SEISAN KATA
Seisan can be traced as possibly the oldest and most widely practiced of Okinawan Karate kata, with the possible exception of Sanchin. Seisan Kata appears in Isshinryu, Shorin-Ryu, Goju-Ryu, Uechi-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, and Shotokan. Although it has its roots in China, its originator is unknown. The kata was first taught by Takahara Peichin, who passed it to "Tode" Sakugawa, who in turn taught it to "Bushi" Matsumura. Matsumura is credited with formulating all of the old kata into their modem forms. Matsumura taught Seisan Kata to Tatsuo Shimabuku's teacher, Chotoku Kyan. Kyan reportedly mastered this kata while jumping backwards off of a barge onto a bridge. He taught the Shobayashi Shorin-Ryu version to Tatsuo Shimabuku.
Seisan can be translated as "thirteen" because of the thirteen opponents the karateka faces when performing it. This translation comes from Master Shimabuku's son-in-law, Angi Uezu, who states that sei translates as ten, and san translates as three, making thirteen. According to Harry Smith, Master Shimabuku stated that this kata should be performed with only 13 breaths in order to teach proper breath control in kata performance. Seisan is referred to as Hangetsu, or "Half-Moon," in Shotokan Karate. Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan, chose this name due to the sweeping crescent moon steps in the kata, "C" steps, which are crucial to its proper performance. None of Isshinryu's stances (dachi) have locked knees. Seisan stance raises the center of gravity higher than Zenkutsu, which is the common front stance of other styles. Seisan also provides mobility. The feet are parallel with the rear toes aligned with the front foot's heels and a 50-50 weight distribution. The inner muscles of the thighs engage for subtle shifting without telegraphing and channeling chinkuchi energy up from the earth. Seisan is the most advanced beginner's kata in all of Karate, requiring approximately 60 seconds to complete 130 movements. Master Shimabuku dismissed the traditional beginner's kata such as Taikyoku, Kihon, and Heian, preferring Charts 1 and 2 for foundation work. Upon satisfactory work with the basics, Seisan is immediately taught. Seisan is a black belt level kata in most other systems of Karate in which it appears. It is complex and lengthy for beginners but utilizes numerous vital techniques which the student has already mastered from Charts I and 2. This natural progression from basics to kata builds on the new karateka's abilities and provides them chances to actually incorporate the basic techniques they have learned into simulated fighting situations.
The fundamental techniques Seisan employs are included in Charts I and 2. In addition, the kata introduces several new techniques with which the beginning student is unfamiliar. Seisan brings in the "punch, punch, kick, punch" combination which is executed rapidly, giving students a viable resource to employ in fighting. Each of the kata's series is executed three times; each demands proficiency on all sides and all angles of attack. Seisan utilizes open-hand shuto blocks, front snap kicks, as well as an introductory lesson in focused breathing, ibuki, which the concept of which will be addressed in depth in Sanchin Kata. The predominant stances in Seisan are Seisan, Seiuchin, Nekoashi, and Crane. Seisan also requires proper stance transition to avoid announcing movements during weight shifts.
Seisan lays the foundation with structural principles which will be built on in more advanced kata. It contains clear self-defense techniques and gives the perfect introduction to the "no nonsense" fighting style of Isshinryu because it emphasizes fast and effective fighting techniques. Master Tatsuo Shimabuku insisted upon commitment to this kata. As with all Isshinryu kata, Seisan’s meaning discloses itself to ardent students. Through repeated work with Seisan, students develop a feel for timing and understanding of a stable, resilient base. With both of these principles underway, students bring with them the capacity to begin the second kata in Isshinryu, Seiuchin.