Let’s explore the top three kata practiced in Koryu Uchinadi, a unique martial arts system that blends traditional Okinawan karate with practical self-defence principles. Koryu Uchinadi, founded by Patrick McCarthy, emphasises functional efficacy, historical context, and the preservation of classical techniques. Here are the key kata:
Seisan
Overview: Seisan is a foundational kata in Koryu Uchinadi. Its name means “thirteen,” signifying its historical significance.
Characteristics:
Seisan features dynamic movements, including powerful strikes, blocks, and grappling techniques.
It emphasizes close-quarters combat, making it effective for self-defence scenarios.
The kata contains hidden applications (bunkai) that reveal practical self-defence principles.
Focus Areas:
Tegumi: Seisan incorporates elements of Okinawan wrestling (tegumi), emphasising joint locks, throws, and ground control.
Striking Combinations: Practitioners learn to transition seamlessly between strikes, blocks, and takedowns.
Application: Seisan’s bunkai includes escapes from grabs, counters to strikes, and controlling opponents.
Naifanchin
Overview: Also known as Naihanchi, a favourite Kata of many of the old Okinawan Karate masters. Also known as Tekki, which is made up of 3 Kata.
Characteristics:
Naihanchi focuses on linear movements, stability, and maintaining a low centre of gravity.
The kata emphasizes strong stances (horse stance) and powerful hip rotation.
Focus Areas:
Footwork: Naihanchi teaches stepping patterns for stability and balance. Low level kicks & sweeps are used.
Close-Range Techniques: Strikes, joint locks, and throws are integrated seamlessly.
Application: Naihanchi bunkai includes scenarios such as defending against grabs, chokes, and strikes.
Happoren
Overview: Happoren (8 steps) is a “breathing” kata, or Qigong kata, (also called Babulian, Papuren) is a versatile kata found in various styles of karate. Featured in the Bubishi (the “Bible of Karate”) it is said to promote internal strength as well as external strength along with its many application principles. It is particularly beneficial to the lymphatic system which relies on muscular contraction/relaxation.
Characteristics:
Happoren emphasises controlled breathing with fluid movements.
Co-ordination of specific breathing techniques with muscular contraction and relaxation while executing the various techniques is a feature of this kata.
The kata, having no kicking techniques, deals with close quarters striking and seizing.
Focus Areas:
Controlled breathing along with muscular contraction and relaxation: Practitioners learn to co-ordinate the movements with their breathing and muscular contraction and relaxation as well as developing Chinkuchi/fajing (explosive power)
Hidden Applications: Passai bunkai includes defenses against armed attackers and multiple opponents.
Application: Happoren techniques are predominantly for close-quarters combat involving escapes, joint manipulation and strikes.
Remember that Koryu Uchinadi places great importance on understanding the historical context, principles, and practical applications of each kata. As you practice these forms, explore their bunkai and discover the rich layers of knowledge embedded within them. Although the applications taught at the Omote (surface) level effectively deal with specific Habitual Acts of Physical Violence’s (HAPV), it is by no means limited to this. The moves in the kata are often Irimi (entry) techniques and have many exits, depending on the circumstances of the confrontation. More importantly, the principles taught within the designated application can then be applied to other scenarios to achieve the desired outcome.
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