The 8 Katas of Uechi-Ryu Karate
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 explains why most traditional Uechi-Ryu schools use an octagon as their symbol.
Sanchin (三戦)
Literally meaning “three battles” (San = three, Chin = battles), Sanchin can be considered an educational kata that helps practitioners understand the Sanchin Dachi stance, learn the movements in Uechi-Ryu, and integrate the alignment of different body parts that will be used in the higher-level 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 performing all techniques and the other katas.
Although Sanchin may appear simple, 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, Consciousness) can also be the challenges encountered while performing 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 made up of the first Kanji “Kan” (完) in honor of Kanbun Uechi and the first Kanji “Shu” (周) in honor of Shu Shiwa.
This kata aims to teach precision in both movements and timing, with the introduction of crane techniques.
Kanshu was previously known as Dai Ni Seisan (第二十三), or Seisan Number 2, and serves as an introduction to Seisan. It shares a common line with Seisan.
Seichin (十戦)
Seichin (十戦), literally “ten battles.”
The number ten refers to the maturity of the practitioner; in Okinawa, this was traditionally achieved at age 13, with 10 years old marking a significant step toward adulthood.
A “very Chinese” kata, Seichin refers to the original techniques of Pangai-Noon, with many round techniques. It introduces flexibility in whipping movements (with both hands and feet), characteristic of the dragon style, as well as crane techniques using the “crane” stance.
Seisan (十三)
Seisan means “13,” referring to 13 modes of attack and defense, but also to the age of 13, which represented maturity in the ancient Ryukyu Kingdom.
The number 13 also corresponds to the thirteenth hall of the Shaolin Temple, where monks would review the techniques learned in the previous chambers.
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 logical, therefore, that mastery of this kata is required for Shodan (first black belt rank).
In the Uechi-Ryu Institute (Uechi-Ryu Kenkyujo), we teach Seisan as practiced in the modern era, as well as the original Seisan, which we call Furui Seisan (古い十三), or the “old Seisan.” This ancient form is interesting because it emphasizes relaxation and the forward momentum required to block and attack simultaneously.
Seiryu (十六)
Literally meaning “sixteen,” the number sixteen can be interpreted as the attainment of maturity (as adulthood was traditionally recognized at thirteen).
This kata was created by Kanei Uechi; its execution requires strong legs, a good sense of balance, and coordination since it combines dragon techniques in rotation.
Kanchin (完戦)
Kanchin is formed from the first Kanji “Kan” (完) in homage to Kanbun Uechi, and the Kanji “Chin” (戦) meaning battle.
It was created by his son, Kanei, who wanted to preserve the memory of his father.
In Kanchin, the techniques favored by Kanbun are featured prominently, along with the introduction of techniques found in Sanseiryu, notably the double block Watari Uke (渡り受).
Sanseiryu (三十六)
Sanseiryu literally means “thirty-six.”
36 refers to 36 modes of attack and defense.
It is also called the kata of the 36th chamber since Shu Shiwa was also known as the priest of the 36th chamber.
The number 36 also refers to 360 degrees, meaning the ability to face attacks coming 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.
In it, you’ll find the tiger, crane, and dragon styles.