Kata

Kata is often described as a set sequence of karate moves organized into a pre-arranged fight against imaginary opponents. The kata consists of kicks, punches, sweeps, strikes, blocks, and throws. Body movement in various kata includes stepping, twisting, turning, dropping to the ground, and jumping. In Shotokan, kata is not a performance or a demonstration, but is for individual karateka to practice full techniques—with every technique potentially a killing blow; while paying particular attention to form and timing (rhythm).

Shotokan Karate is comprised of 26 katas, each with their own emphasis on fast and slow or controlled and powerfull movements. Virtually all of the katas taught today in the Shotokan system have two kiai points.

The kiai or "spirit cry" as it is sometimes referred to, occurs only at certain pre-determined moments in each kata. It is precisely at these pre-determined moments that the karate-ka is required to demonstrate a total commitment of body, mind, and spirit, and to channel all of their available energy and apply it appropriately to the required technique. The kiai is a common thread that runs through all major styles of karate.

It is important for every student to remember that as they rise up through the various kyu levels and Dan ranks, the continued regular practice of all of the previous katas that they have been taught is vital to their future progress.

List of Katas

Taikyoku – (first cause)
This is the most elementary kata practiced in Shotokan to help new students learn the basic kata principles.

Taikyoku Shodan - ( First Level)
Taikyoku Nidan- (Second Level)
Taikyoku Sandan- ( Third Level)

Heian
The name heian comes from the contraction of the characters for heiwa and antei (peace and stability). Each of the Heian katas starts with a block to demonstrate its peaceful character.

Heian Shodan – (peaceful mind, first level)
Heian Nidan – (peaceful mind, second level)
Heian Sandan – (peaceful mind, third level)
Heian Yondan – (peaceful mind, fourth level)
Heian Godan – (peaceful mind, fifth level)

Tekki
The roots of tekki are presumed to be Chinese. Originally known on Okinawa as “Niahanchi,” the kata received their new name from master Funakoshi. The first character of tekki means iron, the second means horseman. The main stance in this kata is kibadachi (straddle-leg stance). Practicing this kata should develop a stance of iron.

Tekki Shodan – (iron horse, first level)
Tekki Nidan – (iron horse, second level)
Tekki Sandan – (iron horse, third level)

Advanced Katas

Bassai Dai (to penetrate a fortress – big movement )
The strong techniques of this kata emphasize hip movement. Some resemble a battering ram being used against fortress walls.

Bassai Sho (to penetrate a fortress – small movement )
This kata was derived from Bassai-Dai. It has a similar performance line.

Kanku Dai ( Look to the sky – big movement )
Most of the elements of the Heian Kata were derived from this kata. The first movement in this kata views the sky, which symbolizes the universe and shows your opponent that you are unarmed. It was Master Funakoshi’s preferred kata.

Kanku Sho ( Look to the sky – small movement )
Kanku Sho was created from Kanku Dai. The movements and performance line are similar.

Enpi (flying swallow)
The quick up and down movements of this kata are reminiscent of a fling swallow. Enpi is one of the oldest kata in Shotokan. Its former name was Wanshu.