PINAN
'Peaceful mind'. The five Kata developed by Yasutsune-Itosu in 1903. The five Pinan Kata are; Pinan Shodan, Pinan Nidan, Pinan Sandan, Pinan Yodan and Pinan Godan. Pinan Katas are the fundamental Katas significant to the Shurite stylists; Wadoryu, Shitoryu, Shorinryu and Shotoryu. 'Pinan' or 'peaceful mind' forms were developed by Yasutsune-Itosu (1830 - 1914) in 1903 and were the first Kata ever taught and incorporated into Okinawan public schools. His ideas for these Kata stem from the Ku-shanku Kata.
Also known as Ping-an or Heian.

KUSHANKU
A Karate Kata named after the famous Chinese official, Kun-Shang-Kwan (Kung-Shian-chun), who visited Okinawa in 1762 bring with him this system, which has a lot in common with northern Shaolin forms.
Also known as Ku-sanku, Ku-shanku Dai and Kanku.

NAIHANCHI
The name may be translated as 'Battle in a narrow place'.
Naifanchi Kata is the only Kata where all the activity takes place in a straight line.

CHINTO
'Fighting to the east'. A Kata, named after an attaché of the same name, that was developed in the Shorin-ryu school of Okinawa.
Also known as Gankaku.

SEISHAN
An Okinawan Kata named after the founder. It was generally the first Karate Kata taught in the 1900's during the period of time Yasutsune-Itosu taught it in the public schools.
Also known as Seisan and Hangetsu.

PASSAI
'Penetrating a fortress' or 'thrust asunder'. A Karate Kata developed in the Shorin-ryu school of Okinawa, originally Matsumura-Patsai. Some styles practice two versions of this Kata within their syllabus; Passai dai and Passai sho.
Also known as Patsai, and Bassai.

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