Origin and Characteristics of Meibuken Kata

Meibuken kata are those developed by our Dai Sensei, Meitoku Yagi. Along with being a major contribution to Goju-ryu in general, these kata are Yagi Sensei's interpretation of Miyagi Sensei's Goju-ryu. Like Chojun Miyagi Sensei's Gekisai kata, the Meibuken kata of Meitoku Yagi Sensei contain techniques of Shuri-te origin in which both Miyagi Sensei and Yagi Sensei admired (for example, the many open handed techniques found in the kata).

Do not get the word Meibuken confused with Meibukan. Meibukan means - house of the pure minded warrior where as Meibuken means - laws of the pure minded warrior.


Some technical aspects of these kata are different than those of Kaishu kata.

1/ Both yoi and Yame position is chudan level, not gedan like in Kaishu kata. This is to represent the Chinese influence on these Kata.

2/ Fist chambers are always standing (tate-ken); sitting chambers are in Kaishu kata (swuate-ken). Dai Sensei often spoke of the significance of the vertical fist: Symbolic of the Chinese influence and also his idea was that from a vertical fist chamber one could punch 3 times to ever 2 times from a horizontal fist chamber.
 
3/ the Meibuken no Kamae is a variation kake uke no kamae with emphasis on guarding the mizo ochi. This kamae is more practical in a real fighting situation.


Tenchi - Heaven/Earth

Tenchi was first introduced as Fukyu I and Fukyu II. Fukyu I = Ten and Fukyu II = Chi. This kata was developed around 1974. What is unique about this kata is that it is a two man or "mirror kata". Fukyu I techniques (AH) correspond to the techniques in Fukyu II (UM). Personally, I find this kata good preparation for Seiunchin, Seipai, and Suparinpe. The origin for the name Tenchi came from the first line of Hakku Kempo, it reads - "Jinshin wa Tenchi ni onaji"


Seiryu - Blue Dragon

Seiryu was developed by our Dai Sensei in the mid 80's. Quick performance of stance transitions and suri ashi are practiced, perhaps in preparation of learning Kururunfa Kata. Seiryu was also developed to correspond with Byakko kata. Similar to Tenchi, these two kata simulate balanced fighting sequences. Seiryu represents the Ah Kata.

Byakko - White Tiger

Created in 1988, Byakko teaches evasion techniques (Tai Sabaki) used against techniques from the Seiryu kata. Like Seiryu, emphasis is placed on correct stance transitions. Byakko was also developed to be paired with Seiryu as mirror kata. Byako represents the Um Kata. Soto  uke is first introduced in Byakko.

Shujakku - Red Sparrow / Phoenix

Shujakku was taught to Meibukai members initially in 1990. It's embusen (kata line) is very similar to that of Seiryu and Byako. Again this is also a mirror kata to be paired with Genbu. The majority of techniques in Shujakku are open handed (i.e.. nukite, press blocks etc.). There is a suri ashi block-strike technique practiced here similar to moves done in Seipai. Shujakku represents the Ah Kata. To have proficiency in this Kata, one must have the fluidity of a Sparrow in flight!


Genbu - Black Turtle

Genbu is the newest of the Meibuken kata. It was introduced in late 1990. It works on attacks and blocks at close range. Its techniques correspond to those of the Shujakku kata. Techniques emphasized in this kata are the koken uke, double punch and double front kick. It also works on the arm break technique from Kaishu kata Shisoshin. Genbu represents the Um Kata.


The Meibuken is one of the more complexed parts of our Goju-ryu syllabus. In 1997, Dai Sensei explained many insights into the Meibuken - the kata names, meanings, etc. He made it very clear that to understand the Meibuken you must already have a strong base in the performance of the Kaishu Kata. Also he made it clear that his eldest son, Yagi Meitatsu Sensei, Hanshi Judan was the most qualified to teach and demonstrate the Meibuken Syllabus. Many Meibukai Teacher on Okinawa started to learn to complete Meibuken system, but did not complete the entire syllabus.