Source 1: "Katas of Shorin
ryu Seibukan" by Kim Mitrunen & Tommi Prami
Maeda
Chiku taught this Tomari-te lineage kata to Chotoku Kyan. Wansu is
rather short, but technically difficult kata, much different than Seisan
or Ananku. It contains many techniques where block and counters are made
simultaneously. Also Wansu contains it’s trademark “hard”
technique, the effective use of kataguruma (fireman’s carry) throw.
Source
2:
Wan-Su
(Wang-ji or Wang ch'i) was the name of a Chinese
Crane practitioner who came to Okinawa in 1683, and taught his art.
Apparently, he had some connections with Shaolin. According to some
sources, the kata Wan-Su and Wan-Su Dai were transmitted by him from
China anciently, or at least the techniques in them. They are from a
Shaolin Crane derivative. It is generally accepted that the kata were
passed down Tomari-te lines. However, according to some sources, they
were not exclusive to Tomari, because a Shuri-te practitioner by the
name of Matsu Higa studied under Wan-Su. They are not Matsumura Kata.
Source 3:
Wanshu kata was introduced into the Tomari district of
Okinawa in 1683 by a Chinese envoy or Sappushi of that name. Sappushi
were the official governmental contact between China and Okinawa.
Following Wanshu, there is nearly a century gap until our knowledge of
the development of Karate re-surfaces with Kung Shang K'ung or Kusanku.
The ready positions in all other Shorin-ryu kata are quite different
than the ready position in Wanshu. However, this position is consistent
with many opening salutations in Chinese style forms. Historically,
these postures were ways of identifying and differentiating between
specific organizations. According to Grandmaster Nagamine, the hidden
fist strike is the signature technique of this kata. Wanshu lived and worked
in Tomari, and aside from his diplomatic responsibilities. He also
instructed a small following of disciples in a style called Shaolin
White Crane Fist Boxing. Wanshu taught the practitioner also develops
the secrets of taking the opponent up and off his feet and throwing him
to the ground. Many believe the original version of Wanshu was much
longer than the modern kata, which derives from either Kyan or Itosu.
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