Niseishi Kata Tutorial
Part 1
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In this karate class, Sensei Huckle worked on the karate kata Niseishi, which is the original name for Shotokan black belt kata Nijushiho.
This is extra curriculum for our Dojo members. We believe the Okinawan kata are an important part of karate practice, especially as many of the kata have very circular and flowing techniques, where many of the shotokan kata have very linear techniques.
Niseishi is thought to have Chinese origins and was brought to Okinawa by Arakaki Seishō (新垣 世璋, 1840–1918).
Many believe Master Gichin Funakoshi took Niseishi to Japan, but I believe it was Master Kenwa Mabuni who introduced the kata to mainland Japan. Master Funakoshi then sent his top student, Master Nakayama to train and learn the Kata Niseishi from Master Mabuni (the founder of Shito Ryu).
Once Master Nakayama had Niseishi, the kata was then shotokanised and the name changed to Nijushiho.
Nijushiho and Niseishi are now practiced by millions of karateka around the world.