Hengetsu Kata

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HENGETSU

Previous names :

Seishan, Seisan.

Meaning of kata :

Named Hengetsu because of the circular movements when moving between stances. Hengetsu meaning crescent or half moon. Seishan means 41 movements.

Origins of kata :

Hengetsu is one of the oldest kata. Also practiced by Wado-ryu under its original Okinawan name Seishan.

Hengetsu is an inner kata, where you can develop inner strength and flow of energy. In Okinawan karate this is called the stone technique making your body not soft but hard like a stone.

The kata is also referred to as Stone in a stream. When performing the kata it is very much like fighting your way up a mountain stream fighting against the current. The kata requires that you tense your body from the inside out allowing the energy to flow through the body to the arm or fist.

Hengetsu orinates from Naha-te.

Practised by :

Shotokan, Goju-ryu, Uechi-ryu and Wado Ryu.