About This Kata
| Name | Ji’in [慈陰] |
| Translation | Merciful Shadow |
| Style | Shotokan |
| History | Ji’in is one of the three ‘Temple Kata’ in Shotokan alongside Jion and Jitte. The name means ‘Merciful Shadow’, combining ji (compassion) and in (shadow or yin). Like the other Temple Kata, its origins point to the Tomari-te tradition of Okinawan karate, influenced by both Shuri-te and Chinese Quanfa. The three forms share similar salutation opening movements, related performance lines, and a tone of stillness and mental clarity. They are widely considered part of the Shōrei-ryū lineage, emphasising grounded stances and internal energy. The kata may have been influenced by teachings from Chinese monks or diplomats, with speculative but unverified ties to a Zen Buddhist temple. |
| Lineage | Tomari-te School → Itosu Ankō (Shuri-te) → Gichin Funakoshi (Shōtōkan) |
Temple Grounds (Shotokan Kata)
