Kata are organized exercises in traditional karate that showcase its techniques, movements, and philosophies. Practicing kata improves mental and physical skills, providing a good workout while aiding memorization and visualization. They introduce self-defense techniques like throwing, locking, and striking not covered in basic training. Kata is also part of tournaments, where competitors are judged on form, movement, transitions, and power. Team Kata competitions involve multiple performers working together, evaluated on teamwork and individual skills.

Initially, kata was the main training method for self-defense in karate's early days in Okinawa. When Gichin Funakoshi brought karate to Japan in the 1920s, the curriculum changed to accommodate larger classes, leading to the removal of some self-defense explanations and a greater emphasis on kihon (basics) and kumite (sparring).

After World War II, top karate instructors collaborated to share their knowledge, forming the Japan Karate Association (JKA) in 1949, led by Masatoshi Nakayama and senior students of Funakoshi. The JKA aimed to strengthen and promote karate for competition worldwide. Nakayama’s Best Karate book series is a key reference for the techniques in the 26 Shotokan kata still practiced today. The techniques in kata preserve karate's heritage and tradition.

THE HEIAN KATA

The “Pinan” kata, created by Anko Itosu in Okinawa, were designed to teach basic Karate moves to many young students. They were introduced in Okinawa's schools in 1895 and later adopted by various styles. Gichin Funakoshi renamed them “Heian” when he brought them to mainland Japan for broader acceptance. Both terms mean “Peaceful & Safe.” Variations of the Heian Kata can be found in many Karate styles, as well as in Korean Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwon Do.

Heian Shodan  平安初段

Heian Shodan features 5 arm techniques and 2 stances. It's great for beginners to learn basic movements and link techniques. The kata is mostly symmetrical, except for the well-known fourth move, which involves a pullback and strike. The turns may seem easy but are difficult to execute with stability and proper form.

Heian Nidan  平安弐段

Heian Nidan builds on the performance line from Heian Shodan by introducing tougher techniques, kicks, and combinations. The applications are also more intricate.

Heian Sandan  平安参段

Heian Sandan features unique techniques such as arm locks, releases, twists, and throws. It also introduces slow techniques (osoi) to help students improve their physical and mental control. Students should focus on the form of their kiba dachi stances while practicing this kata.

Heian Yondan  平安四段

This kata features four key kick-strike combinations that challenge students to execute them quickly and powerfully. Its slow movements also present a special challenge for students to maintain proper form.

Heian Godan  平安五段

This aggressive kata is ideal for intermediate-level students who have learned the basics and are ready for a kata with difficult moves, powerful body dynamics, and the first introduction of a jump into the kata.

THE TEKKI KATA

The Tekki kata came from Okinawa to Japan through Gichin Funakoshi to highlight the strong kiba-dachi stance, the only stance in all three kata. The Tekki series is full of close combat techniques. Despite their simple one-line layout, these kata are challenging and need an advanced grasp of body movements for proper execution.

Tekki Shodan  鉄騎初段

The first Tekki.

Tekki Nidan  鉄騎弐段

Includes a double-block/strike and twisting arm lock sequence not found in other Shotokan katas.

Tekki Sandan  鉄騎参段

This kata mainly uses fast arm movements and requires strong control of the body.

SENTEI KATA

The four advanced kata, known as Sentei (meaning compulsory), are essential for students preparing for brown and black belt exams. These kata represent key aspects of our style and are core forms of Shotokan Karate.

Kanku Dai  観空大

Kanku Dai is important in Shotokan Karate as its main kata. It serves as the foundation for all techniques in this system and connects to most other katas. Many techniques found in Heian, Tekki, and other katas are also present in Kanku Dai.

Bassai Dai  抜塞大

This kata focuses on hip rotation and includes several double techniques that require a good grasp of this movement.

Enpi  燕飛

The fast, sudden direction changes in this kata are like a bird flying. Its main moves include a rising punch, a shift, and a pull back, which are great for practicing speed, strength, and transitions. Enpi is one of the oldest katas in Shotokan.

Jion  慈恩

Jion is one of three kata (along with Jitte and Jiin) that have similar starting positions, lines of movement, stances, techniques, and body movements. The three basic stances are a key focus in these kata.

ADVANCED KATA

After earning Shodan (first black belt), students should study one of these kata to advance further. While not part of this list, Tekki Nidan and Tekki Sandan are considered advanced and are usually practiced for Nidan (second black belt) and Sandan (third black belt).

Gankaku  岩鶴

The one-legged stance in this kata (tsuru-ashi dachi) looks like a crane balancing on one leg. It is an elegant but challenging kata due to its many twists and spins.

Hangetsu  半月

Hangetsu is practiced by many traditional karate styles. It features a distinctive stance and slow movements interspersed with quick bursts of various techniques. The hangetsu stance relies on internal pressure for stability, unlike the external pressure used in most Shotokan stances. Hangetsu dachi is a newer version of Sanchin dachi.

Jitte  十手

Also called "Jutte," this kata is related to Jion and Jiin, sharing a similar starting position and pattern. Master Nakayama notes in his Best Karate Books that the name suggests one must possess the strength of ten men to master it. Some believe the name comes from the raised fists that look like a type of sai called a jitte, which appears several times in the kata.

Nijushiho  弐十四方

Nijushiho is an elegant kata that resembles waves crashing on the shore. It is commonly practiced by black belts in our dojo and is popular in competitions. This kata has 24 steps, featuring various stances, unique applications, and difficult transitions between techniques.

Sochin  壮鎮

Sochin is a well-known kata in Shotokan Karate. When done correctly, it showcases strength, speed, and energy. Its main opening move (muso gamae), starting from the fudo dachi stance, establishes the kata’s strong and steady rhythms.

Kanku Sho  観空小

Kanku Sho is a shorter, yet challenging kata that goes along with Kanku Dai. It has a similar sequence but is performed at waist height. Its fast pace and two impressive jumps make it great for competitions.

Bassai Sho  抜塞小

Bassai Sho is a shorter companion kata to Bassai Dai, sharing a similar pattern. Many moves are at the upper level compared to Bassai Dai. The tricky footwork makes it hard to perform well without dedicated practice.

Gojushiho Sho  五十四歩小

Gojushiho Dai is an advanced Shotokan kata that is popular in competitions. It includes sharp turns and dynamic arm movements. To perform well, smooth transitions and complex body mechanics are essential.

Gojushiho Dai 五十四歩大

The sibling of Gojushiho Sho, this kata is one of the most advanced in Shotokan. Master Funakoshi referred to it as hotaku, meaning the sound of a woodpecker, due to some techniques resembling a woodpecker pecking a tree.

Unsu  雲手

Unsu includes several techniques that look like parting clouds with open hands. Its double mawashi geri from the ground, the heito-kick-block sequence, and the 360º jump are the most acrobatic moves in any kata. It is a favorite in competitions.

Chinte  珍手

Chinte has unique hand techniques and uses circular movements, unlike the straight techniques in Shotokan. It doesn't include flashy jumps and has only one simple kick, but it is surprisingly hard to master. Its challenging movements require accuracy. It is similar to Sochin and Hangetsu, with strong stances and powerful transitions between them.

Meikyo  明鏡

The first moves of this kata represent calming water to make it still like a mirror. Although it's less practiced than other Shotokan katas, Meikyo includes subtle changes in stance and direction that help with smooth transitions. It also includes an impressive jump. The version we practice today was created by Anko Itosu, and its Okinawan name is Rohai.

Wankan  王冠

Wankan is an uncommon kata in the Shotokan style. It is not featured in Nakayama’s Best Karate series, making it infrequently taught in dojos or performed in tournaments because it is short and lacks excitement. However, it is valuable for learning smooth transitions between techniques. Notably, Wankan is the shortest advanced kata in Shotokan, has only one kiai point, and is the only kata that begins at a diagonal angle.

Jiin  寺院

Jiin, related to Jion and Jutte, includes many techniques and repeated stances that allow quick direction changes while keeping balance and consistent steps. It has become less popular lately and was taken out of the JKA syllabus. This kata does not start and end at the same place.