Traditional Karate > Kata > Seisan

Seisan Kata is named for Master Seisan, a great master from the Pangai Noon Style of Kung Fu or Southern Chinese Boxing. He lived on Okinawa from 1588 to 1600. This was just before the Japanese invasion. He was sent to Okinawa by a Chinese King to teach Chinese Boxing. The Kata was further developed by the Shorin-Ryu system. Some authorities say this is the oldest of all katas. Others say Chinto, or Sanchin is the oldest Kata. Master Seisan was considered the 8th Wonder of the World because of his unusual power and ability.

It is known that Bushi Matsumura, who studied under Karate Sakagawa, taught the Kata. It is not known if he learned the Kata from Sakagawa or from one of the Chinese masters when he was in China.

Master Gichen Funakoshi named the Kata Hangetsu (Half Moon Kata) and adopted it for the ShotoKan Karate. The name probably came from the sweeping steps. Master Angi Uezu (Master Shimabuku's son-in-law) said that the word Seisan means thirteen. "Sei" means ten and "san" means three. This translates as being attacked by thirteen opponents.

Seisan in one of the most complete Katas. An advanced style uses Seisan for advanced students on the Sho Dan (Black Belt) level.