The Kata of Isshin-ryu

Seisan

          The first kata learned by students in Isshin-ryu system is called Seisan. In some styles it is an advanced kata taught only to Black Belts. This kata was developed by a famous Chinese martial artist Master Seishan (or Seisan). He was a great master from the Pangai Noon Style of Kung Fu or southern Chinese boxing. He was sent from China to Okinawa in 1588 by the king to teach Chinese boxing. He remained on Okinawa until 1600, just prior to the Japanese invasion. Master Seisan was considered the 8^th wonder of the world because of his unusual power and ability. Seisan Kata is believed by some to be the oldest known kata still being practiced in Okinawa . Naturally, there are many versions as practitioners adapt each kata to their own needs, however, Isshin-ryu version which was derived from the Shorin-ryu style, is believed to be close to the original.

            Many consider that Sokon “Bushi” Matsumura learned the kata from Master Sakagawa or from one of the Chinese masters when he was in China. Master Sakagawa would have learned Seisan from Peichan Takahara, and Chotoku Kyan learned the kata from Matsumura. Master Kyan is credited with teaching the kata to Master Shimabuku. According to Master Angi Uezu, Master Shimabuku’s son-in-law, the name translates to thirteen. Sei meaning ten and San meaning three. Therefore, in this kata the student is fighting thirteen imaginary opponents. The number thirteen also holds great significance in Taoism (such as Friday the 13^th). Master Funakoshi named the kata Hangetsu or Half Moon Kata (crescent moon or half moon) and adopted it for the ShotoKan Karate System. While I have no literature to support this interpretation, I believe this name probably came from the sweeping steps and/or blocks which are circular in form covering half of the body at a time.

            Kanbum Uechi, an Okinawan who studied in the Fukien province of China from 1897 to 1910 with Chou-Tzu-ho developed the Uechi-ryu system of Karate about 1949. This style incorporates movements of the tiger, crane, and dragon. Sanchin is the first and foremost kata of Uechi-ryu, but another kata basic to this system is Seisan.

            In the Goju-ryu style Seisan kata demonstrates 13 techniques: three fast chest punches in Sanchin-dachi stance, chest block, two kicks to the knee, and assorted quick punching from the horse stance. It ends with a front kick followed by a punch to the chest and drop into neko-ashi-dachi with mawashi-uke technique. It is considered an advanced kata in this style.

            Shorin-ryu is still a popular style of Karate on Okinawa which practices Seisan. Sokon Matsumura was raised by “Tode” Sakagawa who gave him the nickname Bushi which means warrior. Matsumura who lived into his 90’s, is credited with creating all of the kata of the system that came to be called Shure-te. In the Shobayashi Shorin-ryu system Seisan is still taught as well as Naihanchi (I through III), Wanshu, and Chinto.

            The Isshin-ryu version contains 130 movements and takes approximately one minute to perform. It is one of the longest of ant beginner’s kata in the various styles. Most styles begin teaching short introductory kata immediately after the student masters the basics.

            There are two kiais in this kata. The first one is on the fourth front kick and the second is on the last front kick. The basic Seisan stance is used over fourteen times through out the kata. Additionally, an elbow break designed to free the student from a wrist grab is employed in the kata.

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