The 8 Katas
Uechi-Ryu is a system based on eight katas:
- Sanchin (三戦)
- Kanshiwa (完子和)
- Kanshu (完周)
- Seichin (十戦)
- Seisan (十三)
- Seiryū (十六)
- Kanchin (完戦)
- Sanseiryū (三十六)
This is why most traditional Uechi-Ryu schools use the octagon as their symbol.
Sanchin (三戦)
Literally “the three battles” (San = three, Chin = battles), Sanchin can be considered an educational kata that helps practitioners understand the Sanchin Dachi stance, the movements in Uechi-Ryu, and the alignment of the body’s different parts that will appear in the higher katas. It also introduces the first circular blocks (Wa Uke).
Sanchin is a cornerstone kata in the Uechi-Ryu system. In fact, all the body angles studied in this kata are essential for executing all techniques and other katas.
Sanchin may seem simple at first glance, but it is actually one of the most complex katas to perform correctly. According to Okinawan practitioners, it takes a lifetime to master.
The three conflicts (Mind, Body, and Spirit) can also be those encountered during the execution of this kata (flexibility, timing, and strength).
Kanshiwa (完子和)
Kanshu (完周)
Kanshu (完周) is the third kata in Uechi-Ryu, developed by Itokazu Seiki (a student of Kanei Uechi).
Its name is formed from the first kanji “Kan” (完), in homage to Kanbun Uechi, and the kanji “Shu” (周), in honor of Shu Shiwa.
The goal of this kata is to teach precision in movement and timing, with the introduction of crane techniques. Kanshu was formerly called Dai Ni Seisan (第二十三) or Seisan number 2, and it clearly serves as an introduction to Seisan, sharing a common line of techniques.
Seichin (十戦)
Seichin (十戦), literally “ten battles,” refers to the maturity of the practitioner, with the number ten traditionally indicating the age at which one is nearly considered an adult in Okinawan culture (usually around 13 years old).
A very “Chinese” kata, Seichin draws from the original Pangai-Noon techniques, incorporating many round techniques. It introduces flexibility in the whipping motion (both hands and feet), progressively developing the body’s coordination and strength.
Seisan (十三)
Seisan means 13, referring to the 13 modes of attack and defense, but also to the age of 13, symbolizing maturity in the old Ryukyu Kingdom.
The number 13 also corresponds to the thirteenth hall of the Shaolin temple, where monks would revise the techniques learned in the previous rooms.
This kata, originally brought from China by Kanbun Uechi, was later slightly modified by Kanei (who added the first line).
Due to its name and difficulty, Seisan is considered the kata of maturity for the practitioner. It is therefore logical that mastery of this kata is required for Shodan (the first black belt).
Within the Institute, we teach the modern version of Seisan as well as the original Seisan, which we call ‘Furui Seisan’ (古い十三), or the ancient Seisan. This ancient form is interesting because it emphasizes relaxation and the forward momentum to both block and attack simultaneously.
Seiryu (十六)
Seiryu (十六) literally means “sixteen.”
The number sixteen can be interpreted as the attainment of maturity (as adulthood was traditionally considered at age thirteen).
This kata was created by Kanei Uechi. Its execution requires strong legs, a good sense of balance, and coordination, as it incorporates rotating dragon techniques.
Kanchin (完戦)
Kanchin (完戦) is formed by the first kanji “Kan” (完) in homage to Kanbun Uechi and the kanji “Chin” (戦), meaning “battle” or “war.”
It was created by his son, Kanei, who wanted to preserve his father’s memory.
In Kanchin, you primarily find the favorite techniques of Kanbun, as well as the introduction of techniques from Sanseiryu, including the double block Watari Uke (渡り受け).
Sanseiryu (三十六)
Sanseiryu (三十六) literally means “thirty-six.”
36 refers to 36 modes of attack and defense.
It is also called the kata of the 36th chamber, as Shu Shiwa was also known as the priest of the 36th chamber.
The number 36 also alludes to 360 degrees, meaning the ability to face attacks from all directions.
Sanseiryu (formerly known as Sandairyu or Sanjuroku) was the most evolved of the three katas brought from China by Kanbun. It combines all the techniques learned in the previous katas.
Thus, it incorporates the tiger, crane, and dragon styles.