About This Kata
| Name | Jion [慈恩] |
| Translation | Merciful Grace |
| Style | Shotokan |
| History | Jion is one of the three ‘Temple Kata’ in Shotokan alongside Jitte and Jiin. The name means ‘Merciful Grace’, combining ji (compassion) and on (kindness/grace). The kata may be linked to a Zen Buddhist temple, possibly Jion-ji Temple in Kyoto, though this is largely symbolic and unverified. The precise origins are somewhat obscured, but most research points to the Tomari-te tradition of Okinawan karate, influenced by both Shuri-te and Chinese Quanfa. The kata may also have been influenced by teachings from Chinese monks or diplomats. Funakoshi briefly renamed it Shokyo but this name never endured. Itosu Ankō is said to have preserved or adapted the forms from earlier versions. |
| Lineage | Tomari-te School → Itosu Ankō (Shuri-te) → Gichin Funakoshi (Shōtōkan) |
Temple (Shotokan Kata)
