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In a recent conversation with a student, I was asked to explain the meaning of Pinan Godan. When I asked him what he meant, he told me that he had heard that there was another name for each of the Pinan Kata, and could I write an article explaining the name and the history of this Pinan. I knew nothing about any other name for the Pinan's, so before I answered his request, I decided to find out more about the history of these kata from Sensei Shintani. At the grading in Timmins in June 1997, I had some time to sit with Sensei Shintani and discuss this question in detail. Our talk gave me a whole new perspective on the practice of kata. The Pinan Kata originated in Okinawa, and was created by Master Matsumura. The word Pinan was both Japanese and Chinese characters meaning "Gathered to formulate". There are five levels of Pinan Kata, Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yodan, and Godan. These five kata were created to develop the student from beginner to expert in the basic techniques of Wado Karate. After years of practice, the student is taught Kushanku Kata. This kata is referred to as the "fortress" which gathers all the techniques and protects them. Sensei told me years ago that it takes ten years to perfect Kushanku. Sensei referred to kata as a precious gift, a heritage that should be treated like a beautiful antique, that should be cherished and passed on to the next generation so that they could see the value of tradition, and the history behind it. To learn kata one must study its techniques. To know kata, you must practice with your heart. Each time you prepare to perform your kata, think of all the people have done the same before you. Perfection of kata is a life long pursuit but then that is what kata and the "pinans" are all about. A way of life!
The Harmonizer |
