Tuesday, March 22, 2011 by C. Michial Jones
A Comprehensive Survey of Classical and Modern Traditions
The martial arts of the Naha region in Okinawa represent a profound lineage of Chinese-influenced Karate-Jutsu. Central to this tradition is the classification of kata into two distinct categories: Koden (ancient/classical) and Shinden (modern/developed). While the core of the system remains rooted in the teachings of the Great Master Kanryo Higashionna, the 20th century saw a massive expansion of the syllabus as various Kai-ha (associated factions) evolved.
The Foundation: Koden Kata
The classical kata of Naha-Te are primarily attributed to Kanryo Higashionna, who brought them back from his studies in Fuzhou, China. However, the Naha tradition also absorbed influences from other masters:
- Higashionna Lineage: Sanchin, Saifa, Seiyunchin, Shisochin, Sepai, Seisan, Kururunfa, Sanseiru, and Suparinpei.
- Gokenki (White Crane Master): Nipai (Nipaipo).
- Seisho Arakaki: Sochin, Unsu, and Niseishi.
While Shito-Ryu—a composite system—preserves many of these Arakaki-ha kata, traditional Goju-Ryu typically focuses on the core Higashionna syllabus.
The Turning Point: Miyagi Chojun and the 1940s
The transition from Jutsu to Do brought about the creation of “promotional” or “preparatory” kata. Miyagi Chojun Sensei, the founder of Goju-Ryu, created Tensho (based on the Chinese Rokkishu) and the Gekisai series.
In 1940, Miyagi worked alongside Nagamine Shoshin (Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu) to develop kata for the Okinawan board of education. This collaboration resulted in:
- Fukyugata I: Developed by Nagamine Sensei.
- Fukyugata II: Developed by Miyagi Sensei (nearly identical to Gekisai Dai Ichi).
Notable variations exist in the performance of these kata. In Shorin-Ryu, the stances are shorter, and the chamber for the final double-punch (Awase-zuki) features both fists palm-up. In Goju-Ryu, the fists are chambered on the sides of the body—one facing up, one facing down.
Modern Lineages and Shinden Kata
Following the passing of Miyagi Chojun, his students and their subsequent successors developed unique kata to address specific pedagogical or technical goals.
| Founder / Sensei | Association | Significant Kata Created |
| Jin’an Shinzato | Senior student of Miyagi | Chuho No Kata (emphasizing hip work and throwing). |
| Eiichi Miyazato | Jundokan | Fukyu 2 (discontinued 1969) |
| Meitoku Yagi | Meibukan | Tenshi, Seiryu, Byakko, Shujaku, Genbu, Tensho Ni. |
| Seikichi Toguchi | Shoreikan | Hookiyu 1-2, Gekisai Dai San, Gekiha 1-2, Kakuha 1-2, Hakutsuru No Mai. |
| Gogen Yamaguchi | Goju-Kai | Taikyoku (10), Genkaku, Chikaku, Sanchin-Tensho. |
| Sosui Ichikawa | Sosuikan | Gekisai Ha, Sosuiken, Tsuru-te |
| Seigo Tada | Seigokan | Kihon Tsuki no, Uke no. |
| Teruo Chinen | Jundokan Int. | Dachi kata, Formation 11 & 12, Fukyu 3. |
| Peter Urban | USA Goju | Taikyoku Empi Go, Unfa, Empi Ha, Urban Han, Urban Kurunfa |
| Osama Hirano | Kuyukai | Haiku Ichi, Rensoku Juza |
| Goshi Yamaguchi | Goju-Kai | Tenryu, Kohryu |
| Kisaku Tomoharu | Yuishin-kai | Kitei (Uses Mawashi-geri) |
| Katsuya Izumikawa | Senbukan | Gekisai Dai San, Gekisai Dai Yon |
| R. Choji Taiani | Sosuikan Int. | Sanchin Koho, Gekisai 1-5 |
| Tetsuhiro Hokama | Kenshinkai | Fukyu, Kiyozai 1 & 2 |
| Zenei Oshiro | Shodokan Europe | Shiho Uke 1-3 |
| Toshio Tamano | Shoreikan Int. | Kata Dai Ichi and Ni |
| John Roseberry | Shorei-Shobukan | Gakusei, Golden Crane |
| Lou Angel | Tenshi Goju-Kai | Gesai, Gesaku Sho, Gesaku Dai |
Related Naha Traditions
Beyond the Goju-Ryu umbrella, other systems maintain deep ties to the Naha region, though their kata syllabi vary:
Ryuei-Ryu and Toon-Ryu
Ryuei-Ryu (Nakaima family) preserves kata such as Paiku, Heiku, Pachu, Anan, Ananni, Ohan, and Paiho. Toon-Ryu (Juhatsu Kyoda) preserves Higashionna’s original forms, including a version of Pechurin (Suparinpei) and Jion.
The Kojo-Ryu Tradition
Often classified as Kume Village Te, Kojo-Ryu is unique for its “Six Animal” forms (Tenkan, Kukan, Chikan, Hakukoken, Hakutsuru, Hakuryu) and specialized kata like Hafa, Paichu, and Nijikken.
Uechi-Ryu: A Sister System
While Uechi-Ryu is often grouped with Naha styles, it is more accurately described as a sister system. While Naha-Te is linked to Kingainoon, Uechi-Ryu stems from the Pangainoon lineage. It shares the foundational Sanchin, Seisan, and Sanseiru but maintains a distinct technical identity with modern additions like Kanshiwa and Seichin.
Conclusion
The Naha tradition is far from a static historical relic. Since 1953, the style has seen an explosion of creativity, resulting in over 100 documented kata. From the ancient Koden forms of Fuzhou to the modern Shinden innovations of the 20th-century masters, Naha-Te remains a living, breathing testament to the adaptability of Okinawan Karate.
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