 This
character means "form", or "pattern". Kata are the
formal exercises of karate which emulate defense against multiple imaginary
opponents. Always showing respect and courtesy to your opponent, kata are
preceded and concluded with a bow.
Every movement has a function and meaning, and
every kata is designed to teach particular techniques, movements, stances, and
fighting strategies. Every kata must be practiced as if engaged in a real
fight; with spontaneity, total commitment in blocks and attacks, and the feeling
that the next imaginary attack may come from any direction. In this way,
the kata becomes more than just a performance for others; the student learns to
harness his or her fighting spirit. |
| Kata Name/Video |
Kanji |
English Translation |
Purpose & Key Points |
Moves |
| Taikyoku
Shodan - 9th kyu kata |
|
"First
Course" or "Basic Ultimate" First Step |
Introduces
the two most common forms of hip movement, hip rotation and counter
rotation. Only two techniques, downward sweeping block (gedan berai) and
lunge punch solar plexis (oi-zuki chudan) are performed, all in zenkutsu
dachi. |
20 |
| Heian Shodan - 8th kyu kata |
 |
Peaceful - First Step |
Stepping,
in front and back stance. Changing direction. |
21 |
| Heian Nidan - 7th kyu kata |
 |
Peaceful
- Second Step |
Introduces
sword & spear hand techniques. Reverse blocking. |
26 |
| Heian Sandan -
6th kyu kata |
 |
Peaceful
- Third Step |
Complicated
turning/footwork. Close distance techniques. |
20 |
| Heian Yondan -
5th kyu kata |
 |
Peaceful
- Fourth Step |
Teaches
balance and control. Side kicks and back stances. |
27 |
| Heian
Godan - 4th kyu kata |
 |
Peaceful
- Fifth Step |
The first jump,
encountered among the 26 kata, is found here. |
23 |
| Tekki Shodan |
 |
Iron
Knight or, Steel Horse or, Steel Horse Riding
The kanji refer to "land between
two rice paddies" and "battle", or "war" |
These kata are performed solely
in horse riding stance (Kiba Dachi). Provides for strong knee
development. Side to side combat. Snappy head
motions. The kanji suggests fighting techniques used by a
horseman in combat, or from the back of a horse. |
29 |
| Tekki Nidan |
 |
24 |
| Tekki Sandan |
 |
36 |
| Bassai
- Dai |
 |
"Extract from a
fortress", "rescue" (Big Bassai) |
Large scale techniques
with wide motions. Frequent reverse postures with snappy hip
motions. |
42 |
| Kanku
- Dai |
 |
"The view of the
sky" (Big Kanku) |
The longest of Shotokan
Kata, Kanku-Dai is a compilation of all the Heian. It is thought to
be the Shotokan parent kata. The 2 level double kick is encountered here. |
65 |
| Jion |
 |
"Temple"
- from a temple named "Jion-Ji" |
A
large scale and simple kata with familiar single technique and single step
combinations. Simple to learn for one who has mastered the Heian and
Tekki kata. |
47 |
| Enpi |
 |
"Flying
Swallow" |
Contains
the first difficult jumping technique, combined with a knife hand
block. Best suited for light, agile students. Very athletic
kata. |
37 |
| Gankaku |
 |
"Crane Standing Upon
a Rock" |
Balance
and control. Much use of one legged stance, "Sagi Ashi Dachi" |
42 |
| Jitte |
 |
"Ten Hands" |
Some techniques are
indicative of "bo or staff fighting techniques. |
24 |
| Hangetsu |
 |
"Half Moon" or
"Half Month" |
Named
after the Half Moon Stance "Hangetsu Dachi". Contains many
slow, tensed motions requiring breathing exercises of the performer.
Hardens the body against a blow. |
41 |
Advanced Kata
| Bassai
- Sho |
 |
"Extract from a
fortress", "rescue" (Little Bassai) |
Unique
emphasis on stick defenses and counters. Neko ashi dachi is
encountered here. |
27 |
| Kanku
- Sho |
 |
"The view of the
sky" (Little Kanku) |
Contains
many double punches and stick controlling techniques. The mid
section is the prime target area |
47 |
| Chinte |
 |
"Unusual
Hands" |
Use of elbow strikes,
scissors punch, and 2 finger punch help give Chinte it's name.
Thought to be more appropriate for women, having strikes indicative of
using technique more than raw power. |
32 |
| Sochin |
 |
"Grand
Suppression" or "Energetic calm" |
Smooth
with a powerful and heavy rhythm. Stance is mostly Fudo Dachi with
remainder of kata in Kokutsu Dachi. Muso-Gamae & Manji-Gamae
postures. |
41 |
| Nijushiho |
 |
"Twenty-four
Steps" |
Sanchin
Dachi (inward tension stance) is introduced in this kata. |
34 |
| Meikyo |
 |
"Bright Mirror" |
The
opening technique has the performer pull both palms up to their face
and look in them, as if they are looking into a mirror. Derived from
the Rohai kata in Okinawa. |
33 |
| Gojushiho
- Dai |
 |
"Fifty-four
Steps" (Big Gojushiho) |
Some
interesting techniques include the "Flowing Cloud Block", the
"Flowing Water Back Fist Posture", and the "Chicken Head
Wrist Block". The kata should convey the idea of a bird
attacking its foe with its beak, wings, and claws. Smooth and
flowing techniques when performed well. |
62 |
| Gojushiho
- Sho |
 |
"Fifty-four
Steps" (Little Gojushiho) |
65 |
| Unsu |
 |
"Cloud Hands" |
The
most intense and acrobatic of the 26 kata, it is arguably the most
beautiful to watch. It's ground techniques, and a 360 degree turn,
leaping into the air, are indicative of it's degree of difficulty. |
48 |
| Wankan |
 |
"Kings
Crown" |
The
shortest of the 11 advanced katas, it contains smoother and lighter movements than
what is typically encountered in Shotokan kata. |
24 |
| Jiin |
 |
"Temple
Grounds" |
Although
more complex and difficult than "Jion", Jiin contains
many of the same movements. Where "Jion" has simple
stepping movements, Jiin contains many twists and turns that add to it's
difficulty. |
35 |
|