Origin of Kata

 Origin

Kyokushin kata are often categorized as "Northern Kata" or "Southern Kata," based upon their origin and development.

• The Northern Kata are similar to those found in Shotokan Karate, since they were developed from Mas Oyama's training under Gichin Funakoshi. Master Funakoshi in turn derived these kata from northern Chinese kempo and Shorin Ryu, the Okinawan karate style based on Chinese Shaolin (i.e. "Shorin") kempo. These kata utilize long, powerful stances and strong blocks and strikes. The Northern Kata include:

• Taikyoku Sono Ichi, Ni and San
• Pinan Sono Ichi, Ni, San, Yon and Go
• Yansu
• Tsuki no Kata
• Kanku
• Sushiho

• The Southern Kata were developed from Mas Oyama's study of the Okinawan karate style of Goju Ryu under So Nei Chu, which in turn were derived from southern Chinese kempo. The movements in these kata are more circular and flamboyant than those in the Northern Kata. The Southern Kata include:

• Sanchin no Kata
• Gekisai Dai and Sho
• Tensho
• Saiha
• Seienchin
• Garyu
• Seipai

Meanings