This kata is believed to have been originally called "Useishi" and is very old. It is listed in the ancient Chinese text Bubishi as being a Fukien White Crane form. Gojushiho means 54 Steps, and there is a great deal of speculation as to why that is true. Some say it might have been someone's name, others suggest that it was the 54th kata taught. Still others offer the possibility that at one time the kata actually consisted of 54 steps. Legend has it that Bodhidharma originally introduced its basic movements to the monks of the Shaolin Temple. It is recorded that over the centuries the number was added on to, with the techniques of native Chinese arts being incorporated into the training. The next specific number referred to as representing the expanded teachings of Bodhidharma is 54. Fukien White Crane is reputed to have been developed by a woman who was already educated in the Five Animal curriculum of the Shaolin Temple. There are two main versions of this kata, again coming from Shuri and Tomari. In a Tomari-te version there will be at least one series of moves which represents a drunken person staggering from side to side. The Shuri version does not have this side to side movement. All authors agree that this is a very sophisticated kata; some authors claim that its movements are at least 70% defensive and that with its reliance on the development of Ki this kata shows the essence, spirit, and soul of karatedo.

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