This page will help you to learn Isshin-Ryu kata so you can get ready for your next belt test. However, if you have any questions about a particular kata movement, please check with your instructor because kata instructions and the order of katas can vary by school and organization. There are a variety of Isshin-Ryu katas including “empty hand” kata (no martial arts weapons involved) and weapons kata that use either the Bo staff, Sai or Tonfa.
You should also read our section on Is Kata Useful or Useless? It discusses the pros & cons of kata. For the katas of other Karate styles (i.e. Shotokan katas), please visit the main Katas & Forms section.
Wiki – Best Karate Books
Isshin-Ryu Basics – Basic techniques used in Isshin-Ryu kata and training.
- Isshin-Ryu Upper Body Basics – Upper body strikes and blocks.
- Isshin-Ryu Lower Body Basics – Lower body kicks.
Main Isshin-Ryu Katas (Empty-Hand)
- Isshin-Ryu Seisan
- Isshin-Ryu Seiunchin
- Isshin-Ryu Naihanchi
- Isshin-Ryu Wansu
- Isshin-Ryu Chinto
- Isshin-Ryu Sanchin
- Isshin-Ryu Kusanku
- Isshin-Ryu Sunsu
Bo Kata
Sai Kata
Tonfa Kata
Reasons for Kata
Many Karate schools use kata in order to help students practice certain moves (i.e. kicking techniques, self-defense techniques and various strikes). In addition, kata is used to improve a student’s physical conditioning, muscle memory, focus/concentration, balance, etc.
Reference Sources
- Isshin-Ryu World Karate Association, Kata, http://www.isshinryukarate.com/, Added – 03/10/14