What is "kanshiwa"

Kanshiwa Kata (Pronounced "Kahn - She - Wah Ka-Ta") is the second kata in Uechi-Ryu karate. The name comes from the joining of Kanbun and Shushiwa. Originally named Kanshabu, the kata was renamed when the accepted pronunciation of Shushiwa became the norm for Kanbun's teacher. It is often referred to as "The Tiger Kata".

This is the first of the five "bridge" kata developed by a group of Uechi-Ryu seniors put together by Kanei Uechi in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

The five bridge kata were created to help students learn Seisan and Sanseirui. Uechi-Ryu bridge kata are learned in order, with techniques learned in each kata building the foundation for students to learn next kata easier.

According to 10th degree Uechi-Ryu black belt George Mattson, "Kanei's sole purpose in teaching these kata was to hold the attention of the modern-day impatient student." Kanshiwa Kata is typically a test requirement for students testing for hachikyu or 8 Kyu. In a few cases some Uechi-Ryu schools make it a requirement for kyukyu or 9 Kyu (the first promotion from white belt).