Crane on a rock
The Rohai Kata Series (鷺牌) stands as one of the most graceful and symbolically rich kata series within the Shito-Ryu system. Its origins can be traced back to Matsumora Kosaku of Tomari village in the mid-19th century, a master who infused Tomari-te with agility and subtlety. Later, Anko Itosu took Rohai and divided it into three versions—Shodan, Nidan, and Sandan—so that its lessons could be taught progressively in Okinawan schools.
The name Rohai translates to “Vision of the White Heron.” Like the poised heron, the kata embodies vigilance, elegance, and the ability to strike with precision at the right moment. Its techniques, such as one-legged balances and open-hand guarding positions, are not only visually striking but carry deep martial significance. Practicing Rohai is a study in balance, both physical and mental.
The kata’s journey continued through Motobu Chōki, one of Itosu’s most combative students. Motobu was famous for testing kata in real combat, insisting that their applications must prove themselves in practice. The Rohai Series carried this spirit forward, combining symbolic grace with functional technique. Later, Kenwa Mabuni, founder of Shito-Ryu, preserved all three Rohai kata, ensuring their continued place in the art when many other styles retained only fragments.
In the Motobu-ha Shito-Ryu lineage, carried through Kosei Kokuba and Shogo Kuniba, Rohai retained its dual nature—elegance paired with practicality. The kata became not only a physical discipline but also a symbol of heritage. Its crane-like stances remind us that composure, readiness, and precision are as essential as power. To train Rohai is to balance body and spirit, cultivating grace alongside decisive martial capability.
Today, under Soke Joseph Ruiz and the International Karate Kobudo Union (IKKU), The Rohai Series is still practiced and passed forward as a living legacy. It connects modern karateka to the teachings of Matsumora, Itosu, Motobu, and Mabuni, while serving as a reminder that karate is more than sport—it is a way of life. In every stance and every motion, Rohai Shodan teaches that true strength lies in balance, vigilance, and inner calm.
https://ikku.org/videos/karate-videos/rohai-1-3-series/ ← CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO
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