Seisan Kata – What does it mean? The word Seisan can be translated as 13 movements or 13 breaths. This is the literal translation – a more “Conceptual” translation is “Absolute power.” It is one of the oldest kata in Okinawan karate and can be traced back many generations. Tatsuo Shimabuku learned this kata from his prime teacher, Chotuku Kyan and incorporated it into his hybrid style of Isshin-Ryu. The lineage can be traced like such – Shimabuku – Kyan – Bushi Matsumora – Tode Sakugawa - Peichin Takahara.