Seisan
Encyclopedia
The karate
kata
Seisan (alternate names: Sesan, Seishan, Jusan, Hangetsu
) literally means '13', however some people refer to the kata as '13 Hands', '13 Fists', '13 Techniques', '13 Steps' or even '13 killing positions'. However, all these names are made up and have no historical basis.
Seisan is thought to be one of the oldest kata quite spread among other Nahate schools. Shito-ryu has its own version and different versions are now practised even in Shurite derivatives like Shotokan (called Hangetsu) and in Wado-ryu (called Seishan). Isshin-ryū
also adopted this kata. This kata is also practiced in Korean styles such as Tang Soo Do
and Soo Bahk Do
and is called Sei-Shan or Seishan in Korean. Due to its difficulty, this kata is often reserved for advanced students.
Boxing from Fujian Province in Southern China, where the form is known as 'Four Gate Hands'. (This is completely unproven and uncorroborated. There are some other Chinese styles having a form called 'Shisan' (13) in their curricula, but a link from a specific kung-fu form to Okinawan Seisan has never been established.)
respectively).
kata Hangetsu. The Shotokan version was probably renamed when Gichin Funakoshi formed his school in Japan
. Hangetsu translates to 'Half Moon' or 'Half Month' a reference to the half-moon stance (
) used extensively and the semi-circular stepping actions in this kata. It is interesting to note the name Seisan could have been a reference to the 13-day cycle of the moons phases, and knowing this Funakoshi named the kata 'Half Moon/Month'. A more obscure and unlikely theory is that the kata was taken from a Chinese folk dance where the performer is explaining the importance of the tides as they cycle on 13-day intervals as the moon revolves around the earth.
(a highly influential teacher to Shorin styles, hence the name Matsumura-no-Seisan). This version was revised by Shian Toma (whose lineage can be traced back to Chotoku Kyan), a student of Sōkon Matsumura and contemporary of Gichin Funakoshi
, to bring it into line with other Seidokan kata. The form predominantly features the stance Shiko-Dachi (common in Tomari-te kata) accompanying a block which often sets up a powerful pivot and punch into Zenkutsu-Dachi. This form introduces many recurring concepts used in higher level Seidokan Shorin-Ryu kata.
of Tomari-te) and Seisho Aragaki (associated with Goju-Ryu, a Naha-te style) all of which had knowledge of a version of Seisan. Funakoshi's could have taken the best from these contrasting styles synthesising them into Hangetsu, which possibly explains why the form is so different from other kata in the Shotokan canon.
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
kata
Kata
is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs. The term form is used for the corresponding concept in non-Japanese martial arts in general....
Seisan (alternate names: Sesan, Seishan, Jusan, Hangetsu
Hangetsu
Hangetsu is an advanced kata practiced in Shotokan karate. It originates from the Naha-te school. The first part is executed slowly with strong breathing, stressing the development of the hara. This sequence shares a strong similarity with sanchin...
) literally means '13', however some people refer to the kata as '13 Hands', '13 Fists', '13 Techniques', '13 Steps' or even '13 killing positions'. However, all these names are made up and have no historical basis.
Seisan is thought to be one of the oldest kata quite spread among other Nahate schools. Shito-ryu has its own version and different versions are now practised even in Shurite derivatives like Shotokan (called Hangetsu) and in Wado-ryu (called Seishan). Isshin-ryū
Isshin-ryu
is a style of Okinawan karate founded by Tatsuo Shimabuku and named by him on 15 January 1956. Isshin-Ryū karate is largely a synthesis of Shorin-ryū karate, Gojū-ryū karate, and kobudō. The name means, literally, "one heart method"...
also adopted this kata. This kata is also practiced in Korean styles such as Tang Soo Do
Tang Soo Do
Tang Soo Do is a Korean martial art promoted by Hwang Kee that has roots in various martial arts, including taekkyeon and Subak.-Etymology:...
and Soo Bahk Do
Soo Bahk Do
Soo Bahk Do is the name of the martial art founded and taught by Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee, his successor Hwang Hyun Chul, known as H.C. Hwang, and instructors who are certified by member organizations of the World Moo Duk Kwan, Inc.- History :...
and is called Sei-Shan or Seishan in Korean. Due to its difficulty, this kata is often reserved for advanced students.
Practicing Styles
The following styles have made this kata a formal part of their curriculum.- Chitō-ryūChito-ryuis a style of karate founded by , . The name of the style translates as: chi - 1,000; tō - China; ryū , "1,000 year old Chinese style." The character tō refers to the Tang Dynasty of China...
- Gōjū-ryū
- Isshin-ryūIsshin-ryuis a style of Okinawan karate founded by Tatsuo Shimabuku and named by him on 15 January 1956. Isshin-Ryū karate is largely a synthesis of Shorin-ryū karate, Gojū-ryū karate, and kobudō. The name means, literally, "one heart method"...
- Moo Duk KwanMoo Duk KwanMoo Duk Kwan is split into two groups. One is Soo Bahk Do, formerly Tang Soo Do, and earlier Hwa Soo Do. The other is Taekwondo Moo Duk Kwan. Soo Bahk Do was founded by Grand Master Hwang Kee, November 9, 1945...
- Tang Soo DoTang Soo DoTang Soo Do is a Korean martial art promoted by Hwang Kee that has roots in various martial arts, including taekkyeon and Subak.-Etymology:...
- Ryū-te
- Ryūei-ryūRyuei-ryuis an Okinawan style of karate. It was originally a family style of the Nakaima family of Naha and is now one of the internationally recognized Okinawan karate styles. It is practiced in the United States, Argentina, Venezuela, Europe, and Okinawa.- History :...
- Seidōkan
- Shitō-ryū
- Shoko-ryū
- Shōrin-ryūShorin-Ryuis one of the major modern Okinawan martial arts. It was founded by Choshin Chibana in 1933. Shōrin-ryū combines elements of the traditional Okinawan fighting styles of Shuri-te.-History:Chosin Chibana was a top student of the great master of shuri-te, Anko Itosu...
- Shōrinji-ryū
- ShotokanShotokanis a style of karate, developed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi and his son Gigo Funakoshi . Gichin was born in Okinawa and is widely credited with popularizing karate through a series of public demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university karate clubs, including...
- Uechi-ryū
- Wadō-ryū
- YōshūkaiYoshukai Karatekarate is a branch discipline of the Japanese/Okinawan martial art, Karate-dō, or "Way of the Empty Hand."The three kanji that make up the word Yoshukai literally translated mean “Training Hall of Continued Improvement.” However, the standardized English translation is "Striving for Excellence."...
- Koei-KanKoei-KanKoei-Kan Karate-dō is a karate style that was developed by Master Onishi Eizo in 1952. Koei-Kan can be translated from Japanese to "Prosper with Happiness." Onishi Eizo was the pupil of two famous Okinawan Karate Masters, Toyama Kanken and Kyoda Juhatsu...
- MeibukanMeibukanMeibukan is a branch of the Goju-ryu style of karate-do. It was created by Dai Sensei Meitoku Yagi, a student of Goju-ryu's founder, Master Chojun Miyagi. Meibukan means "House of the pure-minded warrior."...
- Katsudo-te-jitsu
- Shizuka Do
Myth and History
There are numerous theories as to the naming of the kata. These include the number of steps originally in the kata, the number of different types of 'power' or 'energy' in the kata, the number of applications, or that the kata represents defence against 13 specific types of attack. The most likely explanation is the number of non-repeating techniques contained within the kata. It is believed Seisan derives from Yong Chun White CraneFujian White Crane (martial art)
White Crane Boxing is a Southern Chinese martial art which originated in Fujian province and is now practiced throughout the world. According to oral traditions, the creation of this style is attributed to Fāng Qīniáng , a female martial artist...
Boxing from Fujian Province in Southern China, where the form is known as 'Four Gate Hands'. (This is completely unproven and uncorroborated. There are some other Chinese styles having a form called 'Shisan' (13) in their curricula, but a link from a specific kung-fu form to Okinawan Seisan has never been established.)
Variations
Versions of Seisan taught today have roots in Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te streams of karate (that is the karate that was traditionally taught in the Okinawan towns of Shuri, Naha and TomariTomari, Okinawa
is a neighborhood in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, where the Tomari Terminal of the port of Naha is located. The terminal is used for ferries and passenger vessels which connect Naha and neighboring islands....
respectively).
Aragaki no seisan
Another more obscure version of this kata known as Aragaki-no-Seisan, bears the closest surface resemblance to the ShotokanShotokan
is a style of karate, developed from various martial arts by Gichin Funakoshi and his son Gigo Funakoshi . Gichin was born in Okinawa and is widely credited with popularizing karate through a series of public demonstrations, and by promoting the development of university karate clubs, including...
kata Hangetsu. The Shotokan version was probably renamed when Gichin Funakoshi formed his school in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. Hangetsu translates to 'Half Moon' or 'Half Month' a reference to the half-moon stance (
) used extensively and the semi-circular stepping actions in this kata. It is interesting to note the name Seisan could have been a reference to the 13-day cycle of the moons phases, and knowing this Funakoshi named the kata 'Half Moon/Month'. A more obscure and unlikely theory is that the kata was taken from a Chinese folk dance where the performer is explaining the importance of the tides as they cycle on 13-day intervals as the moon revolves around the earth.Isshin-ryu seisan
Isshin-ryu traditionally teaches this kata as the first one to be learned in their cirriculum instead of other styles. As is a feature of the style, all punches are performed with a vertical fist. The founder's primary teacher of the kata was Chotoku Kyan of the Shorin-ryu style, but the Isshin-ryu version also shares many features with the Goju-ryu style, including tension and breathing techniques.Goju-Ryu seisan
The Goju-Ryu (Naha-te) version of the kata, Higaonna-no-Seisan, is a more complicated version that contains close range fighting techniques such as short-range punches, low kicks, and directional changes to unbalance the opponent. It contains techniques performed under full tension thru the range of motion, as well as strong fast techniques. Seisan is said to complement Seienchin. Although rooted in the same form, significant differences can be seen in the Goju version compared to the other versions mentioned above.Seidokan Shorin Ryu version
The version of Seisan taught in the Seidokan Shorin-Ryu syllabus can be traced back to Sōkon 'Bushi' MatsumuraSokon Matsumura
was one of the original karate masters of Okinawa. His life is reported variously as or or or -Early history:...
(a highly influential teacher to Shorin styles, hence the name Matsumura-no-Seisan). This version was revised by Shian Toma (whose lineage can be traced back to Chotoku Kyan), a student of Sōkon Matsumura and contemporary of Gichin Funakoshi
Gichin Funakoshi
was the creator of Shotokan karate, perhaps the most widely known style of karate, and is attributed as being the 'father of modern karate.' Following the teachings of Anko Itosu, he was one of the Okinawan karate masters who introduced karate to the Japanese mainland in 1921...
, to bring it into line with other Seidokan kata. The form predominantly features the stance Shiko-Dachi (common in Tomari-te kata) accompanying a block which often sets up a powerful pivot and punch into Zenkutsu-Dachi. This form introduces many recurring concepts used in higher level Seidokan Shorin-Ryu kata.
Shotokan Hangetsu
Hangetsu contains many slow movements under tension, popular in Naha-te schools such as Goju-Ryu, but rare in Shotokan and Shuri-te influenced styles making the kata quite unique. Funakoshi was taught by Sokon Matsumura (Shuri-te), Kodatsu Iha (a student of Kosaku MatsumoraKosaku Matsumora
was an Okinawan karate master. He studied Tomari-te under Karyu Uku and Kishin Teruya. He also studied Jigen-ryu. Among Matsumora's students, who went on to influence new generations through students of their own, were Choki Motobu and Chotoku Kyan....
of Tomari-te) and Seisho Aragaki (associated with Goju-Ryu, a Naha-te style) all of which had knowledge of a version of Seisan. Funakoshi's could have taken the best from these contrasting styles synthesising them into Hangetsu, which possibly explains why the form is so different from other kata in the Shotokan canon.