Kata
Kata is the uniting of several singular offensive and defensive moves into a "dance-like"
form. When performed properly, a Kata represents the beauty and self-discipline
of the Art and its practitioner. Kata was designed by the Masters of Karate
to enable a person to practice fighting up to eight opponents at one time without
breaking the form and balance necessary to deliver "killing or crippling;blows".
Kata begins with one's initial training in Karate. It is always, or should
be, the largest single factor in determining the true skill of a Karate-Ka. To
have students who perform Kata at a high level is a reflection of a Sensei's
ability to teach the art in its truest form.
In Isshinryu there are 8 katas:
Sanchin,
Seisan,
Seiuchin,
Nai Hanchi,
Wansu,
Chinto,
Kusanku,
Sunsu