Seisan Kata

[Nidan Melbourne]

This is one of my friends practicing kata seisan from our style of Goju-Ryu. How different is it to the way that you practice it.

[Lupin1]

That is extremely different. I kinda like the variable pacing. Very interesting.

Here are some of our black belts doing our version (which is very close to the traditional Isshinryu version with some very minor variations).

[Nidan Melbourne]

That is extremely different. I kinda like the variable pacing. Very interesting.

Here are some of our black belts doing our version (which is very close to the traditional Isshinryu version with some very minor variations).

Yeah yours is very very different. Ours is slightly different to what the 'traditional' goju version is.

This is the 'traditional' version with the slight differences other than the timing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJeOCRV0oF0

[mazzybear]

All very different from the wado version Seishan. Here is the late master Suzuki performing it.

M.

[andym]

The following are are snippets from an article writen by myself and published in the UK magazine 'Martial Arts Illustrated' back in 2012.

BACKGROUND.

Part of Sesan's uniqueness stems from the fact that at the start of the 20th century, it was the only Kata practised by both the parent arts of Karate. Karate currently, is made up of a vast number of schools, styles and associations. The intertwined lineage of who taught who, what and when. Who developed this or why they did that, and what inspired them. Provides endless fascination for Karate researchers. This currant, vast and complex family tree, can be followed back and simplified down to two parent arts. These are the source from which all the Karate we study today, have sprung.

THE KATA.

In performance, all versions of Sesan Kata follow the same basic Embusen (foot pattern/line of movement). The pattern drawn on the floor, from beginning to end, by the continuous movement as the Kata is performed. The Embusen for Sesan, in all cases, basically follows a straight line . From the starting point, the Kata advances straight ahead, were all versions use a set of three punches. It progresses onwards, as a number of techniques are executed. There is a turn through 180 degrees and the performer moves back towards the starting point. When reaching there, a series of combinations and turns are performed and the Kata ends. Irrespective of the source , there are subtle variations in the performance of the Kata, even within each each parent group. But there is a single difference that divides Shorin from Naha. In Shorin, the ending series of combinations are symmetrical, the same combination is repeated through a series of pivoting turns. The Kata from the Naha side, is asymmetrical, at each turn, a different combination is performed. When studied, you notice the similarities within a group, and the differences, rather than the similarities, between the two groups.

[GojuRyu Bahrain]

I posted my comparison of Sesan - Seisan - Hangetsu - Seishan earlier:

http://www.karateforums.com/sesan-seisan-hangetsu-seishan-vt45116.html?highlight=sesan

It is quite interesting to look at other styles / approaches and see how techniques diverge over time..

NidanMelbourne, I wonder if you are supposed to end the kata on the same place where you started?

[Nidan Melbourne]

I posted my comparison of Sesan - Seisan - Hangetsu - Seishan earlier:

http://www.karateforums.com/sesan-seisan-hangetsu-seishan-vt45116.html?highlight=sesan

It is quite interesting to look at other styles / approaches and see how techniques diverge over time..

NidanMelbourne, I wonder if you are supposed to end the kata on the same place where you started?

I have found that it depends on how you've moved throughout the kata. If you've moved on an angle that is off (according to your school) and if your stance is too big or too small then you will end either at the same spot or at a different one.

When i've done my kata i don't really end at the same spot as i started. But as i said depends on angle movement and stances.

[GojuRyu Bahrain]

In my style of Goju Ryu (Yuishinkan) the Kata are supposed to end back at the Happo (place where it started), with the exception of Tensho (and Gecki Sai Dai Ni), which end one step further back. Not only the techniques and the sequence, also the position is considered important...

Isn't it nice to have something to work on?

[Nidan Melbourne]

We do take into consideration positioning for testing. And we do get into the same spot to finish.

but not a major consideration in class. Although in gradings we do need to be able to finish in the same spot as we started because it shows that you understand movement.

[Karate4Life]

OSU!

Seisan kata across the styles:

- IOGKF:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJeOCRV0oF0

- GoJu Kai:

- Yoshukai:

- Isshinryu:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gS6IB_0Dx2k

- Uechi Ryu:

- Shito Ryu:

- Seibukan:

Interesting to see that so many styles have it but that it can also be vastly different.

OSU!