Kata

There are eight katas in Uechi Ryu; the longest has 36 steps. Only Sanchin, Seisan and Sanseirui are from Pangai-noon.

  1. 三戦 (Sanchin) - Literally translated as “3 fights/conflicts”. From the kanji for “3″ and 戦う - “to fight/to struggle”. Usually interpreted as three Modes/Conflicts: Mind, Body and Spirit
  2. 漢子知 (Kanshiwa) - A combination of the first kanji in Kanbun’s name, and the last two kanji (if written in Chinese order) of Shu Shiwa’s[Japanese pronunciation] name. Created by Uechi Kanei Sensei from fighting techniques taught to his father Kanbun Sensei by Shuu Shiwa.
  3. 完周 (Kanshu) - Formerly known as Kanshabu. A combination of the first kanji in Kanbun’s name, and the kanji for Shu Shiwa’s family name (Shu) [see previous note on pronunciation]. This kata is also known as Daini Seisan (第二十三).
  4. 十戦 (Seichin) - Literally translated, it means “10 challenges/fights/conflicts”. Using the phonetics of the name, it also holds the meaning of “life-energy” (or “spirit”) challenge, and is a softness-training kata.
  5. 十三 (Seisan) - Literally translated, it means “13″. Usually interpreted as “Thirteen modes of attack and defense” or “13 positions to attack/defend from.” It was the form taught in the 13th room of Shaolin, the final sequences being constructed from the techniques taught separately in the previous rooms.
  6. 十六 (Seirui) - Along the lines of the others, literally translated this means simply “16″. Taken phonetically, it can also mean “Dragon Spirit” as it introduces several dragon techniques flowing one into the other.
  7. 完戦 (Kanchin) - A combination of Kanei’s or Kanbun’s first kanji and “fight.” No meaningful translation can be made. This is Uechi Kanei Sensei’s personal addition to the system and represents his favored fighting techniques, hence “Kanei’s Challenge” or also “Kanei’s Fight”.
  8. 三十六 (Sanseirui) - Literally translated, it means simply “36″. Usually interpreted as “thirty-six modes of attack and defense” or “36 positions to attack/defend from.” It was also the form taught in the 36th room of Shaolin.


There are other supplementary forms, not kata actually, created for the purpose of training without a partner. They are:

  1. 清運戦 (Seiunchin) - A supplementary form made up of 補助運動 (Hojo Undō) fundamental drill techniques.
  2. 清龍戦 (Seiryūchin) - A supplementary form for practicing defense/attack techniques of 連続組み手 (Renzoku Kumite) without a partner.
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