Kata
Introduction
Within the Shindo Trust there are a variety of kata available for study. These fall into the following categories:
- Modern Shinseido kata
- Classical Matsumura kata
- Other Okinawan kata
- Weapons kata
- Chinese form
Different Shindo teachers may teach a different selection of kata at different times to different students. This is at the discretion of the individual teacher.
Modern Shinseido Kata
There are two modern kata, created by Sensei Roger Sheldon. These are:
Classical Matsumura kata
We believe the oldest of the kata passed down within the Matsumura tradition are:
- Passai Dai
- Chinto
- Gojushiho
- Kusanku
Other kata practised, also from the Matsumura tradition are:
- Naihanchi Shodan
- Naihanchi Nidan
- Passai Sho
- Rohai
Other Okinawan kata
Other kata have been drawn together from different sources, some older than others.
- Seisan - we consider that this may be the oldest existing Okinawan kata. We practice several versions of it, one of which has been 'Matsumura-ised' at some point in the past.
- Sanchin - this comparatively modern form is a fundamental kata for the Naha-te styles.
- Pinan 1-5 - the Pinan kata are generally considered to have been created by Anko Itosu in the early years of the 20th century. There is one school of thought that considers that the first two of the series were created by Sokon Matsumura, then the other three later put together by Anko Itosu (a student of Matsumura) using the first two kata as a model. There is however, no way to confirm or refute this .
Weapons kata
There are three weapons forms in the main curriculum, all Okinawan in origin. These are:
- Tankon waza - short stick or cudgel
- Jo no kata - medium length stick (approx 4 ft.)
- Chikin no bo - staff (approx 6 ft.)
There are also a number of optional Kobudo forms which are available to higher students should they wish to explore this particular subject.
Chinese forms
We also practice the Cheng-Man-Ching form from Tai Ji Chuan.