When a master karateka executes a kata, the pure, focused power is almost visible. The surrounding area becomes charged with energy as each cleanly executed movement slices through the air. No one viewing this demonstration could doubt the power of both the karateka and of his art.

But while mastery of the kata itself is vital, it is not enough. The secret of traditional karate is to translate the power of the kata into effective combat techniques. Each movement must be interpreted into action–and since there is always more than one interpretation, a wealth of discoveries can be made.

For the most part, each student of the art must go through this process of interpretation on his/her own. Otherwise, the fighting knowledge gained will never be truly one’s own.

Gekisai Ichi and Gekkisai Ni

use the same kanji for the first three characters of the name. The difference in the names of the kata is found only in that one is number one and the other is number two. These katas were developed before 1940 and their relative simplicity was to help spread Goju to the public.

Saifa ()

Uses the same kanji found in Gekisai kata. The second portion of the name is traditionally pronounced "ha," but due to the Okinawan influence, it is pronounced "fa," giving us Saifa. It means to crush and destroy. There are several bottom-fist and back-fist strikes in Saifa, which is a more aggressive kata.

Sanchin ()

The first kanji is san and means three. The second kanji is chin and today it means "battle." Once explained as the original meaning of chin in reference to Goju –Ryu kata meant, "spear hand or spear head." As we know, the three battles – Sanchin – are of the mind, the body and the spirit. Combined in Sanchin kata, we find peace of mind, body, and spirit only if worked properly and under proper instruction.

Seiyunchin ()

Once again uses the "chin" of Sanchin kata. In this case it is combined with sei and yun (also pronounced "in") to form the name Seiyunchin. It means "to pull off balance and fight."

Tensho ()

A relatively new kata created by Miyagi Chojun Sensei (the founder of Goju – Ryu). The name "Tensho" literally means, "rotating palms" and is also known as "rokkisho" (six – machine – palm). It is a high-level breath control and hand technique kata.

Sanseru ()

Represents the number thirty-six, (6 x 6 = 36). The first six represents the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, spirit; the second six represent color, voice, taste, smell, touch, and justice. Sanseru develops low kicks and double hand techniques.

Shishochin ()

Also uses the same kanji for "chin" as in Sanchin. In this case it is combined with the kanji shi (four) and so (direction) to form shishochin or "four-face battle."

Sepai ()

Represents the number eighteen (3 x 6 = 18). The six in this case is the same as the second in sanseru (color, voice, taste, smell, touch, and justice), while the three represents good, bad, and peace. Sepai is made up of a variety of unusual hand, foot, and body techniques.

Sesan ()

Represents the number thirteen. Thirteen is a prime number, and in China is a number representing good luck and prosperity. Sesan is an aesthetic kata epitomizing the ideals of Goju-Ryu by utilizing a number of hard and soft techniques.

Kururunfa ()

Was handed down to us from Ryu Ryu Ko Sensei to Higaonna Kanryo Sensei, but the original creator of this kata is unknown. Kururunfa contains a wide variety of open-hand techniques and especially hand to hip coordination techniques.

Suparinpei ()

Represents the number 108 (3 x 36 = 108) and has special significance in Buddhism. It is believed that man has 108 evil passions, and so in Buddhist temples on December 31st, at the stroke of midnight, a bell is rung 108 times to drive away those spirits. The number 108 is calculated from 36 x 3. The symbolism of the number 36 is the same as in Sanseru (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and spirit; color voice, taste, smell, touch, and justice). Suparinpei is Goju-Ryu's longest kata. It utilizes a large number of techniques, including, breath control, and it contains the greatest number of application and depth of meaning.

Kanji

Chinese characters that are used in the modern Japanese writing system