Kata

Kata is central to the study of Shinseido. It can be defined as a fixed series of techniques, performed one after the other in a set sequence. The sequence is performed as a solo exercise. Each kata typically takes about 30 seconds to one minute to perform, although some martial arts may have kata which take several minutes to perform. Many oriental martial arts use kata, each art having its own unique set.

In Shinseido the primary purposes of kata are a) to act as a catalogue of techniques from which we may draw upon for the purposes of self-defence, and b) to condition our bodies to correctly perform the techniques without conscious effort. There are also a number of other benefits which people variously ascribe to the practice of kata, such as balance, poise and mental focus.

There are two different ‘streams’ of kata studied in Shinseido Shorin Ryu:

Shinseido currently uses two different kata, both of which have been devised by Sensei Roger Sheldon. These are:

• Shinsei Kata (form of truth and reality)
• Shinzen Kata (form of amity and friendship)

Shinsei is quite a long kata and contains all of the techniques of Sensei Roger Sheldon’s Project 5 self-defence system. Shinzen is quite short and simple; rather than teaching physical self-defence techniques it embodies methods of posture and gesture designed to prevent violence before it starts. It is also an effective form of qi gong, or energy exercise.

In Shinseido Shorin Ryu we practice the classical Okinawan kata of the Matsumura tradition. These kata originated in the 19th century, perhaps earlier in some cases. The following Okinawan kata are officially part of the syllabus:

• Naihanchi Shodan
• Naihanchi Nidan
• Sanchin
• Seisan
• Passai Sho
• Passai Dai
• Chinto
• Rohai
• Useishi
• Kusanku

In the Leeds Shinseido dojo we also practice the five Pinan kata (known as the Heian kata in some styles). These are later in origin than the above kata, being created in the late 19th or early 20th centuries. Go to the Downloads page for videos of all five Pinan kata.

There are also a number of weapons kata. All students learn the forms for short stick (cudgel) and medium size stick, or jo (about 4 ft. long). Tuition in the classical weapons (bo, tonfa, sai, kama, nunchaku, plus yawara/tenouchi) of Okinawa is available for interested students/practitioners.