Once you have reached your Nidan (2nd Dan), you will be introduced to 2 more kata, Shisochin and Kanku-sho.
Shisochin is unique for its predominant practice of kaishu waza (open hand techniques). Even the opening Sanchin sequence that is practised in many Goju styled kata is performed kaishugata (open handed kata). Shisochin is not the most difficult kata in our curriculum to learn or even perform, however it is excellent for developing power from small movements.
The Chinese influence is very apparent in kata Shisochin as the hands are kept open (unusual for karate, considering most karate styles use a fist for their emblem). Most open-hand strikes in karate kata come by way of a knife hand (shuto uchi). Shisochin however utilises the spear hand (yon-hon-nukite) and palm strikes (teisho uchi). It also endorses the use of moving in and positioning oneself on the outside line of an opponent and attacking with the forearms and elbows. The focus when doing this however is not so much to counter strikes with strikes, but to seize an opponent and render a joint lock or break. The focus of power in this kata is derived through side-ways action and a short decisive hip rotation. It also contains numerous close grabbing techniques and close quarter strikes.
GKR Karate – Shisochin
Shisochin History
Kata Shisochin was introduced to Okinawa by Kanryo Higaonna, and it became the favourite kata of one of his top students, Chojun Miyagi (who said it suited his body). Shisochin translates as ‘Shi’ meaning four, ‘So’ meaning directions and ‘Chin’ meaning battle. As a whole it translates as ‘To Battle in Four Directions’.
Shisochin Lineage
Kanryo Higaonna (1853-1915)
Higaonna trained in Okinawa-te (the name given to Okinawan martial arts at the time) and then ventured to China where he trained for 13 years. He returned to Okinawa and developed the style ‘Naha-te’. The kata he taught were a combination of Okinawa-te principles and Chinese Kung fu. One of the many kata he taught was Shisochin.
Chogun Miyagi (1888-1953)
Chogun was one of the two key students of Kanryo Higaonna. Shisochin became Miyagi’s favourite kata as it ‘suited his body’.
Gogen Yamaguchi (1909-1989)
Gogen Yamaguchi was already a reputable karate-ka of Goju before he met its founder, Chogun Miyagi, around 1930. Miyagi became so impressed with Yamaguchi that he made him his successor for Goju in Japan.
GKR Karate
While many karate styles incorporate Shisochin, GKR derives its version from Japanese Goju, not the more kung-fu appearing Okinawan Goju Shisochin
