Shotokan Kata

Basic Kata

 

A basic explanation of what kata is can be often found as "a pre-arranged set of defensive moves and attacks against an imaginary single or multiple opponents". The Shotokan katas contain  plenty of very important elements which one needs to practice according to his/her personal level of training. When performing a kata the karateka should live and feel each single technique. There are 26 standardized katas in Shotokan.

Kata must be performed with serious attitude just as in kumite (sparring). The Mind must be calm a clear. This is a very important point which will help the karateka to truly understand the meaning of kata. Studying kata on a regular basis will teach the student to combine defensive techniques and attacks with proper breathing.

Kata must be studied not for demonstration purposes but for improving the kumite techniques and eventually applying them in a real fight. The essence of kata is not in how beautiful the movements are but how effective they are.
 

Modern Name                              Meaning

Heian Shodan                             Peaceful form/mind #1

Heian Nidan                                Peaceful form/mind #2

Heian Sandan                             Peaceful form/mind # 3

Heian Yondan                             Peaceful form/mind #4

Heian Godan                               Peaceful form/mind # 5 

Tekki Shodan                             Iron Horse # 1

Tekki Nidan                                Iron Horse # 2

Tekki Sandan                             Iron Horse # 3

Bassai Dai (Major)                    To storm a castle

Bassai Sho (Minor)                   To storm a castle (Minor)

Jion                                               Jion

Jiin                                                Temple Grounds

Jitte                                              Ten Hands/Techniques

Kanku Dai (Major)                    Looking into the Sky

Kanku Sho (Minor)                   Looking into the Sky (Minor)

Enpi                                               Flying Swallow

Hangetsu                                     Half Moon

Gankaku                                      Crane on a Rock

Sochin                                          Strongly Rooted

Nijushiho                                     Twenty-four steps

Unsu                                             Cloud hands

Chinte                                           Strange Hands

Meikyo                                         Bright Mirror

Wankan                                       King's Crown

Gojushiho Dai (Major)             54 Steps (Major)