Suparinpei

The name Suparinpei - 108 - indicates a Buddhist influence once again on Okinawan karate, via Southern Chinese kung fu styles and, it is maintained, the Southern China Shaolin Temple. Other Goju ryu forms that supposedly relate to Buddhist thought are Sanseru (36) and Sepai (18). In Shotokan there is Nijushiho (24) and Gojushiho Dai (54). I take the view however that the number 108 itself is not specific to Buddhism and is a borrowed number from a much more ancient form of numerology related to the precession of the equinoxes in which 72 is the prime number (my notes on Nijushiho in particular explain this theory in greater detail). 108 is related to 72 in the following way: (72/2) + 72 = 108. The kata does not in fact have 108 movements, hence a strong case being made for the influence of Buddhist thought.

This form is the longest form and is regarded as being the hardest to perform and perfect. It is believed to have been one of the original four brought back from Fuzhou by Kanryo Higaonna and taught to Chojun Miyagi. Miyagi sensei may have created the name of this form as it is thought that it is derived from Pechurin (100 Techniques), a kata still practiced in its original form with its original name in the To'on ryu. On the other hand author George Alexander presents evidence that the kata was performed in 1867 for a group of visiting Chinese dignitaries by Tomimura Peichin. Alexander also suggests that the form was known prior to that in Kume village. This isn't to suggest that Master Higaonna didn't learn it in China, only that he wasn't the first Okinawan to know it. It is also therefore possible that he learned it as Pechurin before the later (possible) name change by Chojun Miyagi.

The kata is a White Crane kung fu style form with elements of Tiger boxing included. White Crane tends to be more defensive in nature and makes greater use of speed, evasion and the delivery of accurate strikes to precise targets.

Master Higaonna performing Suparinpei