Gojūshiho

Background

Gojūshiho means “fifty-four steps.” It is a classical Shuri-te kata, kept in Kobayashi Shōrin-ryū as a single form rather than a shō and dai pair. The stepping pattern, the one-knuckle fist, and the crane-like pauses make it one of the advanced empty-hand kata on this wall. Sensei Tsuha’s order places it after Chintō and before Jion.