Wado-Ryu is a karate style created by Hironori Otsuka. It is characterized by its blend of karate techniques and traditional Japanese martial arts, with an emphasis on fluid, natural movements. Here’s a list of some of the most significant katas in Wado-Ryu, with a brief description of each.
1-5 Pinan Shodan to Godan (also called Heian in Shotokan) (平安): These five katas are generally the first taught to students in Wado-Ryu. They include basic techniques and are designed to develop fundamental karate skills.
6. Kushanku (公相君): This kata is characterized by its complexity and variety of techniques, including many types of striking, blocking and moving movements.
7. Naihanchi (内畔蹴): This kata is unique for its rider posture (kiba dachi) and its emphasis on upper-body techniques.
8. Seishan (十三): Seishan is a complex kata requiring great precision and mastery of striking, blocking and gripping techniques.
9. Chinto (鎮東): This kata is known for its dynamic movements and variable rhythm, as well as its unique striking techniques.
10. Bassai (抜砦): Bassai is characterized by its powerful, dynamic movements, and includes a combination of striking and blocking techniques.
11. Rohai (鷺牌): This kata is known for its fast, agile movements and precise attacks and defenses.
12. Wanshu (汪襲): Wanshu comprises a wide range of techniques, including unique blocks and sweeping movements.
13. Jitte (十手): This kata is characterized by its powerful movements and blocking techniques, including many types of grabs and controls.
14. Jion (慈恩): Jion is a complex kata requiring great precision and mastery of striking, blocking and gripping techniques.
15. Niseishi (二十四歩): Niseishi is an important kata. Its name generally translates as “24 steps”, referring to the 24 basic movements or positions this kata comprises. It is characterized by the use of fluid, coordinated movements and a series of rapid transitions between postures.
While the primary curriculum of Wado-ryu includes the 15 katas mentioned earlier, some schools or lineages may include additional katas. However, these additional katas aren’t standardized across all Wado-ryu organizations. They often come from other styles of karate or from the influence of particular teachers.
A few examples of additional katas that might be practiced in some Wado-ryu schools include:
16. Suparinpei (壱百零八手): Known as the “108 hands,” this advanced kata includes a wide range of movements, stances, and techniques, such as punches, kicks, and throws.
17. Sochin (壮鎮): This kata emphasizes stability and strength, with slow, deliberate movements and strong stances designed to teach power and control.
18. Gojushiho (五十四歩): Meaning “54 steps,” Gojushiho is a complex and advanced kata featuring a variety of movements and techniques, often with intricate hand motions and varied stances.
19. Unsu (雲手): Meaning “Cloud Hands,” Unsu is characterized by its quick, flowing movements that mimic the shifting and changing of clouds in the wind.
20. Tekki series (鉄騎): Also known as Naihanchi, this series includes three katas – Tekki Shodan, Tekki Nidan, and Tekki Sandan, performed entirely in Kiba-dachi (Horse Riding Stance), focusing on lateral movements with various strikes and blocks.
Remember, the inclusion of these additional katas would vary by dojo, and not all Wado-ryu practitioners would study these forms. For the most accurate and applicable information, you should consult with a teacher or the specific guidelines of your Wado-ryu organization.
It should be noted that the correct practice of katas requires the supervision and instruction of a qualified instructor. These descriptions are provided for information purposes only and are not intended to replace vocational training.