Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate

Kata name	Origins	Characteristics	Level introduced
Beginner
Fukyugata ichi	Shoshin Nagamine Tomari, 1940	Basic movements. Developing a foundation.	Shiro obi (white belt) Beginning student learns customary respect and behavior. No testing but must display a willingness to learn.
Fukyugata ni	Chosin Chibana Shuri, 1940	Balance; kicking and elbow techniques	Ro-kyu (one green tip) Starts to acquire a strong foundation in basic techniques and shows improvement in health.
Fukyugata san	Ansei Ueshiro Kin, 1960	Emphasis on speed, combinations and strong, low stances. "Moving forward" philosophy.	Go-kyu (two green tips) Many techniques become reflexive. Student displays self-discipline and improved endurance.
Intermediate
Pinan shodan	Anko Itosu Shuri, 1907	Peaceful. Developing flowing movements. Cat stance, open-handed blocks, deflection strategy. Originally composed for Okinawan high school students.	Yon-kyu (green belt) Student shows much spirit and effort through a sincere desire to learn. This level is considered the "backbone" of the dojo.
Pinan nidan
Pinan sandan			San-kyu (brown tips) Student is fully aware and appreciative of traditional karate techniques as they become internalized. Is adept at bunkai (kata application).
Pinan yondan
Pinan godan
Advanced
Naihanchi sho	Bushi Matsumura Ryukyu, early 1800's	Horse riding stance. Strength-building kata to withstand blows. Fighting with back to the wall.	Ni-kyu (brown belt) Student displays strength, stamina, balance and coordination in basics and kata. Begins to learn and apply teaching skills.
Naihanchi ni			Ik-kyu (black tips) Displays much confidence in handling himself and others. Learns patience and perseverance. Shows the most spirit.
Naihanchi san
Weapons	Many diverse composers	The advanced student picks one weapon kata and develops it over many years as an adjunct to the empty-handed kata.
Black Belt*
Ananku	Bushi Matsumura Ryukyu, early 1800's	Chinese roots. A "basic" advanced kata. Translated "Ten Gods."	Ik-kyu (black tips)
Wankan	Tomari	King's crown. Powerful, elegant sequences. Incorporates advanced shifting of rear hip and foot.	Sho-dan (black belt) Becomes an accomplished karate student appreciative of all aspects of karate. Eager to share his/her knowledge with others.
Rohai	Tomari	Silent, powerful, explosive movements, as those of a crane. One-legged stance.	Sho-dan (black belt) May be started 1-2 years after Wankan.
Wanshu	Wanshu China, late 1600's	Chinese roots. Hidden fist.	Sho-dan (black belt) May be started 1- 2 years after Rohai.
Passai	Chotoku Kyan Shuri, early 1900's	Breaking through or away as when ambushed. Full commitment. Power generated by quickness in movements. Knife hand techniques.	Ni-dan (2nd deg. black belt) May be started 1 -2 years after Wanshu. Student assumes greater responsibility for mentoring students and assisting in running the dojo. Begins to demonstrate proficiency in weapons kata.
Chinto	Chinto early 1800's	Serious fight to the death for spiritual recognition. No spectators. Performed in a straight line; flying kick.	San-dan (3rd deg. black belt) May be started 2 -3 years after Passai. Student earns the title "Sensei" (teacher). Has cultivated a substantial following of students at all ranks. Formulates plans to open a school or club.
Gojushiho	Anonymous	Amended royal Okinawan folk dance. 54 steps. Many subtle, diversified movements; spear hand thrusts.	Yon-dan (4th deg. black belt) May start Gojushiho 3 years after Chinto. Student continues to probe the subtleties of the black belt kata, incorporating their strength and beauty. Renews his/her willingness to learn. Sets out to propagate the art of Shorin-ryu.
Kusanku	Kusanku China, mid 1700's	Chinese roots. Most advanced kata. Reserved only for serious black belts who have trained 30 or more years.	Roku-dan (6th deg. black belt). Requires permission from Hanshi. Student continues to strive to perfect karate skills both old and new. Embraces the spiritual aspects of karate-do and endeavors to foster its many benefits in the community at large.

* In addition to the minimum times, each Black Belt must receive permission in advance from Hanshi or his/her Shihan to begin a new kata. Shihan/Club Directors without a formal Sensei should receive permission from Hanshi or a Kyoshi.
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Sources:

The Shorin-Ryu Okinawan Karate Question and Answer Book, by Robert Scaglione and William Cummins. New York, Person-to-Person Publishing, 1984.

Karate of Okinawa: Building Warrior Spirit with Gan, Soku, Tanden, Riki, by Robert Scaglione and William Cummins. New York, Person-to-Person Publishing, 1989.

Black belt Kata Guidelines - Revised 2014.


Hombu dojo of Shorin-Ryu Karate U. S. A. Kyoshi Michael Mackay Shihan 129 W 67th St. New York, NY 10023
	Location Membership Schedule Kata FAQs
	Kata Guide Proficiency in Shorin-Ryu is measured by one's mastery of progressively difficult kata (forms). To the observer, a kata resembles a series of defensive and offensive fighting moves designed to neutralize multiple opponents. To a student practicing kata, however, these exercises represent an invitation to challenge oneself: a trail map towards growth as an individual while exploring the rich culture of ancient martial arts. Kata embodies all the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual concepts of the karate masters. Through multiple repetitions of kata, the student comes to recognize - then overcome - his or her limitations. It is both empowering and humbling.
On demonstrating kata Test requirements	The following 19 kata, some more than 400 years old, have evolved over many generations of Shorin-Ryu masters to provide a balanced curriculum for anyone interested in learning karate. One need only begin.

Hombu dojo of Shorin-Ryu Karate U. S. A.

Hombu dojo of
Shorin-Ryu Karate
U. S. A.