Kata Sochin is a very popular Kata found in many styles of Karate. In Shorinjiryu the kata is practiced at a senior black belt level of Sandan (3rd) dan and above. The kata emphasizes strong stances and center of gravity with purposeful steps. In this respect the kata can be classified within the Goho (hard) category of Katas. The kata is formed around a cross with the practitioner moving between cardinal points or directions of the compass with strong blocks followed by strong combinations of punches and kicks. In this respect the kata prepares the defender for multiple attacks from many different sides. The kata makes particular use of the horse stance which makes it a favorite for kata competition.

An advanced form of the kata includes energy point focus (not shown here) emphasizing the Juho (soft) elements. The Juho form should only be studied once the Goho form is perfected.

Kata Koshiki Bassai is the original form of the more commonly known name of Kata Bassai. Most styles of Karate practice a modified form of the Kata known as Bassai-Dai. However, for Shorinjiryu the Koshiki form of the Kata is the standard form to be practiced. The kata is typically taught at the Ni-kyu or Ichi-kyu level (brown belt) and is considered an intermediate level kata from a difficulty persepctive. Bassai it its various forms is known and practiced in most karate styles and as such it is also considered a foundational kata. Since it is well-known across various styles of karatedo it is a useful kata to demonstrate within open competition formats.

Below one can see the application (known as “Bunkai”) of Kata Koshiki Bassai. The Bunkai is performed by Shihans Riley, King and Chaffey in competition at the occasion of the Canadian World Koshiki Competition held in London, Ontario in the summer of 2017.

Kata Happiken is considered an intermediate level kata typically taught to green belt and brown belt practitioners. The kata was developed by Hanshi Hisataka specifically to assist North American karateka when he was in the United States circa 1964 through 1967. Hanshi Hisataka believed that the geometry and movements of Happiken were more suited to the western mind than those of other katas available at this level.

The kata name literally means “to use the fist like a monkey in 8 directions”. The kata is geared to close fighting situations as it uses a great many elbow strikes and emphasizes strong postures and stances.

Like Sanchin Kata, Seisan kata is aimed at developing footwork, strong stances, ki, and breath control. It is also an isometric body building form of exercise, however, the techniques displayed in Seisan are more advanced than in Sanchin. Its stances are wider and the postures are “half face front” (hanmai, body diagonal to the front).  Seisan kata has its originan in Shorinjiryu Kempo and was transformed by Kaiso Masayoshi Hisataka.

The first half of the Kata consists of strong stances, slow motions, and powerful techniques, while the second half emphasizes fast body motions and techniques. Kata Saisan is considered an advanced kata usually taught at the Sho-dan to San-dan levels.