SEISAN

Seisan kata is named after master Seisan, a great master from the Pangai Noon Style of Kung Fu. He lived in Okinawa from 1588 to 1600. This was just before the Japanese invasion. He was sent to Okinawa by a Chinese king to teach Chinese boxing. The kata was further developed by the Shorin Ryu system. Some authorities say this is the oldest of all katas. Master Seisan was considered the 8th wonder of the world because of his unusual power and ability.

It is known that Bushi Matsumura, who studied under karate Sakagawa, taught the kata. It is not known if he learned the kata from Sakagawa or from one of the Chinese masters when he was in China

Master Funakoshi Gichen named the kata Hangetsu or Half Moon Kata and adopted it for the Shotokan Style. The name probably came from the sweeping steps. Master Angi Uezu said that the word Seisan means thirteen as if you were defending against thirteen attackers when performing the kata. Seisan is one of the most complete katas and it teaches the basics of Isshinryu Karate. This kata takes years to master as well as all of the other katas in thius style.

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