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The name of this kata means 'Half moon' though originally it was known as Seisan. In its variations it is the most widely practiced form across all the different karate styles. The opening movements, and moreso the breathing and pelvic movements, closely resemble Sanchin, though this kata switches to swifter, lighter techniques towards the end.
The kata introduces a stance suitable for close quarters fighting and the look and feel of the first half of the form are distinctly 'un-Shotokan'. However, the kata has a strong pedigree and it is known that it was being taught by Seisho Aragaki by 1867. This kata or, more precisely the Uechi ryu version of Seisan is what led author Nathan Johnson to the conclusion that it was originally intended to be a sai form but came to be performed without the actual weapons. This is covered in the book The Great Karate Myth.
