SEIENCHIN

“Seienchin”, also named as “Chai-yen-chin”, one of the katas from the Naha-te, which is a style of Karatedo created by Master Kanryo Higaona.

In Seienchin, apart from certain basic attacking and blocking techniques, some difficult and complicated techniques are arranged in different consecutive combinations. It is important that students should equip themselves with strong foundation of basic attacking and blocking techniques, as well as a good understanding of the subject matter of Kata-performance, before learning this kata. Hence, in general, only Karatedo practitioners who have achieved brown-belt level would be eligible to learn Seienchin.

As one of the eight Shitei (compulsory) Katas selected by the World Karate Federation, Seienchin of Shitoryu is strictly standardized in terms of its postures, movements, power, tempo and rhythm. In addition, Seienchin is also listed in the Shitoryu Karatedo syllabi of black-belt upgrading examinations. In view of its high status in Shitoryu Karatedo, when learning Seienchin, Karatedo practitioners should pay great attention to the details of this kata.

In Seienchin, the combinations of different movements are designed in symmetrical patterns; contrasting and well-defined tempos can also be found. Seienchin is characterized by its frequent adoptions of Shiko-Dachi – a stance of strong essence in its stableness: when Shiko-Dachi is interpreted as a slow movement, it is used to complement the massiveness and weightiness discharged by other techniques applied; when apprehended as a fast action, it is used to eject an explosion of instant power-release and vitality. In any case, these are all skilful masteries of Shiko-Dachi. Apart from these intrinsic forces delivered by Shiko-Dachi, appropriate breathing rhythm should also be incorporated to achieve a natural demonstration of combating gallantry and vigorous spirit. As a matter of fact, the very essence and spirit of Naha-te katas can be most vividly manifested in Seienchin. As such, Seienchin is an ideal kata for kata competition.

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BASSAI-DAI

“Bassai” is also named as “Ba-choi”, which means demolishing the fortress of the enemy. Bassai katas can be divided into Bassai-Dai and Bassai-Sho, both belong to Shuri-te, which is a style of Karatedo created by Master Ankoh Itosu.

Apart from certain basic attacking and blocking techniques, Bassai-Dai is composed by some difficult and complicated techniques arranged in different consecutive combinations. It is important that Karatedo practitioners should equip themselves with strong foundation of basic attacking and blocking techniques, as well as a good understanding of the subject matter of kata-performance, before learning this kata. Hence, in general, only students who have achieved brown-belt level would be eligible to learn Bassai-Dai.

As one of the eight Shitei (compulsory) Katas selected by the World Karate Federation, Bassai-Dai of Shitoryu is strictly standardized in terms of its postures, movements, power, tempo and rhythm. In addition, Bassai-Dai is also listed in the Shitoryu Karatedo syllabi of black-belt upgrading examinations. In view of its high status in Shitoryu Karatedo, when learning Bassai-Dai, Karatedo practitioners should pay great attention to the details of this kata.

In Bassai-Dai, transitions of movements are well-defined and distinct, movements of stances are swift and rapid, sense of rhythm is strong and explicit. Naturally, instances of spontaneous dynamic power-explosion, avalanche of spirit are frequently demonstrated in this kata. Moreover, a variety of prescribed movement-combinations are closely linked in this kata, giving it an extra value of continuity and the sense of one-flow. As a matter of fact, this is an essential quality of Shuri-te; and this makes Bassai-Dai an ideal kata for competition.

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