WANSU

Wansu Kata is named after a Chinese military envoy named Wanshu. He was sent to Torari village around 1683. Wanshu taught Chinese Kempo to the village people. His martial expertise inspired his followers to combine the best of his teachings into the kata we now know as Wansu. His teachings were passed on to several masters including Chokun Macabe, Matsumora, and  Chotoku Kyan, who taught the kata to Master Shimabuku. This kata was first developed as part of the Shorin Ryu system.

Wansu is known as the "dumping form" which relates to its easily recognized throw. This kata blends fluid movement and lightning fast techniques to create a lethal dance that is effective in kata competition or on the street. Wansu provides graceful lines while delivering thunderous striking power. The kata introduces the student to some new concepts. These including slipping punches, using the cat stance to step back out of harms way, cross punches, and side stepping. Wansu is popular in other styles and is caled "Empi" in Shotokan. The lethal techniques of this kata more closely resemble those of a crane. Wansu is a marvelous combination of beauty, grace, and power. It ranks as a favorite among higher belts in Isshinryu.

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