Kata Saifa (lit. 'Smash and Tear') is the third kata we teach at Kumade Karate and is commonly taught third in Karate schools that practice the kata. Saifa is from the style Goju-Ryu and diverges in floor pattern and breadth of technique from the previous two kata taught so far at Kumade Karate. It is also a somewhat aggressive and explosive kata.
A basic understanding of Saifa is a requirement for 6th kyu green belt, while a thorough understanding is required for 5th kyu blue belt.
A basic understanding is required for 6th kyu
An advanced understanding is required for 5th kyu
Tutorial Video Coming Soon!
Techniques:
Kiai Count: 2
Stances:
- Heisoku dachi (feet together stance)
- Shiko dachi (Sumo stance)
- Zenkutsu dachi (long forward stance)
- Sanchin dachi (hour-glass stance)
- Gyaku neko ashi dachi (reverse cat stance)
- Neko ashi dachi (cat stance)
Kicks:
- Hiza geri (knee strike)
- Mae geri (front kick)
Strikes:
- Uraken uchi (backfist strike)
- Morote zuki (double strike)
- Tetsui uchi (hammer strike)
- Shita zuki (short punch)
- Chudan zuki (stomach-level punch)
Blocks:
- Shotei osae uke (circular grab block)
- Gedan shotei barai (downwards circular block)
- Chudan suki uke (middle scooping block)
- Juji uke (X-block)
- Mawashi uke (round block)
Kata Information:
Saifa is an ancient kata that has no clear origin and has likely changed form many times throughout history. It was most likely developed by the founder of the Goju-Ryu style, Choujun Miyagi, during his travels in China during the mid-1800s. The kanji that make up the name (砕破) translate roughly to 'to smash and tear' or 'to pound and pulverise' or other phrases to that effect. This is a name that suits the kata well, as it is often performed with high levels of aggression and fast, explosive techniques.
Prior to World War 2, Saifa was one of the very first katas taught to students of the Goju-Ryu style, however today is mostly taught as the second or third kata. Along with Goju-Ryu, Saifa is also practiced in other styles such as Shito-Ryu and Kyokushin.
Saifa is one of those katas that have floated through time for many generations, being passed through various different schools and styles to arrive at what it is today. Like a giant game of Chinese whispers, we may never know the exact true form or origin of this kata.