You only get ONE!!

I pick Seiunchin as well, its the one I have to do for my Shodan. It is full of yatsukos and I find it just keeps getting better and I'm finding more in it every time I do it.

Our founder says it embodies much of the system and develops our power.

It is one of the foundations together with Taiyoku Shodan, Naihanchin, Sanchin and Tensho.

My choice: Gojushiho (Matsubayashi version) ... second: Hakatsuru Go

Annanko - After a w/e Gasshuku last week, I learned so many reasons why Sanchin is important but Annanko has applications of Sanchin in it.

Plenty of open-hand techniques, empi-uchi, take-down w/ F/U, dynamic & subtle.

I was wondering if anyone would choose any of the "Fighting" kata. Annanku or Kusanku. I should have known it would be Hedkikr

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I would choose Sanchin for chinkuchi development and Naihanchi for fighting applications. Wansu and Siesan would be next on my list. For those who don't know, chinkuchi literally means bone, sinew, and energy. Chinkuchi is basicaly total controll of your technique and center of gravity, focus, directing energy to different parts of your body and propper breathing.These are all things that I believe Sanchin teaches. I also believe that this is why so many Okinawan styles stress Sanchin so much. Isshin Ryu is a combination of Goju Ryu and Shorin Ryu. They way that I practice Isshin Ryu is to use the Goju Ryu Kata for chinkuchi development and the Shorin Ryu kata for fighting. I must say though If I could pick only one it would be Sanchin. I would use my basics for fighting.

I like Saifa (Smash! Tear!).

Naihanchi hands down. Although we practice all three as one kata.

Kempoman

Only one... I would have to go with AKK's Short Form Three. It contains the most complete coverage of the styles principles. The other forms in AKK, especiall Long 3, 4, 5, and six, might look better, but they favor the style of movement that is present in brown/black belt techniques, whereas Short three is the intermediary that covers the entire range of movement in AKK.

Good choice KiDoHae. I agree completely.

KANKU DAI i think

The Channan.
All 5 Heians in one.

Suparinpei.
It's the only Goju kata that I have not been taught.

I've got to go with Passai Dai (Matsumura). I think it's one of the more well rounded kata including strikes, locks, escapes, throws, etc. If I'm going to study only one kata as my style, it should be versatile.

I like Seipa or Superinpa, and Tensho.

Maybe Baisai or Tekki II pending my mood.

Who gives a damn if it looks good? Katas are for kicking ass not for show! The fact that some katas are beautiful to watch is secondary to their bunkai. I would rather have an ugly techniqe that utilizes propper body mechanics for maximum delivery of force and leverage that a pretty one with no power or the with an illusion of power. Just my thoughts.

I believe if a kata is done right it does look good.No excuses for sloppy kata,so I guess I care.

Heian Godan.

And I have been practiscing karate for twelve years. Yep.

I have always liked this kata, and it's rich applications.

Also, I won't be stuffed after perfroming it a few times!

For the kata with the most and/or most important principles it would have to be Naihanchi.

I would have to cheat slightly and take Naihanchi I II and III as one kata.

I've got a feeling I should be picking a Tekki kata here from what I've heard about Naihanchi's applications. But as I havn't got around to looking at the bunkai for myself yet (currently thinking about Bassai Dai) I would pick Unsu as it contains an interesting range of techniques, is difficult to perform so would be physically testing and it's got ippon nukite so I get to poke peoples eyes out. Mind you,it's a kata I never got that good at.