KATA NAME

KATA CHARACTERISTICS ETC

Sanchin

The following is a summary of the special characteristics of

This kata directly passed down the generations within the

South China, Shaolin Family, also referred to as “Pangainoon

Style”,

1.     Learn the Basic Stance

2.   Develop a Sharp Power of Observation

3.    Develop Resistance Against Physical Attacks

4.   Learn to Immerse Oneself in the Uncomplicated

Circumstances of One’s Life as part of training ones

Spiritual Endurance.

As a rule, Sanchin should be practiced three times a day The

ｐractice and study of Sanchin should be given precedence by

all practitioners of Uechi Ryu. In summary ,the aim is to

1.    Develop a strong body against attacks

2.    Learn to attack

3.  Learn to defend

4.    Acquire speed

Kanshiwa

The Kanshiwa kata was developed by Uechi Kanei Sensei in

1954 and it can therefore be also referred to as the Uechi

Kanbun kata. This kata originally made use of small knuckle

punches  in the first three punches, which were later changed

to straight punches . There are unique fore fist punches

included in the kata of the Uechi School of Karate.

Kanshu

The Kanshu kata was developed by Itokazu Seiiki Sensei and

at the time it was referred to as the 2^ndSeisan kata. In 1979 its

name was changed to Kanshu to form a combination made by

the names Kanshiwa and Uechi Kanbun Sensei. As the Seisan

kata includes many moves, Kanshu was developed as the

preparatory steps that will lead the practitioners to acquire the

skills needed for the Seisan kata. Although this is a beginners

kata, it includes several techniques such as the circle block,the

elbow strike, the thumb knuckle strike etc which can be

challenging for beginners.

Sechin

The Sechin kata was developed by Uehara Saburo Sensei in

1963. This is an advanced kata and is often considered difficult

by karate practitioners. It includes several moves and

techniques from the Okinawa Te and Pangainoon styles of

karate. As the fourth ranked kata in the Uechi Ryu school of

karate, this kata is a formidable combination of several

techniques such as first-grade exam body turns, fish tail

strikes, chrysanthemum-like sweeping blocks, front snapping

block etc which all advanced making this kata quite a

challenge to master

Sesan

The Sesan kata is the same league of such traditional

Chinese kata as the Sanchin kata, the Sesan and Saseiryu kata and has its roots in Chinese boxing. While the Sanchin kata was

developed to train the spirit, increase physical strength and

teach techniques, the Sesan kata was developed to teach actual

ight applications. As such this is a sublime kata whose

practical applications can be endless. As a kata in its entirety

it forms a perfect harmony between depth of technique and

nimbleness while developing speed and explosive power is also

at its core. Some of its distinctive features include the one-leg

standing crane position, toe kicks, open hand techniques such

as the spear hand etc. The Sesan kata, on the other hand is a

required kata for grading beginners.

Sei ryu

The Seiryu kata was developed by Uechi Kanei Sensei and as it includes several cat stance positions, it somewhat differs

from other Ueshi Ryu kata. It requires lower body strength and stability as it includes circular hand techniques, big thumb and other open hand atrikes. The kata was developed visualizing being struck by an opponent on four directions and is, therefore, rich in changes as it requires at times, working at it as if a smooth flow and, at times, as if in a much rougher

flow. Movement requires varying the speed at will and

coordinating between soft moves and hard moves. The highlight of this kata is the changing from a briefly still

position to fast movement. The kata as a whole is rich in

flexibility and elasticity of movement producing a rhythm that

is fluid.

Kanchin

The kanchin kata was developed by Uechi kanei Sensei and

its movements resemble the Sanseryu kata. This the 7^th Uechi

Ryu kata whose characteristics range from body turn

techniques to pointed, sharp stepping in thrusting small fist

scooping blocks, downward blocks etc that require movement

from the hips and waste.

36(Sanseryu)

The Sanseryu kata was passed down from generation to

generation in China and as the last of the eight kata in the

Uechi Ryu School of Karate is the highest level/most advanced

kata. Sanseryu forms the core of Uechi Ryu. The kata was

developed visualizing being struck by an opponent on eight

directions, therefore, it requires the practitioner to move in a

kaleidoscopic manner on a line of attack that is both circular

and horizontal. Because defence and attack is carried out in

such manner, the movements are sublime comprised of steps

that are bold and dynamic. Postures are natural, alternating

between front bent/deep lunges, cat stances etc while

movements are swift and slow creating harmony between

beauty, speed and power as they verge on what may be

referred to as the ultimate art of movement.

Rank

No of years required after Previous rank acquisition

Minimum

No of

Years of

Training

Minimum Age

First Grade

2 years

Second Grade

1 year after acquiring

First Grade

3 years

Third Grade

2 years after acquiring

Second Grade

5 years

Fourth Grade

3 years after acquiring

Third Grade

8 years

Fifth Grade

4 years after acquiring

Fourth Grade

12 years

Sixth Grade

(Renshi)

5 years after acquiring

Fifth Grade

17 years

35 and above

Seventh Grade

(Kyoushi)

6 years after acquiring

Sixth Grade

23 years

41 and above

Eighth Grade

(Kyoushi)

7 years after acquiring

Seventh Grade

30 years

48 and above

Ninth Grade

(Hanshi)

8 years after acquiring

Eighth Grade

38 years

56 and above

Tenth Grade

(Hanshi)

9 years after acquiring

Ninth Grade

47 years

70 and above

Rank

Minimum No months/year of training

Eith Grade

4 months

Seventh Grade

6 months

Sixth Grade

8 months

Fifth Grade

10 months

Fourth Grade

1 year and 2 months

Third Grade

1 years and 3 months

Second Grade

2 years (Junior High School)

3 years (Elementary School)

First Grade

2 years and 6 months (Junior High School)

5 years (Elementary School)

Black Belt 1st Dan (Shodan)

3 years

Preparation

Grading Item

Maximum Score

Passing Grade

Sanchin

25

20

Assistive Movement

10

8

Kata

15

12

Bunkai

10

8

Yakusoku Kumite

5

4

Kotekitae

10

8

Oral asscessment

5

4

Sparring

20

16

Total Points

100

80