - 180 degrees awareness
We are looking to understand the principle of Chi. We want all our energy to flow together. At this beginning level we want to train to strike with all our resources. When the techniques of this kata are performed try to strike with the fist, bodyweight, focus and emotional content at the exact same time.The movements are designed for a student with limited knowledge to be aware of the environment surrounding a given self defence situation. Due to lack of experience this form suggests the beginner place his/her back to a wall, car, pole or anything to protect the rear angles. This enables a basic understanding of peripheral vision of the three major frontal angles and the nine o'clock and three o'clock minor angles. This forms major concern is to develop strength in the legs to prepare students for the rigorous leg work of the more advanced traditional forms - thus the name Iron Horse. This Kata was developed by Kyoshi Bob Jones and is not one of the classic 9 Goju Kata.

Nihunchin Kata Video Download - (Front View, Side View - YouTube links)

1. look to RHS, step out to RHS with right foot squatting stance RH groin strike,
2. step in and forward with left foot to a half lunging stance facing front, left circular elbow. The whole time your right foot does not move it stays still.
3. step back with left foot, feet together, right elbow coming over and down. This technique is a hip throw.
4. step back with left foot deep lunging stance, RH pulling back beside chest, LH stomach strike
5. step up with left foot, and then step out to LHS squatting stance, LH pulls back beside chest, RH palm heel to the side, just in front of LH. This technique is an arm bar.
6. look to RHS, step up with left foot into a shoulder width stance, at same time LH reaches under right armpit to grab to RHS, as we step up we are elbowing to the RHS.
7. RH push or parry across to LHS, LH reaches over the top of RH as in a grappling move, left straight knee, pulling hands back to left hip.
8. step back with left foot to a deep lunging stance, at same time left palm heel to front. This technique is a takedown (leg reap)
9. from the same stance as described above in point 8. we now do a RH stomach strike to finish we just stand up and cover. To finish the other half just repeat steps 1-9 on the other side of the body remember this time the left foot stays still without moving.

1. Inhale quickly and exhale quickly;
2. Inhale quickly and exhale slowly until completely done;
3. Inhale slowly and completely, then exhale slowly and completely;
4. Inhale slowly and completely, then exhale quickly

1. step forward RF bear stance, double outer centre block with both hands
2. pull back LH, then extend out LH, head punch then return to LH, outer block
3. step F, L foot bear stance, pull back RH, then extend out head punch then return outer block
4. step F, R foot bear stance, cut across stomach with LH look to LHS,
5. step across with R foot and turn facing opposite way in bear stance, pull back RH
6. extend out RH head punch and return to outer block
7. step F, R foot bear stance, cut across stomach with LH, look to LHS,
8. step across with R foot and turn and Pull back RH,
9. extend out RH head punch and return to Outer block
10. step F, R foot LH head punch, RH head punch and LH again leaving out, and RH also,
I I. they come together in the centre, open roll back to back, drop to waist level, both hands pull back, open extend across to centre of stomach, rolling downwards and outwards with hands open and palms facing down repeat 2 more times , from centre of stomach
12. step back RF , RH comes up LH stays put and then start circular blocks with both hands( anti clockwise)
13. step back LH , LH comes up RH stays put and then start circular blocks with both hands( clockwise)
14. cover finish off.

Tensho or Rokkisho - (6 hands of Shaolin)
Tensho is a relatively new kata and was created by Miyagi Chojun Sensei.
Goju-Ryu kata are Kaishu, meaning open hand, and Heishu, meaning closed hand. Tensho is classified as a HEISHU KATA. Heishu basically means closed hand. This DOES NOT refer that the kata is done with closed hands. Heishu means end, closed, finished, or, the last form to be done. It means that you end your training with this kata. The HEISHU form for Goju-Ryu is Tensho. The name "tensho" literally means "rotating palms" and is also known as "rokkisho" from chinese white crane style. Rokkishu which later became the building block on Kata Tensho. With his additional martial art training Okinawa-te, Naha-te and the Chinese arts Sensei Miyagi developed a refined form of empty hand, and even today its Whooping Crane Chinese Gung Fu roots can still be seen in its forms or Kata. Rokkishu, "6 Hands of Shaolin", denotes the different hand positions that are used in pressure point striking and high level breath control found in this kata. It is a hand technique kata and within these soft hand movements tremendous power is generated. In Goju "ju" means soft as in tensho kata. Six also refers to the number of directions from a central starting position: up, down, left, right, forwards and backwards. Tensho is a higher level breathing Kata.
This kata is done entirely in tension, but entirely without tension. The theory is that during the breathing in on Tensho your breath is done in through the nose and out throught the nose like in certain yoga breathing exercise. The chest should be expanded and the stomach should not be contracted while expanding the chest. In rotating palms we are trying to tie in our breathing with our striking and blocking. We breathe out and rise up (slightly) when we strike. We breathe in and sink down (slightly) when we block. As these movements occur we achieve a slight pulsating effect in the body. Performing the kata this way will activating the the the third, fourth, fifth of the bodies Chakra (Solar Plexus, Heart and Throat Chakra) stimulating chi. As we rotate the palms in this form we also rotate around the central axis of our bodies. This helps us to absorb our opponent’s energy and to redirect their energy into our counter strikes. As these movements occur we achieve a dual rotating and pulsating effect in our body.

Tensho Kata Video - YouTube link
(right R, left L, leg L, hand H, side S, forward F,)

1. step forward RF, 1/2 lunging stance, RH karkae block out/ in, palm heel, inverted grab and elbow behind, palm heel to groin, pull back repeat , wrist strike up palm heel down, wrist strike out palm heel in.
2. repeat as above on LHS with L foot Forward.
3. repeat as above in bear stance with R foot forward, with both hands together L over R , R over L on return of karkae block.
4. in place, both hands together lift up like lifting water to drink, elbows and forearms touching, palm upwards and roll down and out palms downwards
5. repeat above moving R foot backward
6. repeat above moving L foot backward
7. moving backwards, with two handed circular block(anti clockwise) with palm heel strikes at end like sanchin kata
8. repeat above moving L foot backwards, circular blocks clockwise)
9. cover finish off.

Seinchin
Many translations exist for the name of this kata, but "to pull in and fight" seems the most appropriate. This demanding form contains no kicks, and the majority of the hand techniques are performed in shiko-dachi and neko ashi dachi with some grappling and pulling techniques and take downs. This kata when done properly, strengthens and increases the flexibility of the legs and hips. Mentioned as one the 2 training kata of Goju (along with Seisan) by Meitoku Yagi. Seinchin is taught as the brown-belt kata in many modern Goju organizations. (Part of the information above is courtesy of Mr Russ Smith at http://www.Goju-Ryu.info) In Lull Before the Storm we learn to drop our level lower and to move and attack whilst maintaining the lower level. The principles learned in our three key Kata need to be put into practice when performing this kata. This is the first kata we study that has variations in rhythm and timing. Slow powerful movements are mixed in with fast explosive movements. Developing the correct timing is very important.

Seinchin Kata Video - YouTube link

1. step F 45 degrees RHS squatting stance, hands pullback and spear out/down, roll up back to back with forearms touching, 1st finger grabbing forming fist and pulling down/out to both sides groin strike in front of knees, hands open, double block, front hand low rear hand high inside block, reaching and dabbing tiger claw to front, pull back front hand spear out with rear hand
2. repeat to F45 degrees LHS
3. repeat to 45 degrees RHS
4. step back with RL heel strike, slap RH into LH palm, form fist step F,R foot in bear stance, supported head strike.
5. step back with R,foot R,elbow to rear, shoulder height, R inside elbow
6. step up with R foot, RH fist rolls into LH palm on LHS chest, take across chest to RHS supported outer centre block
7. step F, RHS 45 degrees to corner in squatting stance, groin strike with LH,
8.stepping back to R, LHS 45 degrees to corner in squatting stance, side hammer fist strike with LH
9. repeat move no.6 to F, LHS using opposite hand and legs
10. repeat move no.7 to F, LHS “ “ “ “
11. repeat move no.8 to R,RHS “ “ “ “
12. drag LF in to centre to cat stance, wrist strike up, RH palm heel up to groin, coming up cut L arm bicep, LH inverted grab step back LF to side on squatting stance, RH side on knife strike to F
13. repeat move no. 12 stepping back RF on other side body
14. step up RF sweep, RH inside elbow to L palm, step F in bear stance back fist elbow with RH, LH in centre of chest
15. step across with LL, turn to back LHS comer bear stance 45 degrees, double block, LH up, RH down,
16. LH opens, turn L foot, step through to comer with RF, in squatting stance inside elbow, punch up, elbow down, back fist out horizontally, pull in and around groin strike.
17. step back RF to F, RHS comer, LH side hammer fist strike,
18. drag RF in to centre into cat stance, RH hooking ridge strike R elbow,
19. repeat move no.18 with L foot, F, LH hooking ridge strike, L elbow
20. repeat move no.15 to back RHS corner on other side of body
21. repeat move no.16 “ “ “ “
22. repeat move no.17 “ “ “ “
23. repeat move no.18 with L foot F “ “
24. repeat move no.18 with R foot F “ “
25. step back with RL heel strike, LH wrist strike to rear, LH slaps over down to F palm facing down in front of groin area stepping F in bear stance RL , RH rolling back fist horizontally to F ,
26. step back with RL in cat stance L foot F , both hands slap thighs, hands go up and around above head, hands back to back, slap shoulders, pull down and through, to centre, hands open palms facing down forming a circle with hands and focus through for 3-5 sec.

Saifa
Saifa kata uses the same kanji found in Gekisai kata. The second portion of the name is traditionally pronounced "ha", but due to the Okinowa influence it is pronounced "fa", giving us Saifa. It means to "smash, beat and tear away". There are several bottom-fist and back-fist strikes in Saifa, which is a more aggressive kata. The bunkai of the kata reveals a grappling technique where the hands are literally torn away from the opponents grip. Evidence from other Chinese disciplines shows Saifa to be one of the oldest of the classical kata and taught as the first kaishu kata in many Goju schools. In Lighting Strikes Twice we learn to make our opponent carry our weight when we lock onto them. We also learn to use our hips to create power when we need to break our opponent’s balance. These applications are all applied as a result of the opponent grabbing hold of us. We take advantage of their hold and create space and break their balance by hanging our weight and using our hips.

Saifa Kata Video - YouTube link (Updated 11/08/04)

1. step up with L foot and turn to LHS, R fist in centre of LH, step back R foot deep lunging stance, drag back L foot into cat stance to prepared stance with RH pulled back vertical in LH, snap across stomach to LHS hip, lunge back with LL, side on squatting
stance, rolling horizontal back fist to F, with LH deflecting down over RH as back fist comes out, ending up on side of RHS ribs palm outwards.
2. repeat move no.1 to RHS on opposite side of body
3. repeat move no.1 as above to LHS
4. step up feet together facing F, step to LHS side on deep lunging stance, double block, RL front kick,
5. repeat to F, RHS,
6. stepping back LL, deep lunging stance, at same time both hands back to back, pull back, double head strike, lift open LH, circular hammer fist
strike moving down.
7. step back with right foot turn facing rear, RH on top of L, palms facing down cross grab, step back R foot deep lunging stance, both hands pull back fists facing downward, double head strike, lift open RH, circular hammer fist strike downward
8. step up across behind LL, turn sweep with RL, facing F, RH hammer fist strike above head land in bear stance with R foot F, LH in middle of chest open. vertically, RH open karkae, LH chissel fist strike to throat, RH pulls head forward to centre of chest, for choke over chissel fist
9. repeat to rear with opposite side body, with body rip instead of chissel fist strike to throat, LH pull back chissel fist strike, fist facing down
I0. step up R foot feet together, R inside elbow, rolling hammer strike to F, LH forms fist, as you step F, into bear stance R foot F,
11. twist feet, LH head strike,RH pull back
12. turn F, LL drag back behind RL knee, RH, knife strike F, LH, palm heel stop at ribs
13. step back LL cat stance, pull back LH, pull back RH across chest horizontally, LH slide underneath RH, clockwise turn, extend out to centre palm heel strikes RH up, LH down,
14. cover finish off.

( Saifu Two person Drill Video- YouTube link )

Sanseiru - (Means 36 steps or hands movements)
Sanseiru represents the number thirty six (6x6=36) or 36 hand positions. When the six aspects of kon (eye, ear, nose, tongue, body and spirit) create three worldly desires of good, bad and peace, and become eighteen worldly desires, which is Sepai. Then another three worldly desires; pain, pleasure and abandonment touch the six kon to make another eighteen worldly desires, which added up to thirty-six (Sanseiru).
Sanseiru develops low kicks and double hand techniques. It is believed that this kata was taught in the Kume section of Okinawa and taught by Aragaki Seisho before Kanryo Higashionna made his trip to China. Several Fujian Quanfa styles practice a kata with this name, for instance, Kanbum Uechi brought back the Fujian Tiger Quanfa version back to Okinawa. Ryuei-Ryu also practices Sanseiru, their kata being very similar to the Goju-ryu version. Considering that Nakaima Kenko and Miyagi Chojun were good friends, I believe it more likely that one borrowed from the other than the likelihood that both descended from the same "Ryuruko". (Part of the information above is courtesy of Mr Russ Smith at http://www.Goju-Ryu.info) Eye of the Tornado teaches us to fight multiple attackers whilst we rotate around one fixed point. The body twists and turns repeatedly with the left foot remaining in place. This kata teaches us to be in the middle and accept attacks from all angles. This kata also teaches us the importance of awareness and to stretch our peripheral vision, so that we can turn and anticipate attacks.

Sanseiru Kata Video - YouTube link (Updated 11/08/2004)

1. step RFF bear stance, RH over LH cross lift and open outwards, pull back LH vertical shoulder strike repeat with LFF
2. repeat as above RFF horizontal straight punch at end.
3. RH cuts LH bicep RH knife strike
4. LH cut RH bicep RH turns with palm upwards, step back RF side on lunging stance, LH slides down RH, LH knife strike low
5. step RF deep lunging, RH vertical spear hand out and pull back to L arm pit as LH palm heel strikes to side of knee
6. drag RF back half lunging stance both hands go down out up for circular cross block with RH on top.
7. LL half shuffle up RL front kick land RFF deep lunging stance, R elbow groin strike L punch to inside thigh in shudder shock motion
8. drag back R-F cat stance (Double karkae - reverse kami LH up RH on chest, changeover kami again before), RL low side kick to ankle 45 % to front, high knee lift on return, turn to rear, LFF, L/R H rolling side block with RH in line with L elbow
9. step out 45% squatting stance double back fist to sides with fist horizontal, double block RH up LH down repeat but opposite, L elbow to LHS hands open LH knife strike
10. RL front kick landing deep lunging stance , R elbow, L punch to inside thigh
11. drag back RL cat stance reverse kami, RL side kick to RHS and LH grab to half turn to LHS high knee on return land in deep lunging stance to LHS, R elbow L punch to thigh
12. step up facing rear squatting stance, double outer block to sides palms facing outwards, spear and scoop downwards RH or, top
13. pull back hands, step over and backwards landing in squatting stance double punch downwards RH on top
14. step over squatting stance R circular elbow high, LH grabbing low with palm upwards and open,
15. slap ear with RH, pull back LH foot sweep rotate double punch LH high RH low bear stance RFF
16. step up and back RF, LH vertical RH horizontal hands back to back, LH knife strike, RH side on high elbow in squatting stance
17. step up RFF kendo stance R inside elbow low, LH open on inside R elbow
18. lung F extend RH support punch inverted
19. step back squatting stance L elbow high, RH low grabbing with palm open upwards
20. repeat no 15 opposite hands
21. turn RF step back 45 % squatting stance , unwind body to front, double wrist strike, grabbing and pulling in with hands, hold and cover

Seisan - (13 steps or hand positions)
Seisan represents the number thirteen. Thirteen is a prime number, and in China is a number representing good luck and prosperity. Practiced by many Okinawan (both Shuri and Naha) styles, as well as Fujian Quanfa styles. Believed to be one of the oldest kata on Okinawa, this kata seems to stress fundamental stepping, punching, and kicking techniques. It contains 8 defensive and 5 offensive techniques, both of which involve a change in direction.Called one of Goju's two training kata by Meitoku Yagi, this kata begins like Sanchin, contains techniques aimed at dominating the opponent's centerline, and contains several low kicks. Strangely, many current Goju organizations include this near the end of the curriculum. (Part of the information above is courtesy of Mr Russ Smith at http://www.Goju-Ryu.info/ ) Wrath of the Python teaches us to use 2 hands to grab and control one arm of our opponent. Many powerful chokes and leg sweeps are also affected by using the principles of this kata. By gripping with our hands apart and then snaking our hands into a position where they are aligned, we can squeeze as strongly as a “python”. This form also has many explosive changes of pace.

Seisan Kata Video - YouTube link

1. Break into shoulder width stance, step forward right foot bear stance right hand on top bring arms up and over and behind head in an arc as to do a double hammer strike to temples. Withdrawal RH to hip then do a snapping head strike and redraw to original position.
2. Repeat again 2 times LHS, then ending up RHS with right foot back.
3. Open hands cut to centre head height, then reverse cut back thru eyes, then knife cut to throat, then reverse cut to floating ribs, ending up cutting into centre in front of groin as per first cut to centre above.
4. Withdraw right leg as kick yourself in bottom, hand are open on hips with fingers pointing down, step forward and extend hands up and out doing like double palm heel with fingers pointing out straight with palms facing down at shoulder height. Repeat 2 more times.
5. Turn feet to your left 90 degrees and snake with right hand across as if to reach out and tiger claw throat at same time pulling arm in with left hand. Right leg low side kick to front and turn to rear 180 degrees ending up in right foot back bear stance.
6. Both hand are now doing karkae marwashi right hand on top then going under left arm turning and doing a smaller karkae to front as if to seize and pull in with both hands. Hands end up with right on hip and left just a short way out from body at chest height. Repeat 2 more times.
7. Reverse tiger claw to left normal tiger claw to right, right leg hooks behind your left leg then step and lung forward with right foot forward , 4 nuckle strikes (1st to below right eye, 2nd to below left eye , 3rd to base of nose , 4th to base of chin)
8. Pivot left 90 degrees , right circular elbow, right leg side kick, turn 90 degrees to left, karkae as if pulling on a rope in 45 degree squatting stance. Step up and repeat karkae ending up in 45 degree squatting stance.
9. Right punch to centre chest, left shoulder joint, right shoulder joint, right leg groin kick under last right punch finish landing forward right elbow pointing down.
10. half shuffle up to right foot raising elbow to horizontal position, right leg side kick, right back fist.
11. Turn 90 degrees to left karkae as above, in bear stance or half lunging stance , right leg front kick, straight right punch, cutting in with left hand landing in deep lunging stance RFF,
12. Step back half way, both hands go out to sides at shoulder height as if grabbing or pushing away, step back with RF into cat stance marwashi, extending RH into tiger claw at throat height, left hand down as if to do a lower black finish and cover.

Shisochin - (Means 4 - directional battle)
Shisochin also uses the same kanji for "chin" as in Sanchin. In this case it is combined with the kanji "shi" (four) and "so" (redirection) to form Shisochin or "four-face battle". It can also represent the four elements represented in Chinese medicine (Acupuncture is one) of Wood, Fire, Metal and Water with man representing Earth. Shisoochin uses the characteristic open hands of tiger techniques, and classic Chinese techniques such as the "angry tiger walking through the forest". The Master of Darkness teaches us the importance of having a lower level than our opponent. Typically this is achieved by ensuring that our hips are lower than our opponent’s hips. Apart from increased stability it makes it very difficult for an opponent to control you or take you down. The deep stances and long searching blocks could also help you to locate an opponent if you were fighting in the dark.

Shisochin Kata Video - YouTube link

Seipai - (18 steps or hand positions)
Sepai represents the number eighteen (3x6=18). When the six aspects of kon (eye, ear, nose, tongue, body and spirit) touch the six aspects of jin (color, voice, smell, taste, touch and justice), the six kon create three worldly desires of good, bad and peace, and become eighteen worldly desires, which is Sepai. The six in this case is the same as the second six in Sanseiru (colour, voice, taste, smell, touch and justice), while the three represents good, bad, and peace. It is said it is based upon the crane techniques which can be seen in the leaning stances, whipping style of striking, and evasive footwork. Seipai is made up of a variety of unusual hand, foot and body techniques. Dragon’s Way teaches us the importance of controlling the center of our opponent’s body. We are constantly breaking their balance by bending their body and shifting their weight over and away from the support of their hips. This is done in a variety of different techniques, sometimes it is by grabbing them around the waist, sometimes by pushing their hips away and at other times by controlling the top of their bodies and pulling them off balance.

Seipai Kata Video - YouTube link

Kururunfa - (To remain still, then quickly attack and destroy)
Kururunfa was handed down to us from Ryuryu Ko Sensei to Higaonna Kanryo Sensei, but the original creator of this kata is unknown. Kururunfa contains a wide variety of open-hand techniques and especially hand/hip coordination techniques. Like Sesan, Kururunfa [Kududunfa] has soft movements followed by hard movements. However in Kururunfa the difference between hard and soft are much more marked, with slow drawn out movements followed by a pause with devastating explosive techniques to follow, then the cycle repeats again. (Involves alot of grappling, bear hugs, chokes, full nelsons, head locks)

Hururunfa Kata - YouTube link

Suparunpei or Pecchurin - (108 hands or The 108 evil passions of man and his effort to conquer them).
According to oral tradition, there were three levels of Suparinpei, which were Jo (high), Chu (middle) and Ge (low). The Suparinpei, which we practice now, is Jo. Suparinpei Chu and Ge were lost sometime in the past. Suparunpei represents the number 108 (3x36=108) and has special significance in Buddhism. It is believed that man has 108 evil passions, and so in Buddhist temples on December 31, at the stroke of midnight, a bell is rung 108 times to drive away those spirits. The number 108 is calculated from 3x36. When the six aspects of kon (eye, ear, nose, tongue, body and spirit) create three worldly desires of good, bad and peace, and become eighteen worldly desires, which is Sepai. Then another three worldly desires; pain, pleasure and abandonment touch the six kon to make another eighteen worldly desires, which added up to thirty-six (Sanseiru). These thirty-six worldly desires are related to the past, present and future, and then it becomes one hundred and eight (36 x 3), which is Suparinpei. Suparunpei is Gojo's longest kata. It utilizes a large number of techniques, including breath control, and it contains the greatest number of applications and depth of meaning.

Suparunpei - YouTube link

Basic Exercises-(Kihon kata)Kata are comprised of 5 principal sets of tools.1. Punches, 2. Kicks, 3. Blocks, 4, Stances & 5. Strikes.Historically 6 kinds of exercises were used to facilitate the development of kata. 1. Techniques of punching, 2. Kicking methods, leg maneuvers & and associated practices, 3. Posturing, 4. The use of the empty hand, 5. Corresponding tools of impact, & 6. Checking, trapping & blocking. The 12 fundamental defensive themes intertwined within kata include: 1. Seizing nerves, 2. Attacking blood passages, 3. Twisting bones, 4. Attacking tendons, 5. Joint locks, 6. Take-downs, 7. Throws, 8. Grappling, 9. Ground-work, 10. Counter attacks, 11. Impacting anatomically vulnerable zones, and 12. Digging into the cavities of the body unprotected by the skeletal structure. All kihon versions are are from Patrick Mc Carthy Sensei Koryu Uchinadi.

Tsuke Waza - (3 Levels of Punching) YouTube link

• Tsuke Waza (students repeat)
• Rei (students bow) O-Negaiishimusu
• Chudan/ Gedan/ Jodan (stomach/ groin/ head)
• Hai (on command adopt your left hand out at for a stomach punch)
• Hitotsu (singles)
• Futatsu (doubles)
• Mittsu (triples)
• San Dan Tsuke (3 levels)
• Masubi Dachi (cover)
• Shizentai Yoi (shoulder width stance)
• Kyosuke Dachi (feet together stand at attention)
• Rei (on command bow) O-Negaiishimusu

Keri Jutsu - (Kick & Associated Techniques)YouTube link

• Keri Jutsu (students repeat)
• Rei (students bow) O-Negaiishimusu
• Kamae Te
• Hai (on command step back & adopt traditional fighting kamae)
• Hajamae (begin)
• Switch left leg roll check, left leg landing fwd
• Right leg front kick, parry impact with forearm strike land in fighting stance
• Step out on 45 with right foot with right hand in shuto, left hand above head
• Left leg thigh kick 360 degrees land side on right side fwd
• Parry with left strike with right forearm
• Low right side kick and land facing rear, right leg fwd and kakai
• Left leg back kick or stomp kick and step across with left foot to right hand side
• Right leg crescent kick
• Jumping front kick land reaching high with left and impact smashing down with elbow, bend legs on elbow, pulling right hand back (end in deep lunging)
• Switch across left arm behind back right arm in front
• Turn 180 degrees and impact to ribs with right spinning hammer strike swing right arm behind back
• Impact to temples with left and right fists (no lunging forward)
• Lean back bringing arms up and around clapping to ears
• Pull hands to your right ear for a neck crank
• Hook hands for a grab behind neck
• Knee with left and land fwd with left leg
• Reach high and drop scoop down to a deep lunging for a leg reap end in high stance
• Place both hands on outside of left foot and right leg sweep
• Left leg axe kick step and and slide forward land left leg fwd
• Shrug & shake and karkai (fighting stance)
• Step with left leg and right leg inside cresent kick hitting left hand
• Step back into cat stance
• Reach up high with right hand and hit down onto left palm with a kiai
• Masubi Dachi (cover /as hands push down feet come together)
• Shizentai Yoi (shoulder width stance)
• Kyosuke Dachi (feet together stand at attention)
• Rei (on command bow) O-Negaiishimusu

Heishu Waza - (Assorted Tools of Impacting)- Click Here for YouTube link

• Heishu Waza (students repeat)
• Rei (students bow) O-Negaiishimusu
• Kamae Te
• Hai (on command adopt traditional right foot back fighting kamae)
• Hajamae (begin)
• Left jab, right cross, left hook
• Weave then four uppercuts
• Rising right elbow, circular left elbow then a right elbow coming over the top
• Both hands hit down slapping across thighs and hook around (as if grabbing around somebody’s neck)
• Switch left knee and land fwd then right knee, stomp down with right foot
• Slight head butt, followed by a left shoulder bump
• Shoot left hand out (as if reaching out behind someone’s head) and execute a elbow over the top into your left palm
• Close both hands into a fist and rotate your left fist in towards your chest and then back out and adopt the traditional fighting stance
• Masubi Dachi (cover /as hands push down feet come together)
• Shizentai Yoi (shoulder width stance)
• Kyosuke Dachi (feet together stand at attention)
• Rei (on command bow) O-Negaiishimusu

Shi Ho Uke Waza Level 1-2 ( Blocking /Trapping & Receiving ) Click Here for YouTube link

• Uke Waza (students repeat)
• Rei (students bow) O-Negaiishimusu
• Shizentai Yoi (shoulder width stance)
• Level 1 (sensei to say out loud so all know what level)
• Hajamae (begin)
• Level 1 is done stationary starting with the left arm upper block following up with a right arm upper block, then two of each other block lower/ outer/ inside/ karkai (tiger)/ shuto (knife hand)
• Level 2 is done moving from side to side
• Masubi Dachi (cover /as hands push down feet come together)
• Shizentai Yoi (shoulder width stance)
• Kyosuke Dachi (feet together stand at attention)
• Rei (on command bow) O-Negaiishimusu

Kamae No Waza - (Defensive Posturing & Mobility)YouTube link

• Kamae no Waza (students repeat)
• Rei (students bow) O-Negaiishimusu
• Masubi Dachi (Relax stance, feet are turned outwards hands stay by your side. This is another form of cover)
• Hachi Munji Dachi (this is another form of shoulder width stance, the left heel is turned out then followed by the right until you end up in shoulder width stance)
• Hajamae (begin)
• Lean to the right and bring left arm across body then up and around for an outer block to the left with right arm chambered.
• Punch with the right hand to the left ending in a cross legged stance
• Turn 180 degrees & repeat all this again on opposite side
• Turn to the front bringing left hand across in front of body, palm facing out
• Go down to a squatting stance as you karkai, right hand in front
• Left then right stomach punch
• Turn to the left 90 degrees as you parry with the right, step and slide executing a lower block
• Turn 180 degrees and repeat on other side

Ukemi Waza - (Break Fall Drill)YouTube link

• Ukemi Waza (students repeat)
• Rei (students bow) O-Negaiishimusu
• Kamae Te
• Hai (on command adopt your first position depending on capability seiza, squatting or standing)
• Hajamae (begin)
• Fwd break fall
• Tuck right arm under, left side break fall
• Right side break fall
• Left backward shoulder roll
• Landing with left knee up sitting on right foot, hands on thighs palm facing up (facing rear)
• Left fwd shoulder roll
• Pivot, landing with right knee up sitting on left foot, hands on thighs palm facing up (facing front)
• Right fwd shoulder roll
• Seiza (on command adopt kneeling position)
• Suware Rei (on command bow) Arigato gozaimashita
• Hiza Kamae
• Hai ( on command adopt left knee up, kneeling on right and left palm heel out, right palm heel close to chest)
• Kiritsu (on command stand up to shoulder width stance)
• Masubi Dachi (cover)
• Rei (on command bow) O-Negaiishimusu