Naihanchi Ichidan is the first kata learned in the Shorin-Ryu style.

It is believed Sokon Matsumura (1796-1893), a martial arts instructor and bodyguard to the kings of the Ryukyu islands, brought this kata either from China in his role as an envoy, or learned from Chinese masters residing in Okinawa.

The Japanese style Shotokan calls the kata Tekki (horse-riding) Shodan and introduces the kata at brown belt level.

Naihanchi Nidan is the second kata of the Naihanchi series, created by 'Anko' Yasutsune Itsou (1830-1915) a student of Sokon Matsumura.

Itosu also created the third Naihanchi.