About This Kata
| Name | Gojushiho Dai [五十四歩大] |
| Translation | Fifty-Four Steps – Greater |
| Style | Shotokan |
| Level | Advanced |
| History | Originally known as Useishi (or Ouseishi), a Chinese-style pronunciation of the characters for ’54’. The kata likely originated from Chinese martial arts, particularly from the Fujian and Northern Shaolin regions, and was introduced to Okinawa through Tomari-te or Shuri-te traditions. The number 54 may signify the number of techniques or directions and serves a symbolic rather than literal function. Sōkon Matsumura is credited with creating or preserving the core version. Kenwa Mabuni preserved multiple versions of Useishi which likely influenced the Shotokan adaptations. Funakoshi briefly renamed the kata Hotaku (phoenix peck). The JKA standardised the two forms as Gojushiho Dai and Gojushiho Sho. Note: some Shotokan organisations swap the Dai and Sho labels, causing ongoing confusion. |
| Lineage | Sōkon Matsumura (Shuri-te) → Itosu Ankō (Shuri-te) / Kenwa Mabuni (Shitō-ryū) → Gichin Funakoshi (Shōtōkan) |
Fifty Four Steps – Big (Shotokan Kata)
