Goju-Ryu Kata

A brief foreword regarding Goju-Ryu Kata kanji translation:

Many of the kata of the Goju-Ryu style, in spite of the fact that they are known universally by a singular name, have a seemingly endless number of interpretations when translated from Okinawan to English.

The following list has been compiled from a number of sources, showing many of the popular translations offered on this subject today.

However, it is important to bear in mind that it is not the translation of the name of a given kata that is of any real importance. The important thing is the kata itself.

Gekisai Dai Ichi:

  • Attack and smash, number one
  • Attack, crush, number one
  • Attack and subdue with closed palms
  • Smash and destroy, number one

Gekisai Dai Ni:

  • Attack and smash, number two
  • Attack, crush, number two
  • Attack and subdue with open palms
  • Smash and destroy, number two

Saifa :

  • Smash and tear
  • To smash and tear into pieces
  • Crush, shatter, tear
  • Breaking ground

Seiyunchin :

  • To draw/suck/pull in and battle
  • Conquer over distance
  • Marching/Conquer far quietly
  • Control, supress and pull
  • To pull off balance and fight

Shisochin :

  • Four gated battle
  • Four direction battle
  • Conquer in four directions
  • To defeat attacks from four sides

Sanseru :

  • 36 hands

Sepai:

  • 18 hands

Kururunfa:

  • Ku (Long) Ru (Hold) Run (Sudden) Fa (Break)
  • Forever peacefulness, stops, shatter
  • To remain still, then quickly attack and destroy
  • Holding ground
  • Armageddon
  • "Silence before the storm"

Sesan :

  • 13 hands

Suparinpei :

  • 108 hands
  • Pechurin

Sanchin :

  • Three battles

Tensho :

  • Revolving hands Turning palms