Shrin-ry Seibukan

Shrin-ry Seibukan

Shorin-ryu Seibukan
Also known as

Sukunaihayashi

Date founded

1962

Country of origin

Okinawa, Japan

Founder

Zenryo Shimabukuro

Current head

Zenpo Shimabukuro

Ancestor schools

Shorin-ryu

Official Site

http:/ / www. seibukan. org

Shorin-ryu Seibukan ( Seibukan Shorin-ryu), also known as Sukunaihayashi, is one of the

many Okinawan Shorin-ryu styles of karate.
Seibukan Karate do was founded in 1962 by Zenryo Shimabukuro (1906 ~ 1969). Sensei Zenryo, 10th Dan Hanshi,
was the foremost student of Sensei Kyan Chotoku. After 10 years of training under Sensei Kyan, Sensei Zenryo built
his own dojo in Jagaru, Okinawa in 1962. He named his dojo as "Seibukan" meaning "the holy art school". In 1964,
Sensei Zenryo received his 10th Dan black belt from All Okinawan Karate do Federation. After his untimely death in
1969, his son Hanshi Zenpo Shimabukuro succeeded him as the head of Seibukan karate do. Hanshi Zenpo
Shimabukuro (10th Dan black belt) was born in Chatan Cho, Okinawa, on the 11th of October, 1943. As the head of
the movement, he has loyally maintained the tradition of Sensei Chotoku Kyan which he has inherited from his
father, Zenryo. He is the Supreme Instructor & Technical Director and President of the International Okinawan
Shorin Ryu Seibukan Karate do Association which has branch dojos in over 18 foreign countries.

Shrin-ry Seibukan

The Kata of Seibukan (Sukunaihayashi)

Fukyugata Ichi (Nagamine Shoshin)
Master Nagamine Shoshin originally created Fukyugata Ichi. This kata is meant to be the first basic kata practiced,
and contains basic movements of karate-do. Body dynamics are in basic sequence so that a beginner can easily
understand them. Also basic punches and blocks are contained in this kata. A major characteristic of this kata is the
use of zenkutsu dachi (zen-coot-zoo da-chi) (legs straight stance). This version of the kata, along with the modified
version of Fukyugata Ni, were developed in joint cooperation with other Okinawan member systems (Rengokai and
Okinawa Prefecture), as a representation of traditional Okinawan styles, mainly for joint demonstrations and
exhibitions. Due to the large difference in Okinawan style kata, stances, and movements, it was agreed upon to
create the two kata solely for this purpose.
Fukyugata Ni (Miyagi Chojun) (Modification of Gekisai Dai Ichi)
Master Miyagi Chojun originally created this kata. Fukyugata Ni is also known as Gekisai Dai Ichi in Gojuryu. The
Goju-ryu kata, Gekisai Dai Ichi and Ni, were created by Miyagi sensei in 1940. In their development, he had two
ideas in mind: Spiritual and physical development of the individual, and to increase the popularity of karate. It was
also important to him that kata was suitable for everyone despite of age and physical condition. The name of kata is
quite harsh because it means to destroy. Miyagi sensei chose the name to promote self-esteem of the young people,
their training spirit, especially because they were living in hard times due to the war. Fukyugata Ni includes
powerful and sharp techniques, and Miyagi himself emphasized that they should perform them with full speed and
power. The main stance in this kata is zenkutsu dachi. This stance is made by slightly bending knees with toes
pointed forward. Basic form two (Fukyugata Ni), is one level harder than the first. The series of movements and
bunkai in this kata contain catching and throwing techniques.
Seisan (Shuri-te) (Sokon Matsumura)
Kyan Chotoku learned Seisan kata from Sokon Matsumura, the master of the Shuri-te branch. This kata contains
long distance techniques like rensoku tsuki geri, which are representative of the shuri-te style. It was assumed that
Seisan was the first kata taught to him by the great master Matsumura, and due to the age differences, was learned by
Master Kyan at a tender age. This kata still remains as the first major Sukunaihayashi lineage kata to be taught in
Seibukan. Seisan is a powerful kata, where quick changes from shiko dachi to zenkutsu dachi come into its own as a
source of power. This ancient form was a favorite of Master Zenryo Shimabukuro, and was performed by him in
many exhibitions. Even at an advanced age, Master Zenryo Shimabukuro used this kata to demonstrate his excellent
fitness.
Ananku (Kyan Chotoku)
It is speculated that Kyan Chotoku developed the Ananku kata. From several sources it is claimed that Ananku is
Taiwanese in origin, and that Master Kyan brought it from Taiwan to Okinawa. However, the appearance of this kata

Shrin-ry Seibukan
is very Okinawan in form, movement, and technique. Many of the techniques, stances, and movements are
representative of existing Sukunaihayashi kata.
Wansu (Tomari-te) (Maeda Pechin)
Maeda Chiku taught this Tomari-te lineage kata to Chotoku Kyan. Wansu is rather short, but technically difficult
kata, much different than Seisan or Ananku. It contains many techniques where block and counters are made
simultaneously. Also Wansu contains its trademark hard technique, the effective use of kataguruma (firemans carry)
throw.
Passai (Tomari-te) (Oyadomari Kokan)
Passai is an age-old form, and one of the oldest versions of this kata is Seibukans Oyadomari Passai. Passai is often
explained as a low light or night fighting kata, because of its many sagurite (searching hand) techniques. The name
of the kata means tobreak through the fortress. It might have received the name from the beginning movement
where the defender throws a strong forward movement combined with an augmented chudan-uke, meant to
unbalance of attacker. After this powerful start, the kata changes characteristics by making fast blocks and strikes
with open hands to vulnerable points of human body. There are many angular movement changes, all quickly
executed and in varying degrees. In the last part of the kata there is combination technique where the attack is
avoided by ducking the opponents attacking arm, while simultaneously blocking the opponents other arm and
striking a key point in the stomach region. By bending the body one can add extra power to the strike. This technique
has disappeared in many of the modern karate styles version of Passai.
Gojushiho (Shuri-te) (Matsumura Sokon)
This kata is sometimes referred to as the drunkard form, because it contains movements where the kata performer
mocks a staggering move. As a result of this unorthodox and crafty technique, Gojushiho is noted for techniques that
throw the opponent off, by surprise. This makes the Gojushiho kata different in appearance from the other kata
represented within the Sukunaihayashi system. Notable bunkai techniques include throwing, crane style strikes, and
attacks toward weak joint areas
Wanchin (Zenryo Shimabukuro)
Wanchin is the kata of Zenryo Shimabukuro. It is built from elements of other kata which sensei learned from Kyan
Sensei. The Wanchin kata name is a combination of the kanji from Wansu and Chinto. Zenryo Sensei wanted the
name to sound Chinese, thus Wanchin in the kanji writing. Zenryo Sensei believed strongly that simultaneous block
and counter techniques were of primary importance. The movements of Wanchin kata demonstrate many of these
types of techniques, taken from Passai, Seisan, Gojushiho and Kusanku.
Chinto (Tomari-te) (Kosaku Matsumora)
Chinto is one of the treasures of Seibukan. This version of the kata is taught only to Seibukan family members. It
was favorite kata of Kyan Sensei, and is undoubtedly a Sukunaihayshi kata. It is taught at a higher level of student,
usually in the Nidan class. This is partly due to the fact that it is a very demanding kata to perform, and the bunkai is
hard to master. Ancient masters of Tomari were very fond of close combat techniques, and you can see these
techniques in the Chinto kata. Many of the bunkai involve locking maneuvers, throws, all characteristic of close
combat type of techniques.
Kusanku (Shuri-te) Yara Pechin (Yomitan)
Kusanku is the longest and most difficult of Sukunaihayashi kata. It is also the most beautiful kata of our style. This
is a favorite of Hanshi Shimabukuro Zenpo, and he freely demonstrates it at all exhibitions, seminars and
demonstrations, always receiving admiration from the audience!
Tokumine No Kun (Tokumine Pechin)
Tokumine No Kun was the only weapon kata passed on by Kyan sensei. It is assumed that it was the only
weapon kata that he had formally learned. The colorful master, Tokumine Pechin, on the Yaeyama Islands taught

Shrin-ry Seibukan
this kata to him. This particular version of bo (staff) kata is quite rare, even on Okinawa
Additional Kata of Seibukan System
For many years, Master Chozo Nakama was a close friend to the Shimabukuro family. He was also one of the
foremost disciples of Master Chibana Chosin, as well as having the honor to know for many years, the famous
Okinawan fighter, Choki Motobu. Because Nakama Sensei was humble, modest and an honorable master of karate,
his name did not become very well known in the modern day martial arts world. Master Zenryo Shimabukuro
encouraged his son, Zenpo Shimabukuro, and his nephew Zenji Shimabukuro, to train under one of greatest
Okinawan martial arts sensei, Chozo Nakama. Through formal introduction and request, both were accepted as
students of this great master.
The following list of kata contain the forms that were learned by Hanshi Zenpo Shimabukuro, and are now part of
the kata syllabus in the Seibukan system. Movements and bunkai of this kata have not been changed to fit the
Seibukan form of techniques, and are preserved as Hanshi Shimabukuro learned them from Master Nakama. This
can be seen in the stances and delivery of technique. When comparing these to other of Nakama and Motobu
students version of the kata, you will see they are very much alike.
Pinan 1-5 (Itosu no Pinan)
Itosu Anko, who was a sensei to schoolchildren, developed this series of kata. Itosu took elements from different
kata, Kusanku for example, and incorporated them in the series of forms. It is interesting to note there is mention that
elements of the old Channan kata located in the techniques of the Pinan series. In Okinawa, there are still some
teachers who say that they still know how the kata Channan is performed, but the likelihood is that the kata does not
exist in complete form anymore. The Pinan series contains many high stances like choku dachi and narrow stances
like neko ashi dachi. There exist many basic foundation maneuvers in the Pinan kata, as well as many basic
techniques, presented in an easier format than the complete traditional kata they came from.
In many mainstream Japanese styles, Pinan is known as Heian. Funakoshi Gichin made this name change. His
philosophy was to teach Pinan Nidan first because he felt it was an easier transition into the Pinan series.
Naifanchi 1-3 (Motobu no Naifanchi)
The Naifanchi (Daipochin) kata comes from the famous Okinawan karate-ka, Choki Motobu, who is famous for his
actual active testing of bunkai in real fighting situations. This sometimes happened by suspicious means, and many a
teacher would watch this kind of conduct with disapproving eyes. It was said that Choki Motobu knew only three
kata, the Naifanchi series, Wansu, and Passai Guwa. Motobu for the most part, was victorious in his use of the kata
bunkai. In many Shorin-ryu styles, Naifanchi (Heishugata) acts as foundation to further kata (Kaishugata) like
Sanchin in the Goju-ryu system. Master Tatsuo Shimabukuro, the founder of Isshin-ryu (blend of Goju-ryu and
Shorin-ryu), was quoted as saying that, Naifanchi is mother to Shorin-ryu and Sanchin is father to Goju-ryu.
When these two come together then Isshin-ryu is born.
In many mainstream Japanese styles, Naifanchi is known as Tekki. Funakoshi Gichin made this name change.
The primary stance in this series of kata is kiba dachi, which emphasizes the strengthening of the legs and hips. A
distinct characteristic of the kata is the technique where the circular movement of the arms protects the head in a
block, while simultaneously setting up the opening for the uraken. The appearance of kata can be seen as simple, but
from careful study and practice of the bunkai, it is very rich in techniques, and is seen as an effective fighting
system.
Jion (Itosu no Jion)
Chosin Chibana is credited with teaching this powerful kata to Chozo Nakama. It differs from the others, because it
emphasizes defenses for hair grabbing. At the time of Chibana Sensei was living, some men used to wear their hair
in a topknot. These topknots were very easy to grab, and an excellent way to gain control of an opponent. The
technique in Jion that addresses this type of attack is very effective in relieving oneself of a hair grab from an
opponent. Some modern day systems, through misunderstanding of this technique, or modification to meet current

Shrin-ry Seibukan
trends, have changed this unique technique to a normal jodan uke in the bunkai explanation.

References

(Japanese) [1]
New Website [2]
IOSSKA (International Okinawan Seibukan Shorin-ryu Karate-do Association) Official International site [3]
Alaska/Northwest Seibukan (USA) [4]
Seibukan India [5]
Seibukan Kerala,India [6]
Akari-ki Karate: Sukunaihayashi [7]

References
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]

http:/ / www. ii-okinawa. ne. jp/ people/ seibukan/

http:/ / 74. 53. 45. 239/ ~seibukan/
http:/ / www. seibukan. org
http:/ / www. akseibukan. org
http:/ / www. seibukanindia. com

[6] http:/ / seibukankerala. org

[7] http:/ / www. webcitation. org/ query?url=http:/ / www. geocities. com/ karatejmh/ Shorinryubranches. htm& date=2009-10-26+ 01:11:44

Article Sources and Contributors

Article Sources and Contributors

Shrin-ry Seibukan Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=578281692 Contributors: Bredd78, Byhoe, EvilCouch, Hmains, Jmhayes83, Magioladitis, Nate1481, Phatgeek,
Rossen4, Scottalter, Shaju445, Shikai shaw, Shodan7800, Uhlan, 20 anonymous edits

Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors

File:Seibukan.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Seibukan.jpg License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0 Contributors: User:Shaju445
File:Flag of Japan.svg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Japan.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: Anomie
File:Seibukan Masters-new.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Seibukan_Masters-new.jpg License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0 Contributors:
User:Shaju445

License
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0
//creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/