Seisan (Gōjū-ryū)

About This Kata

Name Seisan [十三]
Translation Thirteen / Thirteen Techniques
Style Gōjū-ryū
Level Intermediate
History Seisan is thought to be one of the oldest kata in Okinawan karate, likely dating to the 17th or 18th century, and exists in various forms across multiple styles. In Gōjū-ryū it was transmitted through Higaonna Kanryō from Chinese martial arts sources. Related versions appear in Shōtōkan (as Hangetsu), Uechi-ryū, Isshin-ryū, and Shitō-ryū, though stylistically very different.
Lineage Chinese martial arts → Okinawan karate → various masters depending on the version and school, including Higaonna Kanryō and Kenwa Mabuni → Chōjun Miyagi (Gōjū-ryū)

Kata steps and diagrams to come. If you would like to help completing this page, please contact me (mark.loftusuk@gmail.com).