Eastpoint Goju-Ryu Karate Club

The kata meanings vary due to the different dialect, understanding & translation
these are the ones we use to keep uniformity within the club.

Gekisai-dai-ichi

The translations of these Kanji reads "to attack and smash". The Gekisai-Kata were first introduced into Goju-Ryu by Miyagi Sensei for giving starters in this martial art a first insight. They were developed around 1944. This kata is called Shinsei in Shito-Ryu and Fukyu Kata Ni in Matsubayashi-Ryu.

Gekisai-dai-ni

See Gekisai ichi. Begins to incorporate tai-sabaki and softer blocking patterns.

Saifa

Saifa means "the final breaking point". Saifa helps promote whipping power generated by movement of the hips switching between soft and hard movements of the arms. Saifa also helps develop tai-sabaki and balance. Taught as the first Heishu kata in many Goju-Ryu schools.

Seiunchin

Many translations exist for the name of this kata, but "the storm within the calm" seems the most appropriate. This demanding forms contains no kicks, and the majority of the hand techniques are performed in shiko-dachi. Mentioned as one the 2 training kata of Goju-Ryu (along with Seisan) by Meitoku Yagi, Seiunchin is taught as the brown-belt kata in many modern Goju-Ryu organizations.

Shisounchin

Shisounchin means "the kata of the 4 fighting monks"

Sanseru

Sanseru means "36". 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 Sanseru, 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".

Sepai

Sepai translated means "cupful"

Sesan

Kata with the name "13" are 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. Called one of Goju-Ryu 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-Ryu organizations include this near the end of the curriculum.

Kururunfa

Translated Means "come,stop,deflect,hold your ground and stay the waves

Suparinpei

Suparinpei kata also known as "Pechurin"

Sanchin & Sanchin Ni

Sanchin means "Three battles 3 steps forward". The underlying principle is the battle between mind, soul and body. Trough hard training and steady practicing the three of them should be united. Originally this kata was taught by Sensei Higashionna with open hands (as it is still practiced in Uechi Ryu). Higashionna later changed this to clenched fists.

Tensho

Tensho means "Rotating palms and change of hands". This breathing kata was developed by Miyagi sensei from the Rokkishu kata from Chinese white crane style. Rokkishu, "6 Hands", denotes the different hand positions in this kata. Tensho combines movement with softness