Dai
means large and sho means small. Such labeling of katas is
simply an alternative to using numbers. Sai means fortress
or stronghold, geki means breakdown. Kata teaches strength
through motion and the utilization of attack and response will
always be superior to, and thus defeat , rigid and inflexible
brute strength.
Gekisai Ichi
Gekisai Ni
Kururunfa
Saifa
Meaning big wave, stands for the principle that no matter how large the
problem that faces you, with determination and a strong bushido spirit you
can break through.
Sanseru
Sesan
Seienchin
Sepai
Seienchin means conqueror and subdue over a distance, or attack the
rebellious outpost. In feudal Japan, Samurai warriors would go on
expeditions lasting months or longer. They needed to maintain their strength and
spirit over long periods of time. This kata is long and slow, with many
movements performed from the kiba dachi stance. Often the legs become painfully
tired, and the importance of maintaining a strong spirit becomes clearly
evident.
Sepai is the Okinawan pronunciation of the kanji
characters for 18 (pronounced Ju Hachi in Japanese). In other karate styles,
this kata is sometimes called Seipaite, or eighteen hands. The number 18 is
derived from the Buddhist concept of 6 x 3, where six represents color, voice,
taste, smell, touch and justice and three represents good, bad and peace.
Sushiho means 54 steps. Sushiho is derived from
the words Useshi, the Okinawan pronunciation of the kanji characters for 54
(pronounced Go Ju Shi in Japanese), and Ho, meaning walk or step. Other karate
styles call this advanced kata Gojushiho. This kata, symbolically speaking,
serves as a tool to remind us of the impact the steps we take in our daily lives
has on our destiny. The steps we took in the past are linked to those we are
taking today, which as a result will have an effect in those taken in the
future. So we can say, that the achievements of today are a consequence of steps
taken (hard work) in the near or far past. Also, this kata reminds us of our
roots, family, teachers or those who also, taking their own steps in live
contributed to where you are today.
This is the oldest kata in karate-do. Certain
legends attribute the creation of Sanchin to Bodhidharma in the early sixth
century.Created
by Kanryo Higashionna from Chinese
sources with harder ibuki (breathing) added by his successor,
Chojun
Miyagi. Loosely translated sanchin mean 'three
points' or three phases' a reference to the fact that sanchin
seeks to develop three elements at a time.
The mind, the body and the techniques.
The internal organs, the blood circulation and the nervous
system
And the three located in
the top of the head (tento)
the diaphragm (hara)
the lower abdomen (tanden)
Sanchin is an isometric kata where each motion is performed in a
state of complete tension accompanied by powerful, deep breathing.
It is aimed at strengthening the muscles and developing a strong
stance and proper breathing. Its practice leads to the development
of the inner power (ki) and to the coordination of mind and
body. It teaches basic footwork, hand and blocking
techniques.
