About This Kata
| Name | Tensho [転掌] |
| Translation | Rotating Palms |
| Style | Goju-ryu |
| History | Tensho was created by Chōjun Miyagi around 1921 as a softer counterpart to the hard, linear Sanchin kata. The name means ‘Rotating Palms’ or ‘Turning Hands’, describing the kata’s characteristic flowing, circular hand movements. It was inspired by Chinese forms observed during Miyagi’s 1915 trip to Fujian, particularly a form known as Rokkishu (六機手 — Six Hands), which emphasised circular hand movements and breathing. Another theory is that Miyagi based Tensho on a kata called Kakuha from Higaonna’s syllabus. Tensho exemplifies the ‘ju’ (soft) aspect of Goju-ryu, balancing the ‘go’ (hard) of Sanchin. |
| Lineage | Rokkishu (Chinese Form) → Chōjun Miyagi (Gōjū-ryū) |
Revolving Hands (Goju Ryu Kata)
