Kata

Kata, or formal exercise, is a series of techniques put together in a particular order that serves different purposes. Some historians think that kata was originally designed simply as a way of remembering the techniques. Others believe that they were designed in a way to keep the moves secret from other monasteries/groups. Regardless of why kata was developed, it is continually examined and practiced in order to perfect the movements. It is thought that once the techniques are perfected, then all the hidden features will become clear to the student.

Within Uechi-Ryu Karate-do there are only eight kata. Although many other styles incorporate more kata, it is believed by Uechi stylists that all that needs to be learned is within the eight. The Uechi kata is as follows: Sanchin, Kanshiwa, Kanchu, Seichin, Seisan, Seiryu, Kanchin, and Sanseiryu. Of these kata, three were brought from China by Uechi Kanbun upon is return. These are Sanchin, Seisan, and Sanseiryu. The rest were developed by various people on Okinawa and approved by Uechi Kanei, who took over leadership of the style when his father passed away in 1948. These intermediate kata were designed to help the student get from one original to the next and to keep interest in the style in the process.

Sanchin

Kanshiwa

Kanshu