Monday, January 19, 2009

Karate Kata Name Changes

After thorough research into the matter, including a discussion with Kyoshi Neil Stolsmark, 7th dan in Kobayashi Shorin-ryu, student of Shugoro Nakazato (10th dan in Okinawa), and one of the highest-ranking instructors in the Shorin-ryu Shorinkan, we have decided to change the names of two of our karate kata:

Shinto Kata will henceforth be known as Chinto Kata. This kata, which is practiced in many Okinawan and Japanese karate styles, was named after a Chinese sailor called Chinto, who came to Okinawa and became a great fighter there. "Shinto" is a Japanese religion, and has nothing to do with budo. There is no "Shinto Kata" in any other Okinawan karate style.

Bassai Dai will henceforth be known as Bassai Sho. In most karate styles that practice the Bassai kata, there are two of them: Bassai Sho ("the lesser Bassai") and Bassai Dai ("the greater Bassai"). The kata we have been calling Bassai Dai is actually Bassai Sho in Kobayashi Shorin-ryu and other systems; Bassai Dai is a variation of this kata, but is one that is not a part of our karate curriculum.

I am unsure exactly how or where these errors in nomenclature first occurred, but it is necessary to correct them, I believe, as we become aware of them in our continued effort to improve our karate-do through research and study with high-ranking instructors in sister sytles.

If you have any questions, please e-mail Sensei Noah or Sensei Carol, or visit our Ask Sensei link.

No comments: