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Explanation of the GoJu Ryu Kata |
A "Kata" is a predetermined series of movements combining various strikes and blocs. Kata is the syllabus/menu/catalogue of a martial art. Different styles of martial art (Aikido, Judo, Tai Chi as well as other Karate styles Wado, Shotokan) have their own Kata. When first learning a kata you end up concentrating on moving your feet and hands the right way. Once you get the sequence correct that is just the beginning. As you develop better basic techniques (Kihon) your Kata will improve. At the same time the speed, focus (cadence and rhythm) of the Kata is learned. Along with the Kata are the Bunkai (applications) of the Kata. Each move or series of moves may be taken and used as a defence against specific attack with a counter attack. Some of the application are obvious whereas some of them are more subtle. The longer you study the Kata and the longer you study Karate the more you can interpret the Kata.
When compared to some styles of Karate, GoJu Ryu does not have many Kata (12 in total). Sensei George Andrews (7th Dan GoJu Ryu) is often quoted as saying "GoJu Ryu is about quality not quantity".
Below is complete list of GoJu Ryu kata along with some animated GIF of the Kata. In addition to the Kata I have some blank space for " San Dan Gi". These are not formal GoJu Ryu kata but they are a series of simply movements that form part of the overall GoJu Ryu training curriculum.
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Geki means to "attack," and Sai means to "smash;" and as a compound Dai Ichi means "the first" or "number one."
To destroy introduction No1 (Attack & Smash I) |
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Geki means to "attack," and Sai means to "smash;" and as a compound Dai Ni means "the second" or "number two."
To destroy introduction No2 (Attack & Smash II) |
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Sai means "smash" or "break," and Fa means "tear," or "destroy."
To destroy by pounding/pulverising
(Smash & Destroy) |
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Sei means "to control," Yun means "to pull," and Chin means "to do battle." Pulling/Grasping/Unbalancing (To Control and Pull in Battle) |
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Shi means "four,"So means "direction,"and Chin means "battle" To destroy in 4 different directions
(Four Direction Battle) |
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San mean three, Sei means "ten," and Ru means "six." 36 hands |
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Sei means"ten," and Pai means "eight"
18 hands |
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Ku means "a long time," Ru means "keep in place" or "stop from moving," Run means "suddenly," and Fa means "destroy" or "tear." Holding on long and striking suddenly |
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Sei means "ten" and San means "three."
13 hands |
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Su means "one," Pa means "hundred," Rin means "zero," and Pei means "eight."
108 hands |
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San means "three" and chin mean "battle." (mind, body, and spirit)
Three Battles |
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Ten means "turning" or "shifting," and Sho means "palm." Rotating palms |
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Renzoku Bunkai |
Straight line Kata |
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San Dan Gi No 1 |
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San Dan Gi No 1 (var 1) |
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San Dan Gi No 1 (var 2) |
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San Dan Gi No 1 (var 3) |
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San Dan Gi No 3 |
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San Dan Gi No 3 |
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San Dan Gi No 4 |
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San Dan Gi No 5 |
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