The founder of Goju Ryu Karate, Master Chojun Miyagi, watches from the back while his students complete the final position of kata Seiyunchin.

Kata Study & Practice

The 12 Core Kata of Goju-Ryu Karate

Goju-Ryu karate is a traditional karate style that emphasises hard and soft techniques. The core principles of Goju-Ryu are encapsulated in its 12 Core Kata, which is a set of fundamental forms that practitioners learn and master. Each kata has unique movements, sequences, and principles, providing a structured training progression and allowing practitioners to develop essential physical and mental attributes for practical self-defence and martial arts mastery. Practitioners of Goju-Ryu karate study and practice these katas to refine their techniques, improve their physical abilities, and deepen their understanding of the martial art.

It's important to note that kata interpretations and variations may differ among different Goju-Ryu schools and instructors.

Three Battles or Three Conflicts

1. Sanchin

Sanchin Kata focuses on developing a strong foundation, physical power, and breath control. The kata emphasizes tension and dynamic tension, which helps build strength and stability. It trains the body to maintain a solid stance and execute techniques with maximum power.

Rotating Palms or Revolving Hands

2. Tensho

This kata is often considered the "soft" counterpart to Sanchin Kata, emphasizing circular and flowing movements. It enhances fluidity, agility, and coordination while maintaining proper breathing and relaxation. Tensho kata helps to develop sensitivity, adaptability, and the ability to redirect energy.

To Destroy and Conquer, First Form

3. Gekisai Dai Ichi

Gekisai Dai Ichi focuses on developing strong and powerful techniques, emphasizing basic strikes, blocks, and stances. It serves as a foundation for building strength, balance, and coordination.

To Destroy and Conquer, Second Form

4. Gekisai Dai Ni

Gekisai Dai Ni builds upon the principles of the first form, emphasizing speed and fluidity. It incorporates circular movements and introduces more complex combinations, helping to develop agility and adaptability in combat situations.

Smash and Tear Down

5. Saifa

Saifa focuses on rapid, explosive movements and close-quarter techniques. It emphasizes the use of strong, fast strikes, joint manipulations, and grappling maneuvers. Saifa enhances reflexes, precision, and control.

To Control and Pull into Battle

6. Seiyunchin

Seiyunchin emphasizes maintaining a stable and grounded posture while executing powerful techniques. It incorporates slow and deliberate movements, emphasizing breath control, strength, and stability. Seiyunchin develops internal power and mental focus.

Thirty-Six Hands

7. Sanseru

Sanseru is characterized by complex sequences of hand techniques, including punches, strikes, and open-handed strikes. It also includes powerful stances and dynamic footwork. Sanseru enhances coordination, timing, and precision in executing multiple techniques.

Battle in Four Directions

8. Shisochin

Shisochin emphasizes strong stances, powerful strikes, and circular movements. It focuses on controlling and overwhelming opponents through continuous attack and defense. Shisochin cultivates endurance, concentration, and awareness.

Eighteen Hands

9. Sepai

Sepai focuses on powerful and explosive movements, including strong stances, dynamic blocks, and strikes. It aims to develop strength, speed, and the ability to generate power in short-range techniques.

Thirteen Hands

10. Seisan

Seisan features a variety of techniques, including strikes, blocks, throws, and joint locks. It emphasizes a combination of explosive power and soft, flowing movements. Seisan enhances versatility, adaptability, and the ability to transition between different techniques.

Flowing and Whirling Motion

11. Kururunfa

Kururunfa emphasizes fluid movements, circular techniques, and redirection of an opponent's energy. It aims to develop flexibility, agility, and the ability to adapt to changing situations.

108 Holds

12. Suparinpei

The number 108 holds significance in several Eastern philosophies and religions. It is believed to represent completeness and spiritual enlightenment. Suparinpei is a challenging and profound kata in Goju-Ryu Karate. It serves as a symbol of mastery, a test of endurance, and a vehicle for personal growth and expression. Its practice helps develop physical skills, mental focus, discipline, and a deeper connection to the principles and philosophies of Goju-Ryu Karate.